That careless, bright laugh.
I had once loved that sound.
I had heard it on our first date when he spilled wine on his shirt and made me laugh until my stomach hurt. I had heard it on our wedding day when his best man forgot the rings. I had heard it when we first saw Ethan on an ultrasound screen.
Now it sounded like a door locking shut.
After Bennett left, Daniel stayed behind.
Nathan had gone to speak with the attorney.
Ethan was in my arms, warm and breathing softly.
Daniel stood by the window again, watching snow gather on the ledge.
“You’ve been quiet,” I said.
He turned around.
“I didn’t want to crowd you.”
“You saved my life. I think you’re allowed to speak.”
A sad smile touched his mouth.
I studied him.
“Why were you really in Denver?”
He looked down.
“Nathan told you. Work.”
“That’s not the whole truth.”
Daniel’s silence answered before his voice did.
At last, he sat down.
“I moved back three months ago.”
I blinked.
“You live here?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you were married. Pregnant. Building a life.”
Something in his voice made my chest ache.
“Daniel.”
He looked at Ethan instead of looking at me.
“Your mother called me before she died.” Mother-in-lawgifts
“My mother?”
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