“I guess we did,” I said.

Evelyn put her phone down and flashed me a bright, camera-ready smile.

“Being a family means moving forward,” my mother said.

“There’s no need for all this tension.”

I turned the silver ring on my thumb and studied her face.

She looked perfectly sincere.

Richard poured a cup of coffee for himself and leaned back against the edge of the sink.

He crossed his ankles, looking completely comfortable in my house.