C.J.Carmichael-TheFourthChild
MOMENTOFTRUTH…
ClaireRidgewayhaseverything—ahandsome,hardworkinghusbandoftwelve
years,abeautifulhomeinthesuburbs,threedelightfulchildrenshecanraise
withouthavingtoworryaboutmoney.
Untilonemorning.
Claire'slifeshatterswhenKirktellsherhe'sinlovewithsomeoneelse.
Herfirstreactionistokickhimoutofthehouse.Buthewantstotrycounseling.
She'snotsureshecanforgivehim.Still,shehasthreeyoungdaughterstothink
of,plusthechilddueinsevenmonths—Kirk'schild,theirfourth.
Thechildhedoesn'tevenknowshe'scarrying.
CHAPTERONE
“LookslikeI'llbeworkinglateagaintonight."TheliecamesoeasilyKirk
Ridgewayalmostbelievedithimself.Handsjoinedbehindhisheadforsupport,he
leanedbackinhispaddedleatherchairandstaredatapaintingonthewall.He
wasusingthespeakerphone,sohehadnoneedtoholdthereceiverinhishand.
"Isee."Thewoman'sfaintvoiceechoedagainsttheofficewalls."Howlate?"
Kirkcheckedhiswatch.Itwassixo'clockWednesday.Fromtheopendoortohis
officehe'dbeenwatchingpeopleleaveforthepasthour.Soon,thebrokeragefirm
wouldbeallbutdeserted…
"Hardtosay."Intotheresultingsilence,headded,"TellthekidsIlovethem,and
don'tbotherwaitingup."
Heleanedforwardtodisconnectthelineandreassuredhimselfhehadn'tlied.
Afterall,he'dpromisedtoreviewthatnewbiotechprospectustoseeifanyofhis
clientsmightbeinterestedininvesting.Eagertoassuagehisconscience,he
slippedonhisreadingglassesandreachedforthethickbooklet.Heflippedthe
pages,pastthecoverpagedescribingtheofferingandthewarningtoinvestors
aboutthespeculativenatureoftheventure,tothedescriptionofthebusiness.
Hisgazepausedatthefirstblackheading;hismindstalled.
Whatwaskeepingher?Hewassurehe'dseenallthebrokerswhoworkedathis
endofthebuildingleave.Hisassistanthadgoneoveranhourago.Alreadythe
placehadthehollow,mutedatmosphereheassociatedwithafterhoursand
weekends.
AndJanice.
Hiseyesshiftedfromtheprospectus,backtothepaintingonthewallopposite
him.Anabstracthe'dboughtrecently,itevokedpassionateemotions,reminding
himofhowhefeltwhenhewaswithher.
Whatthehellareyoudoing,man?Thewarningvoicecamefrominsidehisown
head,butKirkdidn'twanttolisten.Hischestwastight,hisbreathingshallow.
Thiswasgettingcrazy.SixmonthsearlierhewouldhavesaidheandJanicewere
justfriends.Theirrelationshiphadstartedwiththeoccasionalinnocentlunch—
Janicehadbeenveryupsetafterherdivorce.
Occasionallunchesbecamemorefrequent;openmeetingsevolvedintosecret
rendezvous.Atwhatpointhadheknownhewasfallinginlove?Kirkstillwasn't
sure.Buthedidknowthetimehadcometodosomethingaboutit.Lastweekat
dinner,Janicehadtoldhimshewantedmore.Hecouldn'tpretendnotto
understandwhatshemeant.
"Hi,there."
Thesoundofhervoicehadhimsittingtallerinhischair,histension,the
accompanyingsliverofguilt,lesseningatthesightofher.Herthin,elegant
silhouettewasframedseductivelyinthepalelightfromthedoorway.Witha
warmsmilesheenteredhisofficeandclosed,thenlocked,thedoorbehindher.
"Abouttimeyougothere,"hesaid.
Shewaswearingaform-fittingblacksuit,skirtshort,heelshigh.Hersilkblouse
wasbuttonedlow.Lower,hewascertain,thanwhenhe'dseenheratthecoffee
stationearlierthatafternoon.
"Ithoughtthedaywouldneverend."Sheleanedbackagainstthedoor,hersvelte
figureonperfectdisplay.
Therulesofthegamewereabouttochange,Kirksensed,andhewasfilledwith
anambiguousswirlofemotions.Excitement,longing,guiltandself-doubt.What
washedoing?Wasthisreallywhathewanted?Couldhestopifhechoseto?
Hestood,movedtowardher,thenhesitated."IfeelasifI'vebeenwaiting
forever…"
"Iknow."Herlipsshimmeredwithfreshredlipstick,andnowhewascloseenough
tosmellherperfume.Itwasawarm,muskyscenthefoundbothexcitingand
disturbing,likethathewpaintingonhiswall.
"Haveyouconsideredwhatwetalkedaboutlasttime?"sheasked.
"Oh,yeah."Hebroughtthebackofhishandtoherhairandbrusheditfromher
shoulder.Sincelastweek'sdinner,he'dthoughtofpreciouslittleelsethanher
desiretomakelovewithhim.
"Whatabouthere,Kirk?Whataboutnow?Theplaceisdeserted.I'velockedthe
door."
Hegroaned.God,hecouldn'tbelieveit.Shewasofferinghimhisultimatefantasy.
Howmanynightshadhelainawakethinkingofsomethingjustlikethis?Nowhe
swallowed,hisgazeautomaticallysettlingonthehintofcleavagebetweenthe
partedlayersofsilkyblouse.
"Doesn'tthatsoundnice?"sheasked,hervoiceanenticingwhisper.She
unbuttonedherjacket,letitfallfromhershoulders.
Kirkpressedfingerstohisforehead,wherehefeltahot,stickyfilmofsweat.How
hadtheycometothispoint?Hischestpushedagainsthislightwooljacketashe
filledhislungswithair.Hecouldn'tthinkaboutwhatcouldhappenrighthere,
rightnow,ifonlyhegavetheanswershewaslookingfor.
"Kirk?"Herjacketlayonthefloor,anditwasobviousshehadnobraunderher
flimsywhiteblouse.Hefelthispulsepoundinginhisthroat,andsomeplacelower,
too.Anaching,desperatethrobbingthatmadeithardtothinkofanythingelse.
God,howheachedto—
"Don'tyouwantme,Kirk?"sheasked."Whyhaven'tyoukissedmeyet?"
"IfIkissyou,thistimeIwon'tbeabletostopthere."
"Butthat'sokay,"Janicesaid,leaningintowardhim."That'swhatI'vebeentrying
totellyou."
Kirkputhishandsouttohershoulders.Partlytostopherfromcomingcloser,
partlytofeelthewarmsoftnessofherflesh.Hisgazedippedtotheoutlineofher
nipples,thehardhubsclearlyvisiblebeneaththethinfilmofsilk,thenreturned
tothefullnessofherlips.
Oh,God,I'mafool.Whynotjustkissher?Isn'titwhatwebothwant?
Butofcourseitwasn'tthatsimple.Hetookanotherdeepbreathandstraightened
hisshoulders.Withclosedeyes,hethoughtofadifferentwoman,tworings,a
spokenvow.
"Let'sgooutfordinner,Janice.Weneedtotalk."
CHAPTERTWO
"Mom-m-m-m!"thewailtraveleddownthestairstothekitchen,whereClaire
Ridgewayhadjustpickedupthephonetomakeanimportantcall.She'dbeen
waitingforofficehours,whichbeganateight.Nowshereplacedthereceiverand
decidedshe'dbeenoverlyoptimisticthinkingshe'dhavefiveminutestoherself
beforethekidscaughtthebusforschool.
Instead,shejoggedupthestairsforaboutthetenthtimethatmorning.Her
eldestdaughter,Andie,wasstandinginthemiddleofherroom,dressedinaT-
shirtandpanties.
"Idon'thaveanycleanjeans."
Clairescannedtheroomandspottedonepairunderthebedandanotherpeeking
outfromapileofstuffedanimals.
"Nocleanjeans?Iwonderwhy."Shecheckedthehamperinherdaughter'scloset.
"Therearen'tanyinthelaundry…Whatapuzzle."
"Mom-m-m-m."Andieputherhandsonherslimhips,obviouslynotamused.
"WhatamIsupposedtowear?"
"HowaboutthatprettyskirtyourgrandmasentyoufromFlorida?"
Clairepressedherlipstogethertostopfromlaughingatthelookofdisdainher
daughtergaveher.Andiehadn'twornaskirttoschoolinyears.Gigglesfromthe
bathroomdistractedClairefromthejeansdilemma,andsheopenedthedoorto
findhersix-year-olddaughter,Jenna,pilingablobofmousseontoherbaby-fine
hairasmiddlesister,Daisy,watched.
"Ithinkyou'resupposedtocombitinorsomething,"Daisysuggested.
"Oh,it'ssticky."Jennatouchedthedollopofmoussewithonefingerandit
shiveredlikejelly.
"You'resupposedtoputitonwhenyourhairiswet,"Clairesaid."Andnotnearly
somuch."Shepulledatissueoutoftheboxthatrestedonthebackofthetoilet
andscoopedupmostofthemousse.
"Now,brushyourhair.Thebuswillbehereintenminutes."
Everymorningitseemedimpossiblethatallthreegirlswouldmakeittothe
streetcornerontime,yetsomehowithappened.Thismorningwasnoexception.
Clairedroppedkissesoncleancheeksandpassedoutlunchbagsfromthefront
door.
"Don'tforgetI'mplayingatAlex'shouseafterschool,"Daisysaid.
"Okay.I'llpickyouupatfive."
Andiewasthelastoutthedoor.SheslippedpastClairewearingrumpledjeans
withgrassstainsattheknees.Aflashofyellowsignaledtheapproachingbus.
ClairehadnotimetoobjecttoAndie'sattire—somethingherdaughterhad
definitelycountedon.
"IthinkI'mgoingtohavetointroduceyoutothewashingmachineafterschool,"
Clairethreatened.
"Gottago,Mom.I'mlate."
Claireblewakissafterher,thatlastphrasecatchinginhermind.I'mlate.
Nowshecouldmakeherphonecallatlast.
Claire'sfingerstrembledasshedialedthenumber,andthetremblingonlygot
worsewhenshewasputonhold.
"No,Ican'twait,"shemutteredattherecordedmusic,whichwasprobably
intendedtobesoothing."Mylife,myfamily'slife,isatstakehere."
WhitneyHoustondidn'tseemtocare.Shekeptsingingforanothertwostanzas,
onlytobecutoffinthemiddleofafinal,piercinghighnote.
"Wehaveyourresults,Ms.Ridgeway."
Clairelistened,saidgoodbye,hungupthereceiver.Forasecondshejuststood
there,thenshereachedforthefamilycalendarthathungonthewallbythe
phone.
"Havethegirlsleftforschool?"
Clairestarted.Thecalendarpagesslippedfromherhand.
"Kirk.Ithoughtyou'dleftalready."Herhusbandwasdressedfortheofficeinhis
suitandtie,butaglanceattheclockonthemicrowaveconfirmedhewasabout
anhourlate.Clairefrowned.Kirkneversleptin.Inalltheirtwelveyearsof
marriage,she'dneverseenhimtardyforwork.
Automatically,shemovedtothecupboardwheretheykeptthemugs."Wouldyou
likecoffeeandamuffinfortheride?"
Kirkusuallygothisownbreakfastandwasoutofthehousebyseven-thirtyfor
hisforty-five-minutecommutetodowntownToronto.Heleftjustaboutthetime
therestofthemweregettingup.
"No."
Hisvoicesoundeddry.Heclearedhisthroatandsaidagain,"No,thanks."
She'dfoundthealuminummughenormallytookwithhiminthecar."Noteven
coffee?Ihavesomemade."
"That'sokay."
Sheputthemugbackandeyedherhusband.Hewasasimmaculatelydressedas
always,freshlyshaven,thecurlsinhisdarkblondhairneatlycombeddown,so
whydidhelookdifferent?
"Areyousick?"
Hesighedandsatonastoolbythecounteroftheislandthey'dinstalledwhen
they'dremodeledtheirkitchenthreeyearsago.
Somethingwarnedherthiswasserious,andClaireputahandtoherstomach,
whichwassuddenlyflippinglikethepancakesshe'dmadeforthegirlsthat
morning.
"What'swrong?"Couldhehavelosthisjob?He'dseemeddistractedlately;that
wasforsure.Buthewasthehighest-grossingbrokerattheoffice…
Orhadheguessed?Shetookadeepbreath,readytodefendherself.
"There'ssomethingI'vebeenmeaningtotalktoyouabout,"Kirksaid."AndI
didn'twantthegirlsaround."
"Oh?"Hemusthavefigureditout.Alltheusualsignswerethere.Notthathe'd
appearedtonoticeanyofthem.Whenwasthelasttimethey'dmadelove?.
Weeksago,shewassure.
"I'mafraidIdon'tknowwheretostart."Kirkwastalkingtoherbutnotlookingat
her.Andhisvoicewasdry,asifhewerenervous.
Clairewassuddenlyquitecertainthatherhusbandhadn'tguessed.Thathewas
talkingaboutsomethingcompletelyunrelatedtohermorningtelephonecall.
"What'stheproblem,Kirk?"
Hestillwouldn'tlookather."IknowIhaven'tbeenaroundmuchthesepastfew
months…"
No,hehadn't.Work—itwasalwaysworkwithKirk.Andfrankly,shewasgetting
sickofit.Thesedaysshefeltasthoughshewasraisingtheirthreedaughters
virtuallyonherown.
"Iguessthathasn'tbeenfairtoyou,andI'msorryaboutthat,"hecontinued.
"ButI'msureyou'llagreethatwecan'talwayspredictwhatlifehasinstorefor
us…"
Whatintheworldwashedrivingat?Afraidtointerrupt,Claireleanedback
againstthecounter,heranxietyescalating.
"WhatI'mtryingtosayisthatsometimesnewsituationsarise.Circumstancescan
change…"
Anxietybecamedread.Clairegrippedthecounterbehindher;whateverKirkwas
tryingtosay,ithadtobeawful.
Finally,theireyesconnected,thecontactquickandsharp,liketheplungingofa
dagger.
"Thethingis,Claire,I'vefalleninlovewithsomeoneelse."themotorfromthe
refrigeratorsuddenlykickedin—theonlysoundinthenow-stillroom.Claire
staredatthepolishedhardwoodfloorandfollowedthepatternofthewoodgrain
asitcircledroundandroundinever-narrowing,concentricovals.
Air.Itwasgone;shecouldn'tbreathe.Painstabbedintoherabdomenwith
shockingintensity.
Someoneelse.
Couldshehaveheardright?Musthave.Kirk'sexpressionashegazedatthe
kitchencounterwasmiserable.Hermindscurriedtomakesenseofthe
bombshell.
Inlovewithsomeoneelse?Itcouldn'tbe.ThiswasKirk.HerKirk.They'dtucked
intheirchildrentogetherlastnight,thensharedthesamebed.
Aspasmofbitternesstightenedherribcage;herstomachcramped;bilerosein
herthroat.
Shewasgoingtobesick.Butshecouldn't;shehadtostandhereandfacethis.
Howcouldithavehappened?Theanswerwaspainfullyobvious.Kirkalways
workedlonghours,andlatelythey'dbeenevenlongerthanusual.Hadthere
beenothersignsshe'dmissed?They'dbeenmakinglovelessfrequently.And
saying/loveyouevenless.
There'dbeenatime,notthatlongago,whenthey'dbothspokentheendearment
almostdaily.Nowshecouldn'trecallthelasttimeshe'dheardhimsayittoher,
notthegirls.
"Whoisshe?"Clairewasamazedathowcalmshesounded.Inmovies—because
thatwaswherestufflikethisusuallyhappened—didn'tthewomanstartranting
andravingatthispoint?Butshehadnostrengthforthat.Standing,chokingout
afewwordswerehardenough.
"Janice.Fromwork."
Claireknewthename.Knewthewoman."Wehadhertodinnerlastfall."
"Yes."Kirkglancedather,thenreturnedhisgazetothecounter.
No.Shecouldn'tbearthis.Itwastooawful.Itwastooimpossible.Janicewasa
brokerageassistant,almosttenyearsyoungerthanClaire.Afine-boned,slender
youngwoman,withlarge,lightbrowneyesandawide,generoussmile.
"Didn'tshejustseparatefromherhusband?"Clairerememberedherownlast-
minutepanicwhenKirkhadtoldhertosetonelessplaceonthetable.There'd
beeneightoftheminvitedfromtheoffice,untilJanice'shusbandhadcanceled
unexpectedly.
"They'redivorcednow.Shewentthrougharoughperiodwhentheydecidedto
split.Iguessthat'swhenitallgotgoingbetweenus.Sheneededsomeonetotalk
to,andIwashandy.Webegangoingoutforluncheverynowandthen,and…"
Claireturnedherbackandstartedunloadingthedishwasher.Shehadtodo
somethingorshe'dcrumpletotheflooror,worseyet,poundKirk'schest.
Kirkwaseasytotalkto.Orsosherememberedfromthedayswhenhe'dbeen
aroundenoughforhertohavetheopportunity.
"Sothat'swhereyou'vebeenthesepastfewmonthswhenyousaidyouwere
workinglate."Sheletthesaladplatesdropwithaclatterhithecupboard.
"Usually,Iwasworking."Hepausedbeforeadmitting,"Sometimeswewentoutto
dinner."
Dinner.Claireimaginedcandlelightandcleanlinens,wineandbeautifully
preparedentries.Whilesheateathomeatthekitchentable,alonewiththeir
threechildren.
Withaviolenttug,sheopenedthecutlerydrawerandtossedinknives,forks,
spoons,payingnoregardtowhichlittlecompartmenttheybelongedin.
"It'snotwhatyouthink,"Kirksaid."Wehaven'tbeensleepingtogether."
Sheslammedthedrawer."Howhonorable."
"God,Claire.Iwashopingwecouldtalkrationallyaboutthis—"
"Rationally?"Clairegrippedthehandleofastainless-steelknife,watchingasthe
blooddrainedfromherfingers."We'renottalkingstockmarketsorinvestment
portfolioshere.You'vejusttoldmeyou'reinlovewithsomeoneelse.Whatthe
helldoyouexpectfromme?"
Kirkstood,hishandsclenchedbyhisside."Iknowit'sashock.AllI'msayingis
weneedtotalk."
"Itsoundslikeweneededtotalkbeforeyoustartedthosecozylittlelunches
with…Janice."Tospitoutthenametookeffort.
"Maybe."
Sheheardhimpullinadeepbreath.
"Whataboutthekids?"
Clairestraightenedandglaredathim."Yes,whataboutthekids,Kirk?Didyou
everminkofthemwhenyouwerehavingyourlovelyromanticevenings?"
God.Herhusbandwasinlovewithanotherwoman.Thismanshe'dthoughtwas
herpartner,herlover,herfriendwasreallyastranger.Formonthshe'dbeen
lying,sneakingaroundbehindherback…
Claire'smemoryflashedtotheirweddingday,tohervibranthappiness.ToKirk's
lovinghandaroundher,steadyingherastheystoodinfrontofthechurchfullof
people.Toher,thatdayhadbeenperfect,despitetherain,themix-upabout
flowers,herfather'sramblingspeech.SheandKirkhadbeeninlove.Theytruly
had.
Andnowhe'dfalleninlovewithsomeoneelse.Theirmarriagehadendedafter
justtwelveyears.Theramificationscrashedthroughhermind.Shewasgoingto
beonherown,raisingthreechildren.Wouldshehavetogobacktowork?Putthe
girlsinafter-schoolcare?Theninsevenmonths…
Oh,God.Whatwasshegoingtodo?
"Ididn'tplanit,Claire."
Asifthatmadeanydifference.
Hebegantopace.Finally,hestoppedinfrontofher."Whatdoyouwant?I'lldo
whateveryousay."
Hewasinlovewithsomeoneelse.Whatdidheexpecthertosay?
"Leave."Sheclosedthedishwasherdoor,unabletobearlookingathim.Hewasa
liar,atraitor.Maybehe'dneverevenlovedher."Thesoonerthebetter."
"Andtonight?"
"Idon'tcarewhereyoustay.Justnothere."
"Areyousure?"
Whataquestion.Shewasn'tsureofanythinganymore.Howcouldshebe,after
whathe'djusttoldher?Clairekeptherfaceavertedasshepickeduptheroast
she'dtakenouttothawearlier.
Thursdaywasoneofthefewnightsthatthegirlswerefree.Nodanceclasses,no
soccer.She'dplannedonmakinganicemealandphoningKirkatworktoseeifhe
couldcomehomeintimetoeatwiththem.Thenlater,perhapsthey'dallwatcha
videotogether.
Shewentintothelaundryroomtoreturntheroasttothefreezer.Whileshewas
theresheheardtheelectricgaragedooropen.Whenshecameout,hewasgone.
Clairesankontothechairbythephoneshe'dusedonlytwentyminutesearlier
andglancedatthecalendar.Withshakinghands,sheflippedpastthemonths.
June,July,August,September,October,November,December,January.Withone
ofthegirls'washablemarkerssheputabigcrossoverthefifteenth.Theduedate
forherfourthchild.
Clairewenttothebathroomandthrewup.Itwasn'tmorningsickness.Shehadn't
beennauseousduringherpreviouspregnancies,andshewasalmostatherfirst
trimester.
"Yourpregnancytestcamebackpositive,"thenursehadtoldher.
"Congratulations."
Congratulations.Ha.Tenminuteslaterherhusbandwastellingherhewasinlove
withanotherwoman.Incredibletiming.
Andtothinkshe'dfelthemighthavefiguredoutshewaspregnant.Obviously,his
mindhadbeenoccupiedwiththingsotherthanhiswifeforquitesometimenow.
Ormaybehehadn'tguessedbecause,likeher,hehadn'twantedtoknow.Bothof
themhadbeenthrilledabouttheirfirstthreekids,butthey'dneverplannedona
fourth.Infact,forthepastfewyearsKirkhadbeentalkingaboutgettinga
vasectomy.
Maybenowhewouldn't.Janicewasyoungandshedidn'thaveanychildren.
Clairesplashedcoldwateronherface.Shecouldn'tstandtothinkofKirk
remarrying,startinganewfamily.Howwouldthegirlsfeelabouttheirfather
beginninganewlifewithsomeoneelse?
Hewastheirdaddy.
Hewasherhusband.
Orsoshe'dthought.
Oh,God.Oh,God,shecouldn'tstandtothinkaboutthat.AbouthimandJanice…
Aboutwhatlifewasabouttobecome.Howcouldthisbehappeningtoher,Claire
Ridgeway,thewomanwhohaditall?Beautifulchildren;asuccessful,handsome
husband;alovelyhome;aluxuriouscottageinMuskoka.Shebelongedtothe
schoolcouncil,volunteeredattheschoollibraryandwasrenownedforher
fabulousdinnerparties.
Shehadneverthoughtshedennedherselfintermsofherhusband,butnowshe
realizedhowtheirlifetogetherunderpinnedeverythingshedid.Ifthey
separated,herlifewouldchangeinalmosteveryimaginableway.Aswouldtheir
children's.
ShethoughtaboutthewaythegirlsalwayscamerunningwhentheyheardKirk
enterthroughthegarage."Daddy'shome!Daddy'shome!"
Wouldsheeverhearthosewordsagain?
Wouldtheyevenbeabletoaffordtostayinthesamehouse?Maybeshe'dhave
tomovewiththekidstoacondo.
Sheneededalawyer.BuddyConroy,anoldfriendfromPortCarling,jumpedto
mind.He'dgoneintosemiretirementthisyear,butsurelyhe'dhandlethiscasefor
her.They'dknowneachotherforever,hewaspracticallyfamily.
Divorce.Funnyhowshe'dneverfeltitcouldhappentoher.Nowthatitwas
staringherintheface,shewonderedwhyshehadn'tseenitcoming.
Clairethoughtaboutthepeopletheywouldhavetotell.Kirk'smother,inthe
nursinghomejustafewmilesfromtheirhouse.Herownparents,who'dretiredto
Floridalastyear.Allthen-family,alltheirfriends…
Oh,God.Oh,God…
Atleasttheschoolyearwasendingnextweek.They'dhavethesummertosort
througheverything.Ifthechildrenhadtochangeschools,they'dbeabletostart
freshinSeptember.
"Marriagesfallaparteveryday,"shetoldherreflection."Otherwomenlive
throughit.Sowillyou."
Buthow?
Clairemovedclosertothemirrorandstaredintohereyes,eyesthatKirkclaimed
werethecoloroftheirisesthatbloomedeveryspringundertheirfrontwindow.
Whowasthiswomanstaringbackather?
Awife.Amother.Whoelse?Whatdidotherpeoplesee?Whatdidtheythink?
Claireblinkedandtriedtoberealistic.Maybeshelookedgoodforawomaninher
latethirties,buttherewasnoquestionshe'dlefthertwentiesbehind.Foryears
she'dbeenrelyingonherhairdressertomaintainthepaleyellowhaircolorofher
youth.Andherbody…
Clairesmoothedthecottonshirtthatlayoverherbelly,alreadyfeelingthe
swellingthatwasherbaby.AndKirkhadn'tevennoticed…
Maybehe'dthoughtshewasjustgainingmoreweight.She'dneverlostthoselast
fivepoundsafterJenna…
Squaringhershoulders,shestraightened.Shecaughtherreflectioninthemirror
again.Notmuchchangefromtheimageshe'dseenthatmorningwhileshe'd
brushedherteethandwashedherface,followingthesamepatternaseveryother
morning,gettingherselfdressedbeforeshewokethegirlstoreadythemfor
school.
Yes,shelookedthesame,butinsideshefeltlikeacompletelydifferentperson.
Withonesentence,herworldhadshifted.
Whateverhappened,itwouldneverbethesameagain.
CHAPTERTHREE
"MOMMY,WHERE'SMYBRUSH?"
"DoIhavetohaveabath?"
"DidItellyoumyscienceprojectisduetomorrow?"
Clairecheckedherwatch,andhertemper.Soontheywouldbeinbed,andshe'd
havethepeaceandquietshecraved.Noneofthiswastheirfault,andshehadto
protectthemasbestshecould.Thatmeantactingnormal,eventhoughherentire
bodyburnedwiththepainthathadthreatenedtoswampherallday.
"IthinkIsawyourhairbrushonthecoffeetableinthefamilyroom,"shetold
Jenna."GogetitandI'lldoyourhairforyou."
Therewerefourbedroomsonthesecondstory.Themasterbedroomwasonone
sideofthewidehall,whichopenedtothevaultedceilingofthelivingroombelow,
andthegirls'bathroomandbedroomswereontheother.
Privacywasgettingtobeabigdealnow,especiallywithAndie,whowasten,and
Daisy,whowaseight.Claireknockedatthebathroomdoor,thenpeeredinside.
Daisywassittingonthefloor,herheadbentoverabookofArchiecomics.
"Yes,youmusthaveabam.It'sThursday,isn'tit?"
Daisylookedupthroughascreenofcurls."Butthatisn'tfair.Whydon'tAndie
andJennahavetohavebathstonight?"
"BecauseIlikethemmorethanIlikeyou."Clairesighed.Daisyknewthatthe
othergirlshadtakentheirbathsonWednesdaywhileshewasathersoccergame.
Shewasjustbeingfractious.
"Youknow,whenyouwerelittle,youusedtoloveagoodsoak."Claireputthe
stopperinthetubandturnedonthefaucet.
"Butthewaterwillmakemypagessoggy."
Clairetookthecomicbookfromherdaughter'shands."Youcanreadwhenyou're
inbed.Anddon'tforgettowashyourhair."Sheranahandoverherdaughter's
softblondhair.BothDaisyandJennasharedhercoloring,althoughDaisyhad
somehowendedupwithnaturalcurls,likeAndie.Only,Andie'shairwasred.A
brilliantorange,actually.ClaireandKirkhadneverfiguredoutwherethathad
comefrom.
Kirk.Justthinkingthenamewasliketouchingahotiron.Evenabriefsecond
couldburn.
Clairecheckedthewatertemperature,thenturnedoffthetap."Pleaseremember
touseconditioner,"sheaddedbeforesheclosedthebathroomdoor.
ShewalkeddownthehalltoAndie'sroom."Isyourassignmentalmostdone?"
"Ihaven'tevenstarted."Andiewaslyingonherbed,playingherGameBoy.
Clairestoodinthedoorway,wonderingwhathadhappenedtothestraight-A
studentsocompulsiveaboutdoingherhomeworkthemomentshecamehome
fromschool.
"Don'tyouthinkyoushould?"
Andiedidn'tevenglanceupfromherhandheldelectronicgame."Iforgotmy
booksatschool."
"Oh,well.I'msurethatwillbeokay,men.It'snotlikethisprojectisgoingto
affectyourfinalgrade,isit?"
"Itonlycountsfortwentypercent,"Andieexplained.Aseriesofhigh-pitched
beepsseemedtogetherexcited.Shemovedclosertoherlamp,fingersdancing
alongthesmallbuttonsatthebottomofthegame."Yes!I'vegothim!"
Clairesatattheedgeofherbed."Andie,couldyouturnthatoff?Weneedto
talk."
"Ifoundmybrush!"Jennacameintotheroom,smiling,wavingthebrushlikea
trophy.
"Wouldyougetoutofhere?"Andiesnapped."Youdidn'tevenknock.''
Jenna'sbrowcreasedandhersmileslippedaway.Shelookedathermother
uncertainly.
"Andie,turnthatgameoffthisminute.Ifyou'veforgottenyourhomework,then
you'renotallowedtoplayvideogames.Youcanread,ifyouwant.I'llbebackto
talkonceJenna'sinbed."
Clairestoodupandwalkedtothedoorway,gazingbackathereldestdaughter.
Andiehadchangedthisyear.Shewasactingsomuchlikearebelliousteenthatit
washardtoremembershewasonlyten.
Maybeitwastheredhah".
AfterbrushingJenna'shair,Clairewentbacktotheclosedbathroomdoor.
"Daisy,areyoustillinthebath?"
"Yeah."
"Well,it'stimetocomeoutnow."
"Idon'twantto."
OnabetterdayClairewouldhaveseenthehumor.Buttodaywasdefinitelynot
oneofherbetterdays."Getoutrightnow,Daisy.Andremembertoletthewater
outofthetub."Shehatedwhenthekidsforgottopulltheplug.Invariably,she
wouldn'trealizeuntillater,whenshewasdoingherlate-nightcheckbefore
turninginherself.Coldwater,soapscumfloatingonthesurface…Sheshivered,
thinkingabouthavingtoinsertherhandtoreleasetheplug.
BackinJenna'sroomshefoundthesix-year-oldsnuggledbeneathherquilt.
"Willyousingtome,Mommy?"
"Ofcourse."She'dcroonedlullabiestoallthreegirlswhentheyweresmall.Funny
howshecouldn'trememberwhenorwhyshe'dstoppedwiththeothertwo.But
shewasgladJennastillenjoyedtheritual.
Aftertwofavorites,Clairestooduptoleave.
Jennagrabbedherhand."Mommy,when'sDaddycominghome?"
"He'sawayforafewdays,"sheimprovised.
"Onanotherbusinesstrip?"
Clairenodded."You'llseehimsoon,sweetheart."
Shebackedintothehall,painknifingherinthemiddle.Howwassheevergoing
totellherchildrenthetruth?
Itwasallsohorrible.Andsocompletelyunexpected.Kirk,inlovewithanother
woman.Sheneverwouldhavebelievedit—especiallygivenhisparents'divorce,
hisexperiencesasachild.
BacktoAndie,whowasreadingwithheroldstuffeddinosaurshovedagainsther
chest,justunderherchin.Palelightshonefromalampbesideherdesk,allowing
ClairetomakeouttheshapesofthepostcardsAndiehadtackedalloverher
walls.
"DidyousayDaddywasonabusinesstrip?"
LyingtoAndiewasharder.Shewasolder,andhertiestoherfatherwerevery
close."Whydoyouthinkyouforgottobringyourassignmenthome,hon?"
"Idon'tknow.Ijustforgot."Andietwistedastrandofherhairandputitinher
mouth.
Clairewincedatthecrunchingsoundofherdaughter'steethonthehair."Please
don'tdothat,Andie.It'ssuchadisgustinghabit."
Andietuckedherhairbehindherear,sighedandrolledoverontoherback."Why
amItheonlyonehithefamilywhodoesn'thaveblondhair?Redissuchanugly
color.Ihateit."
"Ipromiseyouwon'twhenyou'reolder."
Andiesighedagain."WhenisDaddycominghome?"
"I'mnotsure.Buthewon'tbehappytohearyouhaven'tbeendoingyour
homework."
Notthatthiswasthefirsttime.Andie'sinterestinschoolhadstartedtowane
aboutthesametimeasherfriendshipwithagirlnamedErinhadended,shortly
afterChristmas.Therehadtobesomeconnection,butClairehadn'tbeenableto
findit.
"Makesureyoubringithometomorrow,okay?"
"It'llbetoolatebythen."
Andwhosefaultwouldthatbe?Clairebitbackthesarcasticcomment.Criticism
wouldn'thelp.Atleast,sofarithadn't.
NowAndiefrowned."Daddydidn'tsayanythingaboutgoingawaylastnightwhen
hetuckedmein."
"Ithinkitwasalast-minutetrip."Whichwassortoftrue,wasn'tit?Clairebent
downtogiveAndieagood-nightkiss.
"Iloveyou,Andrea."Sheranherfingersoverherdaughter'ssoftcheek.
"Loveyou,too,Mom."bythetimeallthreegirlsweretuckedinitwasnine-thirty.
Clairesatinthefamilyroom,staringatatabletshewasholdinginherhand.
She'dfoundthebottleofherbalsleepingpillssittinginthemedicinecabinet.Kirk
musthaveboughtthem;she'dneverseenthembefore.Constantactivityhad
madeitpossibletogetthroughtheday.Buthowwasshegoingtosurvivethe
night?
Shetookoutthesheafofinstructionsandwasn'tsurprisedwhenshesawthatthe
productwasn'trecommendedforpregnantwomen.Shedroppedthetabletbackin
thebottleandwonderedwhattodonow.
Ifonlyshecouldhaveastiffbrandy.Sherememberedthehomemadevarietya
friend'smotherusedtomakeandsmilednostalgically.
Drew,MalloryandGrady.Oldfriendsfromhappierdays,whensheandher
parentshadspenttheirsummersattheirluxuriouscottageonLakeRosseau,a
fewmilesfromtheresorttownofPortCarling.Thosehadbeendaysofdreams
andplans,dayswhenthefuturewasfullofwonderfulpossibilities.
Whatwouldherfriendssaywhentheyheardwhathadhappened?Clairecovered
herfacewithherhands.Oh,butitwasawful,andshewaspregnantontopof
everything.
Thispoorunbornchild.
Clairemovedherhandstoherstomach.Shewasexhausted,butitseemed
unlikelyshe'dbeabletosleep.Whatshereallywantedwastogatherallthree
girlsintoherking-sizebed—thebedsheandKirkhadsharedforsomanyyears—
andholdthemclose.Alldayshe'dcravedafewminutesalone;nowthatshehad
them,shemissedherchildren.
Thephonerang,astartlingsoundinthequiethouse.
"Hello?"
ItwasKirk.Hisfamiliarvoicemadeherthroattighten.Howmanytimesinthe
pastsixmonthshadhecalledataboutthishourtotellhernottowaitupforhim?
Sheheldherbreath,waitingtoseewhathewanted.
"Arethegirlsasleep?"
"Ithinkso."
"CanIcomeovertotalk?"
"No."Shedidn'twanttoseehim;couldn'tstandtoseehim.
Orwasthattrue?Didn'tapartofherlongforhimtowrapherinhisarmsandtell
herhedidn'tloveJanice;helovedher?
"Ineedclothesfortomorrow,Claire.I'vebookedintoahotelclosetotheoffice,
butIdon'thaveanythingwithme.I'llhavetopackasuitcase."
Claire'schestcompressedwithpain.Ahotel.Asuitcase.Justhearinghimsaythe
wordsmadetheirseparationallsoreal.Thistrulywashappening,anditwas
happeningtoher.
"Whatever,Kirk.Youhaveakey."Shehungupthephoneandwentupstairsto
makesurethegirlswereasleep.Lookingattheirsoftsmoothfaces,relaxedin
sleep,Clairefeltthedampnessofasingletearinthecornerofhereye.She
blotteditwithherfingertip.Kirkwouldbecomingsoon;shewouldn'tcrynow.
Afterstoppinginthegirls'bathroomtoletoutthetepidwater,shewenttoher
bedroom.Thelightinthewalk-inclosetwason.Shepausedatthedoorway,
observingthatKirk'sclothinghadbeenpushedtooneside,revealingthesuitcase
onwheelsthathetookonhisbusinesstrips.
Hadhemovedhisclothesoverthismorning?Shedidn'tremembernoticingwhen
she'dvacuumedearlier.
Claireshutthedoorandwentbackdownstairs.Inthekitchenshewarmedamug
ofmilk.Thewhiroftheautomaticgarageopenerdrownedoutthebeepsfromthe
microwave.Shesatatthecounterandwatchedaskinbegintoformoverthe
milk,thenlistenedastheconnectingdoortothegarageopenedandfootsteps
clickedonthehardwoodfloor.
Hepausedwhenhesawher.
"Howareyoudoing?"
Shedidn'tlookup."Justpeachy."
"I'msorry,Claire."
Sorry.Thatwassomething,shesupposed.Shefirmedherjawandmethisgaze.
"Whatareyougoingtodo,Kirk?Areyougoingtomoveinwithher?Marryher?
Havechildrenwithher?"
Heclosedhiseyesbriefly."Idon'tknow.Icertainlyhaven'tmadeanyplans.How
canIwhenyouandI—"
"Doyouwantadivorce?"Oh,howcalmshesounded.Itwasamiracle,whenwhat
shereallywantedwastoyellandscream.
"Idon'tknow."Hesoundedmiserable.
"I'vetoldthegirlsyou'reawayonabusinesstrip.That'llgiveusafewdaysto
decidewhattosaytothem.Andhow."
Shefeltthesecondtearbutdidn'treachforit.Kirkwouldn'tseeit;thelightwas
dim.Instead,shepokedattheskinonhermilk.Itwrinkledandshepusheditto
theedgeofthemug.
ShecouldfeelKirk'seyesonher.Watching.Atthatmomentsherealizedthather
romanticmemoriesoftheirweddingdayhadbeenasham.Apartofherhad
alwaysexpectedthiswouldhappentothem.
"Packyourbag,Kirk.Packyourbagandleave."
CHAPTERFOUR
Onthelastdayofschool,thegirlsbroughthometheirreportcards.Clairewasn't
surprisedwhenonlyDaisyandJennadugtheirseagerlyoutoftheirbackpacks.
Sheoohedandaahedovertheirgoodmarksandthepositivecommentsfrom
theirteachers.ThensheturnedtoAndie.
"Howaboutyourreportcard,hon?"
"It'sinhere."Andietossedamanilaenvelopeontothecounter,"CanIhavea
snack?I'mstarved."
"Sure.Icutupsomecheeseandapples."Claireopenedtheflapandslidoutthe
form.Theresultshadhercatchingherbreath.Therewerethreereportingdates
intheschoolyear,andAndie'sgradesshowedasteadydecline.Theselastresults
weretheworstyet.
"Oh,Andie."
"Idon'tcare."Andiebitintoapieceofapple."Idon'tevenlikeschool."
"Butyouusedtoloveit."
Clairereadthroughtheteacher'scomments."Partofthereasonyourmarksare
solowisthatyouhaven'tbeenfinishingyourassignments.Andie,whathas
gottenintoyou?"
"Havingtogotoschoolalldayisbadenough.WhyshouldIhavetoworkwhenI
gethome,too?"Andieswiveledonherstool."When'sDaddycominghome?He's
beengonealongtime."
ClairereachedforanotherGrannySmithappleandcarefullycutitintofours.Her
daughterhadneatlyturnedthetableswiththatlastcomment.Almostaweekhad
passedsinceshe'daskedKirktomoveout.Afterthatfirstnighthe'dphoned
everyeveningtotalktothegirls.Butthefamilycouldn'tgoonthisway
indefinitely.ThankGodsummerholidayswerehere.She'dtakethegirlstothe
cottageatLakeRosseau,asusual.
Whenwouldthegirlsseetheirfather?Clairedidn'twanttothinkaboutthat.She
supposedthey'dhavetomakesomesortofarrangement.
Butjusttheideamadeherfeelnauseousagain.
"He'llbehomesoon,Andie."Thewordssoundedreassuring,butinside,Claire
knewshewasaliar.Suretheirfatherwouldbehomesoon.Butforhowlong?
"daddy!"
Allthreegirlsrushedfortheirfather,whowasholdingatableforthematthe
localpizzaparlor.Kirkhadphonedshortlyafterthegirlsgothome
fromschool,tosuggesttheycelebratetheendoftheschoolyearwithdinnerout.
"Whywasyourbusinesstripsolong,Daddy?"Jennareacheduptotouchhisface,
hishair.Onhisotherside,Andieheldtightlytohisfreehand,whileDaisyhugged
himaroundthewaist.
Clairecompressedherlipsandblinked,afraidthatshewasgoingtocry.Her
husband,althoughaswelldressedandhandsomeasusual,lookeddrawn.The
smilehewaswearingwassurelyforced.Overthechildren'sheads,hesoughther
gaze,hisgrayeyesanxiousandquestioning.
Claireturnedaway,concentrating,instead,onherchairasshepulleditoutand
satdown.SheadjustedthecutleryinfrontofherasKirkkissedthegirls,then
pulledJennaontohislap.
"I'vemissedyou,peanut."Hepressedhisfaceintoherhair."I'vemissedyouall."
Claireknewbetterthantoincludeherselfinthatlist.Shereviewedthefamiliar
menubriefly,certainshewouldn'teatabite.Watchingthegirlsfallovertheir
fatherwassopainful.Hetrulywastheirhero,amanwhocoulddonowrong.
Clairedidn'twantthemtolosethattrust,anymorethanshewantedto
jeopardizeanythingintheirsecurelittleworld.
"ShirleyTemples,girls?"Kirkaskedwhenthewaiterhovered.
Claireorderedasodawater.
"Nobeer?"Kirkaskedwithraisedeyebrows.Theyalwayshadbeerwithpizza.
"Notthistime."Shehadtotellhimaboutthebaby;sheknewthat.Atthree
monthswithAndie,herwaisthadstillbeenslender.Butthiswasherfourthchild,
andshewasalreadyoutofanyclothingwithafixedwaistband.Leggingsandan
oversizedshirtcouldhidealot.Butnotformuchlonger.
Besides,thebabywasarealitythathadtobefaced.
"So,girls,"Kirksaid."Howwerethereportcards?"
ClairenoticedAndieshrinkbackintoherseat,lettinghersisterstakethe
limelight.
"Iimprovedinlanguageartsandinmath,"Daisysaidproudly.
"AndmyteachersaidI'magood'tributortogroupdiscussions,"Jennaadded.
Kirklaughed."I'lljustbetyouare.Thatsoundsterrific,girls.Andwhatabout
Andie?"
Redcurlsshookfromsidetoside.Andie'sfacewassolowitappearedshewas
searchingforsomethingunderthetable.
"Didn'tyouhaveagoodreport?"KirkglancedworriedlyatClaire,thenbackto
theireldestdaughter.
"Ihavetogotothebathroom."Andie'svoicequaveredassheslidoutofherchair
andrantothebackoftherestaurant.
KirklookedatClaire.
"Andiedroppedgradesinalmosteverysubjectexceptlanguagearts."Claire
pushedbackherchairandthrewherpapernapkinonthetable.
"Idon'tunderstand."Kirkfrowned.Likeher,hewasusedtoacademicexcellence
fromAndie.
"ItstartedwiththeMarchreportcard,"Claireremindedhim."Unfortunately,her
marksareevenlowernow.Especiallyinmathandscience.I'mgoingtoseeifI
canhelp."
Thebathroomhadfacilitiesforonepersonatatime,andthedoorwaslocked
whenClairegotthere.
"Andrea?"shecalledgently."Areyouokay,hon?"
Therewasnoresponse.
"Pleaseletmein.Weneedtotalk."No,nottalk.WhatClairereallywantedwasto
holdherdaughterinherarms.Thepoorchildwasprobablyupsetabouthaving
disappointedherfather.
ThespecialbondbetweenKirkandAndiehadformedintheweeksafterAndie's
birth.Claire'srecoveryfromanunplannedC-sectionhadbeenslowandKirkhad
takentwoweeksofffromworktocarefortheirnewbabyandhisbedriddenwife.
"Goaway,Mom."
KnowingthatAndiewashurtingdidn'tmakethewordsanylesswounding.Not
thatlongagoakissandhugfromMommycouldbanishalmostanyproblem.
Thesedaysthereseemedsolittleshecoulddotohelp.
Swallowinghard,Clairetriedagain."Please,Andie.Letmein."
"Leavemealone."
Reluctantly,Clairereturnedtothetable.Theserverhadbroughttheirdrinks,and
JennaandDaisywerebusyremovingorangewedgesandmaraschinocherries
fromthelittleplasticswordsthatrestedonthetopoftheirglasses.
SheglancedatKirk,whowasholdinghisbeerbuthadn'tdrunkanyofit."She
doesn'twanttotalktome."
"Let'sgiveherafewmoments,"hesuggested."Lethercomebackonherown
terms."
Clairewasn'tconvincedthatwastherightapproach,butsureenough,afterabout
tenminutesAndiereappearedandslidintoherchair.Thepizzahadarrivedby
then,andClaireinchedasliceofpepperoni-and-cheeseontoAndie'splate.
Reportcardsweren'tmentionedagain,andthegirlsateravenously.Inallthe
commotion,Clairedoubtedifanyonenoticedthatshedidlittlemorethantearher
pizzaintobits,butastheyrosetoleave,shefoundKirkatherelbow,pullingback
herchair.
"Nothungry,Claire?"
Hesoundedworried.Forasecondsheclosedhereyes,smellingthefainttangof
hisaftershave,feelingthebrushofhisarmsagainstherback.
Tellmethishasallbeenahorribledream.Tellmethisisjustanormalfamilynight
out.
Tellmelies.
"Andieseemstobefeelingbetter,"hesaid.
Shenodded."Maybethetwoofyoushouldhaveatalk."
"Iagree.Howabouttonight?"
Shepaused.ThegirlshadrushedaheadtoKirk'ssedan,whichhe'dunlockedwith
theremotecontrolonhiskey.
"Ihavetocomehome,Claire.ThegirlsknowI'mbackfromthatso-called
businesstrip."
"Idon'tknow,Kirk."Ithadbeenalmostaweek,yetshestillfeltsouncertain
aboutwhichwaytoproceed.Theyhadtotellthegirls,buthow?
"Iphonedafamilycounselor,"Kirktoldher."Shesaidshe'sseensituationslike
oursbeforeandshecautionedagainsthastydecisions.Heradvicewasthatuntil
weresolvetheissuesbetweenus,weshouldtrytokeepthingsasnormalas
possibleforthesakeofthechildren."
"Beforewedecideforsurethatwe'regettingadivorce?"
Kirk'seyesdropped."Maybe.Idon'tknow,Claire…"
"Inotherwords,youwanttostaymarriedbutcontinuetoseeyourgirlfriend."
Heflushed."AllI'maskingisthatweprotectthekidswhilewe'reworkingthis
out."
"Andthatmeans…?"
"Imovebackintothehouse."
Claireshookherhead.HavingKirkbackhomewouldbewonderfulforthegirls,
butitwouldcreateanimpossiblesituationforher."Doyouexpecttosleepinour
room?Withme?"
"Wouldn'tthekidsthinkitwasstrangeifIdidn't?"
Thiswasn'tfair.Yetshecouldn'trefuse.Andie,forsure,wouldquestionamoveto
thecouchinthedownstairsoffice.
"Isuppose.Foronenight."
TwocreasesetchedKirk'sforehead."Onenight?"
"TomorrowI'mtakingthemtothecottageforthesummer."
"Whataboutswimminglessons?"
Usually,theystayedinthecityuntilthegirlshadfinishedtwoweeksofswimming
lessonsatthelocalcommunitycenter."Ithinkwe'llskipthemthisyear."
Kirk'seyeswereasmokygray.Inagoodmood,theylightenedtothesilveryhue
ofweatheredcedar.Inmoreseriousmoods,likenow,theyremindedherofthe
summerstormcloudsoverthecottageonhot,humidevenings.
"I'mgoingtowanttoseethemeveryweekend,"hesaid.
"That'llbemorethanothersummers."
Clairefoldedandsortedthegirls'laundryhithemasterbedroomwhileKirkgot
themsettledforthenight.Thedoorwasopenandshecouldhearthefamiliar
soundsfromdownthehallasthegirlsputonjammiesandbrushedtheirteeth,all
muchmorewillinglyforKirkthanwhenshewassupervising.
"Ihavealoosetooth,Daddy,"Daisysaid.
"SodoI,"addedJenna."Myfirstone!Isitreadytocomeout?"
"Let'ssee."TherewasapauseasKirknodoubtexaminedthetoothinquestion.
"Notquiteyet.Maybeafewmoreweeks,Jenna.Yourslooksclose,though,Daisy.
Shouldwetrythestringtrick?"
"No,no…"Daisydidn'tlikeblood.
"Okay,"Kirksaid."Wedon'thavetodothat.It'llcomeoutonitsown.Boy,the
toothfairysureisgoingtobebusyaroundthishouse,isn'tshe?"
"Da-ad."Thiscame,condescendingly,fromAndie.
"What?"Kirkasked,hisvoiceallinnocence.
Adoorslammed.ClaireaddedDaisy'ssoftyellowsweatshirttoapileandsmiled.
ShecouldjustimaginetheexpressionthathadprecededAndie'sdramatic
departure.
"Okay."Kirkclappedhishands.''I'lltuckDaisyinfirst,thenI'llsingJennaher
songs.Afterthatwe'regoingtohavealittletalk,Andie."
Thereweremuffledwordsfrombehindthecloseddoor.
ClairetookAndie'spileofclothes,passingKirkinthehallwayashefollowedDaisy
toherroom.
"Excuseme."Sheloweredherheadandangledherbodytoedgebyhim.Fora
momentshethoughthisgazesettledonherthickeningmiddle,buthedidn'tsay
anything.ShetappedonAndie'sdoor.
"Here'syourlaundry.Ievenfoundapairofjeanshithebaskettoday—Ican't
imaginehowthathappened."
Theroomwasdarkalready,andAndiewassettledhibed.Clearly,shewasn'tin
themoodtobeteased.Wassheeverthesedays?
Clam;puttheclothesinthedresser,thenpausedattheheadofthebedand
strokedAndie'sforehead."Areyouokay,honey?"
Andieblinked."IsDaddygoingtobemadatme?"
"Whywouldhebe?"
"Becauseofmygrades."
Clairesighedandsatdown.Andiewasassensitivetotheopinionsofothers,
especiallyherfather,asherfairskinwastothesun."Doyouthinkyoutriedyour
hardestatschoolthisyear?"
Andiepulledthecoversoverherface,leavingjustherpaleblueeyesexposed."I
don'tknow."
"Maybeyou'realittledisappointedyourselfwithyourgrades?"
Andie'sfacereddened;hereyesfilledwithtears.
Clairebentovertokisshercheek."Iloveyou,Andrea."
"Iloveyou,too,Mom."
"We'regoingtohaveagreatsummer.Haveyoudecidedwhichfriendyou'dliketo
invitetojoinusforafewweeks?YouandCourtneyhadalotoffunlastyear."
Andiewassilentforawhile,thensheturnedtofacetheoppositewall."Idon't
wanttoinviteanyone."
Lately,itwasalwayslikethiswheneverClairetriedtosuggestanoutingora
sleepoverwithafriend."But,Andie—"
"Ijustwantittobefamily.Okay?Iseeenoughofmyfriendsatschooland
soccer."
"Areyousure?I'venoticedyoudon'tenjoyplayingwithyoursistersasmuchas
youusedto."
"Justfamily,"sheinsisted."IsDaddycomingwithustothecottage?"
"Youknowhehastowork.Buthe'llbethereweekends."
Withafinalpartingkiss,ClairelefttogetDaisy'sclothes.Daisywasburrowed
underherquiltwhenClairewalkedintheroom.
"GuesswhatIam,Mom?"
"Abearhibernatinginwinter?"ClaireopenedadrawerandputawayDaisy's
underwear.
Giggleseruptedfromunderthecovers."Nope."
"Anarcheologistexploringacave?"
"Wrongagain!"
"Igiveup."
"I'matooth!"Sheliftedthecovershighoverherhead."See?Thecoversaremy
mouth."
ClairelaughedandbrushedherhandoverDaisy'smop."Nochewingthesheets,
okay?Eventeethneedtorestnowandthen.Goodnight,Daisy."
Backinthehall,ClairewasstoppedcoldbythesoundofKirksingingatraditional
IrishlullabytoJenna.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra,Hushnowdon'tyoucry.
Tearsstung,andherbreathcaughtinherthroat.Hisvoicewassogentle,sofull
ofpromiseshemustknowhecouldn'tkeep.Onthelastlinehelostit,paused,
thenstartedagainonawobbly,falsenote.Jennacoveredforhim,herbabyvoice
onkey.Andthenitwasover.
"That'sokay,Daddy,"Jennaquicklyreassuredhim."It'sasadsong,isn'tit,
Daddy?"
Later,Claireundressedinthebathroomoffthemasterbedroom.Whenshe
emerged,shehadheroldterryrobehanginglooselyaroundher,beltundoneso
shewouldn'tdrawattentiontohermiddle.
Kirkwasalreadyinbed,readingbythelightofabedsidelamp.Helookedup
whenhesawher,andshewassuddenlydrymouthed,awareofhiminawayshe
hadn'tbeenhiyears.Kirk'sjobwassedentary,buthekeptinshapebyswimming
threemorningsaweek,andasaresulthisupperbodywasstillpowerful,with
well-definedmusclesandnoexcessbodyweight.
Herownexerciseroutineconsistedofjoggingupanddownthestairsabouta
hundredtimesaday,yetsomehowshedidn'tseemtoachievethesameresults.
Carefultoavoideyecontact,Clairewenttohersideofthebed.Kirkalwaysslept
inapah-ofboxershorts,butgiventhechangeintheircircumstances,she'd
thoughthe'daddaT-shirt,aswell.Apparently,he'dseennoneedforanything
different.
Shehad.Insteadofherusualsilkyteddy,she'dchosenthelongcottonnightgown
thegirlshadgivenherlastMother'sDay.
Afterunfasteningherwatch,sheslidherhousecoatoverhershoulders.Still
facingthewall,shesaid,"Thisistooweird."
"Justsleepwithyourbacktowardme.Itisn'tasifyouhaven'thadthepractice."
"What?"Sheglancedbackathim."Areyoutryingtosaythisismyfault?"
"No."Hesighed."No."
Itwasallsounfair.Theirlifewasinnuns,andKirklaytherereadinginbedas
thoughnothinghadhappened."WhataboutJanice?Howdoesshefeelaboutyou
sleepingatthehousewithme?"
"JaniceknowsI'mmarried."
Angerflashedinsideher.OfcourseJaniceknewhewasmarried.Hadn'tClaire
servedthewomanbeeftenderloinwithfive-peppersaucehithisveryhouse?To
thinkshehadactuallyfussedoverthetimingofachocolatesouffleforthat
woman.Andserveditwithanabsolutelyflawlessvanillasauce.Ifshe'donly
known.Gelatinwouldhavebeentoogood…
ButwhyblameJanice?Kirkwastheoneshewasmarriedto;Kirkwastheone
who'dvowedhisfidelity.
Claireturnedoffthelightonhersideofthebed.Thetruthwas,Kirkwasa
successful,good-lookingguy.Hismeticulousattentiontodetailcoulddrivea
personcrazyattimes,buthewasalsoanincrediblypatientman,capableofgreat
tenderness.
NowonderJanicehadthrowncautionasideandfallenhilovewithhim.Her
marriagewasover,shehadnothingtolose.
"Claire?"
Shehalfturned,andwatchedasKirkremovedtheglassesheusedforreading.
"I'masconfusedasyouarerightnow.Ifwecouldonlytalk…"
SohecouldtellhermoredetailsabouthisaffairwithJanice?Orexplainhowthe
affairwasreallyClaire'sfault?Sheshookherhead.
"Whataboutwithacounselorpresent?Wouldthatmakeyoufeelmore
comfortable?''
Clairewrappedherarmsaroundhermiddle.Shedidn'tneedacounselorto
understandthatshecouldn'tstaymarriedtoamanwhowasinlovewithanother
woman.
Andshewasn'ttooimpressedwiththeadviceKirkhadreceivedsofar.Surethey
hadtoprotectthechildren,butthissleepinghithesamebedwasridiculous.
"Ijustdon'tseetheuseintalking.What'sitgoingtochange?"Shepulledthe
housecoatbackoverhershouldersandstood.
"Whereareyougoing?"
"Tothecouch,downstairs."
"Butthegirls…"
"I'llbeupbeforethey'reawake."Ifsheevenwenttosleep,thatis.
"Thenletmebetheonetosleepdownstairs."Kirkwhippedoffthecovers,and
shesawthathewaswearinghisboxers.
"Ipreferitthisway,"sheinsisted,headingforthedoor."Thetruthis,Ihaven't
beenabletosleepinthisroomallweek."
"Really?"Hisvoicebrokeontheword."Oh,Claire.I'msosorry."
Good,shethought,heoughttobesorry.Butthatdidn'tstopthetearsfrom
rushingtohereyes.She'dbeensostrongthatfirstday;shemusthavebeenin
shock.Lately,shecoulddolittlemorethancry.Often,shehadtoturnherbackto
thechildren,walkintoadifferentroomsotheywouldn'tnotice.
"Inever…"Kirkdidn'tfinishhisthought,buthisexpressionwastormented.Claire
didn'twanttofeelsorryforhim;shecouldn'tfeelsorryforhim.He'dmadehis
choices,andnowtheyallhadtofacetheconsequences.
"Howcouldyou?"Thewordsburstout,eventhoughshe'dtoldherselftherewas
nopointhiasking.Kirkflinched.
"Idon'tknow."
Angerstrucklikewhitelightning,joltingherbodyrigid."That'sjustnotgood
enough,Kirk."
Andsheleft,closingthedoorbehindher.
CHAPTERFIVE
Behindthewheelofherforest-greenminivan,Clairefeltbetterthanshehadall
week.Itwassummer,theskywasblueandshewasheadedtoherfavoriteplace
intheentireworld.
Muskokalakecountry.JustafewhoursnorthofToronto,fertileplainsgaveway
totherockandtreesandlakesoftheCanadianShield.Therewerewellovera
thousandlakesinthetwenty-five-hundredsquaremilesofcottagecountrythat
stretchedfromGeorgianBaytoAlgonquinPark,butthebigoneswereMuskoka,
RosseauandJoseph,andthelittleresorttownofPortCarlingsatattheapexof
allthree.
PortCarlingwashometoseveralofClaire'sclosestfriends.MalloryDriscoll,who
ranatrendyboutiqueonSteamboatBay;herhusband,Drew,whoowned,
publishedandeditedtheHuboftheLakesGazette;andtheirtwo-year-old
daughter,Angel,namedforDrew'smother,Angela,who'dpassedawayseveral
yearsago.
ThentherewasGradyHogan.Newlydivorced,thefatheroftwinadolescentboys,
Gradywas
Claire'steenagesweetheart,thefirstloveofherlife.
Muskoka.ToClairethenameconjuredhappymemoriesofheroldestanddearest
friends.Aplaceofsimplepleasuresandlong,lazydaysthatseemedtolast
forever.Aplaceofstartlingcontrastsliketheshockofherbodyslicingthrough
cold,bracingwater,afterhoursspentbakinginthehot,humidair.Orthedaylight
soundsoflaughtertravelingoverwaterandthethrummingofmotor-boat
engines,comparedwiththeearly-morningsongoftheloonsandtheplaintivecall
ofanowlatmidnight.
Fromthetimeshewasababy,herfamilyhadspenttheirsummersattheir
cottageonLakeRosseau.Clairehadgrownuponthesmellofwoodlandsandlake
water.Herfavoritefoodsweresummertimefoods—cornfreshoffthehusk,
blueberriessprinkledwithsugar,spicysmokiesbarbecuedonanopenbonfire.
WhenherparentsretiredandmovedtoFlorida,they'ddeededtheplacetoClaire,
andthetraditionofsummeratthecottagecontinuedwiththenextgeneration.
Usually,hermomanddadcameupforacoupleofweeksinthesummer,butthis
yearthey'doptedtovisitClaire'sauntonVancouverIsland,instead.
Justaswell.Clairedidn'twantthemtoknowabouttheproblemsbetweenherand
Kirkuntilthey'dbeensettled.Onewayoranother.
"I'mgoingtolearntowater-skithisyear,"Daisyannounced.
LastyearAndiehadmasteredthetechnique,muchtoheryoungersisters'
chagrin.
"Well,I'mgoingtolearntodropaski,"Andiesaid.
"ProvidedGradyhastimetotakeusoutonhisboat,"Clairecautioned.Theirown
motorboatdidn'thavethehorsepowerforskiing.
"Well,whywouldn'the?"Andieasked."He'stakenuseveryotheryear."
"Yes,Iknow.Heprobablywill.Ijustdon'tthinkweshouldassumeanything
beforewe'veasked."
Grady'sdivorcefromhishigh-schoolsweetheart,Bess,hadjustbecomefinalized
afewmonthsago,andoverthephonehe'dsoundedsodepressed.Andworried
aboutthetwins.Initially,WarrenandTaylorhadfeltasiftheirmotherhad
abandonedthem,too,whenshelefttostartanewlifeforherselfinBarrie.
Clairedidn'tblamethem.She'dneverlikedBessmuch;nowshelikedhereven
less.Howcouldsheleavebehindherownboys?She'dsaidtheydidn'tneedher
anymore,butWarrenandTaylorhadonlybeenfifteenatthetime.Andwhat
aboutGrady?Clairecouldn'timagineanywomaninherrightmindleavinga
husbandlikeGrady.Hewasarealhoney,agreatguy.Hehadn'tdeservedtobe
treatedsobadly.
AndneitherdoI.
Itwashardtobelieveshewasnowinthesamecategoryasherstalwartfriend.
Only,shehadn'tlostherhusbandbecausehewantedtofindhimself.She'dlost
himbecauseofanotherwoman.
Claireblinkedbehindhersunglasses,thinkingofKirkstandinginthedriveway,
wavinggoodbyetothem.He'dlookedsadatthetime,butwhathadhedoneonce
theyweregone?PhonedJanice?Washewithherrightnow?
Shecouldn'tstandtothinkaboutit.
"Canwestopforaburger?"Andieasked.
Claireglancedintherearviewmirror,seekingoutherdaughter'seyes."Wejust
hadbreakfast"
"ButwealwaysstopatWeber's…"
"Yeah,Mom,"addedDaisy.
"Well,maybewecouldgetmilkshakes."
"Andfries?"Jennapressed.
Itwasagoodidea,Claireconvincedherself,pullingoffthehighwayfifteen
minuteslater.Sheneededtoeatforherunbornchild,andamilkshakewouldgo
downeasily.Shestillhadsolittleappetite.Andthismorning,withKirkatthe
breakfasttable—well,shehadn'tbeenabletoswallowabite.
She'dnoticedhimwatchingher,andcaughthissurprisewhenshe'drefusedeven
coffee.He'dhadthreecups.
"I'vebeenlivingonthestuff,"he'dadmittedwhenthegirlswerebrushingtheir
teeth.
She'dbeenperverselygladtoseethathiseyeslookedastiredashers,despite
theextrajoltsofcaffeine.
HowmuchtimewashespendingwithJanice?Clairewouldn'tallowherselftoask
thequestion,thoughsheburnedwithresentment.Sure,Kirkwasupset;maybe
hewasevenhavingtroublesleepingandeating,asshewas.Buttherewas
someoneelseinhislife,whereasshewasalone.Didthetwoofthemtalkabout
her?shewondered.
Claireopenedherpurseonthecounterassheplacedherorder."Twochocolate,
onestrawberryandonevanillashake."ShefeltJennatugonherarm."Plusan
orderoffries."
"Threeblondiesandoneredhead."ThewomanbehindthetillpeeredatAndie.
"Wheredidyoucomefrom?"
Andieflushedadeepred.Sheturnedherbacktothecounterandmuttered,"The
planetCarrot-top."
Claireputonehandonherdaughter'sshoulderandtookherchangewiththe
other."Sensitivetopic,"shesaid,knowingthewomanhadn'tmeanttobeunkind.
Thefourofthemsatoutsideatoneofthenumerouspicnictables.Clairepassed
outtheshakesandputthefriesinthecenterofthetableforeveryonetoshare.
Threehandsreachedoutsimultaneously.AsecondlaterDaisy'sforeheadcreased
andsheplacedahandoverhermourn.
"Oh,no,"shemumbledfrombehindherhand.
"Whatisit?"
Daisy'seyesopenedwide.Reachinginsidehermourn,shepluckedoutsomething
thatlookedlikeamisshapenpearl.
"Mytoothcameout"
"Isitbleeding?"Jennaleanedincloseforabetterview."CanIseethehole?Did
ithurt?"
WatchingDaisyfieldhersisters'questionsanddisplayhertrophycarefully,Claire
thoughthowrareitwasforhermiddledaughtertobethecenterofattention.
QuieterthanJenna,lesstruculentmanAndie—especiallylately—sherarely
causedtrouble.
ClairereachedacrossthetabletostrokeDaisy'scheek."Anothertoothgone.My
babyisgrowingup."
Jennawasaffronted,"I'myourbaby,Mom."
"Allthreeofyouaremybabies."
"Andie'snotababy."
"Tomesheis.That'sjustthewaymothersfeelabouttheirchildren,Jenna."Claire
lookedbackatDaisy,whowasglidinghertongueinandoutoftheemptyspacein
hermouth.
"Iwonderwhatthatgemwillfetchonthetooth-fairymarket?"
Daisysuddenlyseemedworried."CouldIwaituntilnextweekendtoputmytooth
underthepillow?Idon'twantthetoothfairytotakeitawayuntilDaddygetsto
seeit."
Thesweetmomentshe'dbeensharingwithherdaughterssuddenlyturnedsour.
Daddy.DidKirkhaveanyideahowimportanthewastothesegirls?
Thefriesweregone,andClairepushedasideherunfinishedmilkshake."It'stime
wehittheroad.Youcanfinishyourdrinksinthevan."
"Howmuchfarther?"Jennaaskedassheclimbedintothemiddle-rowseat,next
tothewindow.They'dboughtthevanwhenshewasborn,andthebuilt-incar
seatshadbeenalifesaver.NowClairemadesureallthreegirlswerebuckledin
properlybeforeshejumpedintothedriver'sseat.
"Youknow,Andie…"shebegan,oncetheywerebackonthehighway.Inthe
rearviewmirrorshesawherdaughterspitoutastrandofherhair,andhadto
chokebackareprimand."DaddyandIweretalkingthismorningandwedecided
itwouldbeagoodideaifyouspenthalfanhoureverydayonthatmath
workbookyourteacherrecommended."
"What?Butit'ssummerholidays,Mom.WhydoIhavetodomath?"
"Ithinkyouknowwhy."
"That'snotfair.I'vebeenwaitingforsummerforages.When'sDaddycomingto
thecottage?"
"Oh,probablynextweekend,"Clairesaidvaguely.
ThinkingaboutKirkdrivingupfortheweekendmadethemilkshakeinClaire's
stomachcurdle.She'davoidedtheissuewhenKirkhadbroughtupthesubject,
yetshedidn'tseehowshecoulddenynuntherighttovisitthegirls.Ofcourse
shedidn'twanttodothat.Shejustdidn'twanttoseehim.
Shescannedthehorizon,notingthechangeinthescenery.Picturesquedairy
farmsandcornfieldshadgivenwaytothehardymixedforestofspruce,pine,
mapleandoak.TheywerewellpastBarrie,almosttoGravenhurst,buttrafficwas
stillsteadyonthefour-lanehighway.Obviously,theyweren'ttheonlyfamily
escapingpavementandpollutionforthesummermonths.
Clairetuckedherhairbehindherearandsighed.She'ddriventhisroutesomany
times,yetneverwithsuchmixedfeelings.Shewassoeagertogettotheir
destination,toseethefamiliarrooflineofthecottagepeekingoutfromthe
surroundingtreesatthebottomoftheshort,windinglane.
Toher,thecottagefeltmorelikehomethananyoftheneighborhoodsshe'dlived
inToronto,includingthebrickbungalowinLeasidewhereshe'dbeenraised,the
basementapartmentshe'dsharedwithagirlfriendinCollegeParkduring
universityandthetwo-storyhousesheandKirkhadboughtnineyearsagointhe
suburbofRichmondHill.
Ofcourse,cottagewashardlythewordforthespacious,well-finishedbungalow
thathuggedtherockfacealongthelake'sedge.
Thelivinganddiningareasopenedtoafullyequippedmodernkitchen.Ashort
hallwayoffthekitchenledtothreelargebedroomsandabathandahalf.The
viewofthelakewasspectacularandslidingdoorspermittedaccesstoan
expansive,multitiereddeckdesignedtoconnectthecottagetothewater.Alarge
dockandboathousewerethecenterpointsofmostsunnyafternoons.
Clairecouldimaginesittingthererightnow,herfeetdanglinginthecoolwater,
thehotsunonhershoulderblades,acoldbeer—no,makethatalemonade—in
herhand.
Shethoughtofherhusband,asshedidahundredtimeseveryday,wondering
whathewasexperiencing.Washerelievedthatthetruthwasfinallyoutinthe
open?Washefeelingguilt,sorrow,pain?
Sheknewthathemustbe,butsomehowshealwaysimaginedhimwithJanice,
laughingandatease.
Itwassodamnunfair.
PartofherwashappytoputasmanymilesbetweenKirkandherselfasshe
could.Butthatdidn'tstopherfrommissinghimandwonderingifshewaswiseto
leavebunaloneandfreetofocusallhistimeonJanice.
Whatwastherightthingtodo?
Shewishedsheknew.
Clairewasopeningwindowstofreshenupthebedrooms,whenshehearda
vehicleinthedrive.Amomentlater,avoicecalledfromthescreendoor.
"Claire?Areyouinthere?"
ItwasMallory.Herheartlightening,Clairegrabbedatissueandrushedoutto
greether,pausingwhenshesawMallory'sreactiontoherappearance.
"Claire."Mallorysoundedshocked."You'vebeencrying."
Shecouldn'tdenyit.Shewasjustthankfulthegirlshadbeenoutsideplaying
whenshe'dsteppedintoherandKirk'sbedroomandseenthebookofpoetryhe'd
boughtherjustlastsummer.She'dpickeduptheslimvolumeandopenedittohis
inscription:Youarelovelierthananypoem.
Thewordshadstungwiththeirbeauty,andtearshadfollowedquickly.Therein
herhandswastheevidencethathehadlovedheronce.Whathadhappenedto
changethat?
"Areyouokay?"Malloryheldoutherarms,andClairesteppedintothemfora
hug.
"No."Shesqueezedtightly,thensatbackontheedgeofthesofa,pullingMallory
withher."I'msorry.Usually,Imanagetokeepmyselftogether,buttodayfor
somereason…"
"Whatdoyoumean,keepyourselftogether?Oh,Iknewsomethingwaswrong
whenyouphonedtosayyou'dbehereearlierthanusual.Youdidn'tsoundlike
yourself."MalloryputherarmoverClaire'sshoulders.
"It'sKirk."
"Isheworkingtoomuchagain?"
"Notthistime."
"Thenwhat?"
Mallorysoundedanxious,andClaire'sstomachchurnedlikelakewatercaughtup
inaboatpropeller.Sofarshehadn'ttoldasoulaboutherandKirk'sproblems.
Nowitwasarelieftofinallyconfide,"He'sfalleninlovewithanotherwoman."
"No."Mallory'sbodywentrigid."Areyousure?"
Clairefeltthetearsbegintogatheragain."Hetoldmehimself."
"Thebastard."MallorywrappedbotharmsaroundClaire."Howcouldhedothat?
Whywouldhedosomethinglikethat?"
Quickly,Clairewentthroughthewholestory.Theotherwoman'sdivorce,the
innocentlunchesthathadledtonot-so-innocentdinners,openmeetingsturning
suddenlysecret."Hesaystheyhaven'tslepttogether."
"Well,that'ssomething."
"Ifit'strue.Helovesher,Mallory.Doyouknowhowlongit'sbeensincehetold
mehelovedme?Months."
Claireswungherbarefeet,andnoticedthechippedpinkpolish.
"Oh,Claire.Ican'tstandthatthisishappeningtoyou.Haveyousaidanythingto
thegirls?"
"No.Ijustdon'tknowhowI'lleverfindthestrength.Mallory,they'llbe
devastated.Kirkisn'taroundasmuchasthey'dlike,buttheyadorehim."
"Ofcoursetheydo."Mallorypattedherarm.
"Kirksaysweneedtotalk,butIdon'tknowwhatthatwillaccomplish.I'veasked
himifhewantsad-divorce,butheseemsalmostasconfusedasIam."
"Oh,Claire…"
"How'sGradydoing?"Claireasked,thetopicofdivorcemakingherthinkoftheir
mutualfriend.
"Oh,he'sfinallyoutofthatterribledepression.He'sevenstarteddatingagain.I
thinkupuntilthedaythedivorcewasofficial,hekepthopingBesswouldchange
hermind."
"Ibetthetwinswerehopingthesamething."Clairekeptstaringather
feet."Who'shedating?''
"RememberthewomanDrewandIfoundlivingintheMacDougals'cottagetwo
wintersago?"
Claireremembered.Drewhadwrittenanoutstandingeditorialonthesubjectof
homelessness.Thewomanhadjustleftanabusiverelationshipandhadnomoney
orsourceofincome,sosheandheryoungdaughterhadbeenreducedtotaking
shelterinvariouscottagesthathadbeenclosedforthewhiter.
Whatwashername?"TereseBalfour?"
"Yes.She'stheguidancecounseloratWarrenandTaylor'sschoolnow,andbelieve
me,Gradyandshehavebeendoingalotoftalkinginthepastfewyears."
"Arethetwinsokay?"
"They'realotbetter.They'restillcoveringhigh-schoolsportsforDrewatthe
Gazette.AndIthinkthey'vefinallystartedseeingtheirmomonaregularbasis
again."
"Howoldarethey?Seventeen?Icanhardlybelieveit."
"Iknow.Theybothhavedriver'slicenses.Nextyearthey'llbeofftocollege."
"Incredible."Claireputherhandsonherbareknees.Acoolbreezewaswafting
throughalltheopenwindowsandnowshefeltcold.Shegrabbedanoldafghan
andwrappeditaroundher."AreGradyandTereseserious?"
"I'mnotsure.Gradyreallylikesher,butTerese'sexperiencewithherex-husband
haslefthercautious,tosaytheleastShe'sprettyscaredaboutgettinginvolved
inaseriousrelationship.Andshe'sworriedaboutherdaughter.Lisajustdoteson
Grady,andTerese'sconcernedshemightgettooattached."
"Soundscomplicated."
"Nothing'sassimpleasitshouldbe,"Mallorysaid.
"Exceptforyou,DrewandAngel."Clairesmiled,forcingherthoughtsfromher
owntroubledsituation."DoesDreweverregretquittingtheratraceinOttawato
runtheGazette!"
"Heclaimshecouldn'tbehappier.AndIknowIcouldn't."Mallorysmootheda
handovertheafghan,thenraisedanxiouseyestoherfriend.
"DrewsaysIseetheworldthroughrose-coloredglasses,butIcan'thelpfeeling
shaken.OnlytwoyearsagoIlookedatyouandKirkandGradyandBessand
thoughtyouallhadtheworldinyourhands.NowGradyandBessaredivorced.
AndyouandKirk—"Mallorycoveredherfacewithherhands."I'msorry."
"Don'tbe."ClaireputherarmaroundMalloryandhuggedherclose."Itis
horrible.Nooneknowsitmorethanme."
Mallory'sbreathshuddered."Oh,Claire.Doeshappilyeverafterevenexist
anymore?"
CHAPTERSIX
KirkalwayscalledwheneverClairetookthegirlsuptothecottagebyherself,to
makesurethey'darrivedsafely.Wouldhethistime?Maybehewasenjoyinghis
newfreedomtoomuchtosparethemasecondthought.
Clairestruckamatchandheldittotheballofscrunched-upnewspapershe'd
placedunderastackofkindling.Immediately,asmallorangeflamesprangtolife
againsttheedgeofthepaperandbegantravelingupward.Soon,thepaperwas
engulfedinflames,andthesmallchipsofcedarbegantospark.
"Arewereadyforthelogs?"Daisyasked.Allthegirls,evenlittletwo-year-old
Angel,hadcarriedarmfulsofdried,splitwoodfromtheshedtothefirepitnextto
theboatdock.
"Wecanstartwithafewofthesmallerones.Doyouwanttoputthemon?Be
careful."Clairestoodbackaseachgirladdedoneofthethinnerchunksofwood.
AndieheldAngel'shandasthelittlegirlthrewasmallsquareofcedaratthefire.
AndiewasgoodwithAngel.Clairesoughtout
Mallory,whowaswatchingthescenefromthecomfortofoneofthefourwooden
outdoorchairsthatsatinasemicirclearoundthepit.Shewaseyeingher
daughterwithaserenesmile;itwasobviousshetrustedAndietokeephersafe.
HowwouldAndiefeelaboutanewsisterorbrother?AndwhataboutDaisyand
Jenna?Somuchchangecomingallatonce.Clairedidn'tknowhowtheywere
goingtocope.Shestillhadn'ttoldasoulaboutthebaby,andthoughtlonginglyof
confidinginMallory.Thegirlshadinterruptedtheirearlierconversationbefore
she'dhadachancetobringupthisaddedcomplicationinherlife.
Maybelatertheycouldspeakprivatelyagain,afterthesunhadbeguntoset,
whenthekidshadhadtheirfillofhotdogsandthefirehadburneddowntoa
massoforange-bluecoals.
Thewienerroastwasatraditionforthefirstnightofsummervacation,dating
backwhenClairehadbeenalittlegirl.Nowthefamiliarsmellofburningwood
broughtbackthesecurefeelingofsittingbetweenherparents,herfacewarmed
bythefire,twowholemonthsofswimming,boatingandplayingwithherfriends
aheadofher.
Shehopedherchildrenwouldrememberthesetimeswiththesamefondness.
Later,afterthehotdogs,they'dmake's'mores,sandwichingroastedmarshmallows
andsquaresofchocolatebetweengraham-wafercookies.Andthenwouldcome
hotchocolateandbedtimestories,andnotawordaboutbaths,althoughshe
wouldmakethegirlsbrushtheirteeth.
"Canwestartcookingthehotdogs?"Jennaasked.Herlittlechinwassmeared
withdirt,andherpinkT-shirtwascoveredwithchipsofbarkandwoodsplinters.
"No,hon.Wehavetobuildagreatbigfire,thenwaituntilitturnstocoals.Why
don'tyouplayforawhile.Thenitwon'tseemlikesolongtowait."
ClairewentbackintothecottagetogetthetrayoffoodsheandMalloryhad
assembledearlier.Malloryfollowed,bringingthehugecontaineroflemonadeand
thestackableplasticglasses.
"DidyouinviteGradyandtheboys?"sheasked.
"Idid.HowaboutDrew?Ishecoming?"
"Anyminute,"Malloryassuredher."He'sbeenworkingreallyhardonthisissueof
theGazette,sinceitmarksthebeginningofthesummerseason.Iknowhe's
goingtowanttotalktoyouaboutitwhenhegetshere."
"Whyme?"
"I'lllethimexplain.".
"Youtease."Clairesetthetraydownonthelargeroundcedartable,thenadded
severalofthelargerlogstothefire.Itwasburningbrisklynow,snappingand
cracklinginthecalm,pretwilightair.
Thebreezefromearlierinthedayhaddieddown,andthelowsuncastlong
shadowsoverthesmooth,calmlake.Clairefilledherlungswithlake-countryair
andtoldherselfnothingcouldeverbetoobad,aslongasshehadthisplaceand
herchildren.Shecouldhearthemnow,laughingandshoutingastheyplayed
hide-and-seekinthetalltreesandlow-lyingbrush.
"I'mcountingtoten!One,two,three…"
Clairelitseveralcitronellacandlestodiscouragethemosquitoes,thenbeganto
organizethefood.Shehadplainwienersforthechildren,spicysmokiesforthe
adults.Atrayofcut-upveggiesanddipsatinthecenterofthetable,andthe
makingsforthe's'moreslaycoveredwithateatowel.
"Relax,Claire,"Mallorysaid."Whydon'tyousitforaminute."
"Ican't,"Claireadmitted.Ifshewasn'tbusyshewouldstartthinkingaboutKirk
andwonderingwhyhehadn'tcalled.She'dplacedhercellphoneonthetableso
shewouldn'tmissthecallifhephoned.Wasn'tthatpathetic?
TirescrunchingondirtandgravelcaughtbothherandMallory'sattention.Outof
thewoodscamethefourgirls,allrunninginanticipation.
"UncleDrew!"Claire'sgirlsyelled,spyingthefamiliarExplorerthathadonce
belongedtoDrew'smother,Angle.Angie'sdeath,almostthreeyearsagonow,had
promptedDrew'sreturntoPortCar-ling,butitwasMalloryandtheirbaby,Angel,
who'dconvincedhimtostay.He'dleftapromisingcareerasajournalist,although
hestillhostedaprogramonforeignaffairsforthenationalpublicradiostation,
whichwasbroadcastThursdayeveningsfromToronto.
"WarrenandTaylor!"Daisyshrieked,seeingGrady'soldtruckrightbehind.Oneof
thetwinswasdriving,Clairenoted,sittingalmostastallashisfatherbesidehim.
Quickly,sheaddedthelastofthelogstothefire,thenjoinedthewelcoming
committeeastheyexchangedhugsandkissesandhellos.
"Hey,Drew,lookinggood,"shesaidasMallory'shusbandthrewanarmaround
hershoulder.Hisshortdarkhairwasasbristlyasever,andhischinscratched
whenhebenttokisshercheek.
"Goodtoseeyou,Claire.How'sKirkdoing?Sonysod,stuckinthebigcity…"
Claireblinkedandforcedadrylaugh,thenturnedtoGrady.Heworeablue-and-
grayplaidshirtandjeans,hisboyishgrinlightinguphisface.Hismedium-brown
hah"wasonthelongside,andhebrusheditbackwithanimpatientgesturea
secondbeforehisgazefellonher.
"Claire."Hesqueezedhertight,andshefoughttheurgetoburyherfaceagainst
hisstrongshoulder.Shecouldsmellhisworkshopinhisshirt.Gradybuiltand
repairedmotorboats,specializinghicustomwoodencraft.Itwasgood,honest
work,whichlefthimtimetojoinhisfamilyfordinner,tospendhisweekends
fishingandwaterskiing.IfonlyKirk…
Sheglancedatthephone,stillsittingsilentlyonthetable,thenwenttosayhello
tothetwins.
"Hi,Warren,Taylor.Ihopethegirlsaren'tgoingtodriveyoucrazy.They'vebeen
soexcitedaboutseeingyou."
Taylorgaveherashysmile."It'sokay,"hesaid.Warrenjustshruggedand
glancedathisfather.
Whentheywereyounger,theboyshadbeenincrediblypatientandkindwiththe
girls,butoverthepastfewyearstheirattitudeshadshifted.Itwastobe
expected,giventhen-ages,andClairehadtriedtowarnherdaughtersthat
Grady'sboysmightnotwanttoplaywiththem.
Butnowtheyagreedtoagameofhide-and-seek,withbothofthembeing"it."
"Bebackinfifteenminutes,"Clairecalledoutassixsmallfiguresdisappearedinto
thedarkeningwoods."Thefireshouldbereadybymen."
"Comesitdown,"Drewsaid."Iwanttotalktoyou."
ClairerememberedwhatMalloryhadsaidearlier."Okay.Butletmegetyoua
beerfirst."
"Grady'saheadofyou,"Drewsaid,holdingupatinfromalocalbrewery."He's
gonetoputtherestofthesix-packinthefridge."
ClaireperchedonthewidearmofDrew'schair."Okay.Whatisit?"
"Iwonderedhowyou'dfeelaboutstartingupthe'CottageCooking'columnforthe
paperthissummer."
TheoffersurprisedClaire.Shedidn'tknowwhatshe'dexpected,butwritinga
column…Shiftinghergazetothehorizon,shenoticedthesunwasabouttoslip
behindthebarelyvisibletreesontheothersideofthelake.Gold-and-orange
fingersofcolorskimmedthegentleswellsthatrippledthewater'ssurface.
"The'CottageCooking'column,"sherepeatedsoftly.Drewhaddiscontinuedit
afterhismother'sdeath,andshe'dmisseditshomeypresenceintheweekly
paper.
"Ican'taffordtopayyoumuch,"Drewsaid."ButIwillpay."
"IknowyougaveAngiehalftherecipessheusedtoprint,"Malloryadded.Itwas
commonknowledgethatAngieherselfhadn'tbeenmuchofacook.
"Yes,butAngiealwayswrotesuchcharmingstoriestogowiththem."
"I'msureyou'lldevelopyourownstyle,"Drewsaidreassuringly."Comeon,
Claire.Iappreciatethatthegirlskeepyoubusy,butwon'tyouatleastgiveita
try?"
Clairehadworkedinthehospitalityindustrybeforeherchildrenwereborn.Now
she'dbeenoutoftheworkforceforovertenyears.Notthatonecolumnfora
localpaperconstitutedmuchinthewayofwork.
Besides,thegirlswereoldernow.Evenherbabywassix,andconstantly
remindingherthatshecould"doitherself."Maybethiswasagoodidea.Maybeit
wouldhelpkeepherbusyandhermindoffotherthings…
"Okay.Sure.I'llgiveitatry."
"Startingthisweek?"Drewaskedcoaxingly."I'dreallyliketohaveacolumnfor
thefirstsummerissue."HeglancedatMallory,thenaddedquickly,"Althoughnext
weekwouldbeokay,too."
"I'lltryforthisweek,"Clairedecided.Strawberrieswouldberipeningsoon,and
shehadherownvariationoftheever-popularstrawberryshortcake.Thatought
tobeagoodstartingpoint.
"Great!IknewIcouldcountonyou."
"Ibroughtyougirlsabeer,"Gradysaid,justbackfromthecottage.Hetosseda
cantoMallory,thenanothertoClaire.
Clairesethersbackonthetableregretfully.Ifeverawomancouldhaveuseda
drink,itwasshe,especiallyafterthispastweek."I'llsticktolemonadefor
tonight."Asshepouredherselfaglassshewasawarethatallthreeofthemwere
watchingher.Sheturnedandleanedupagainstthetable.
"Okay.Whatisit?"
"Youjustsaidnotoabeer,"Gradysaid,exchangingameaningfulnodwithDrew.
"Thereareonlythreeothertimesyoueverturneddownthefirstbeerofthe
summer."
"Anycoincidencethatshealsohasthreelittlegirlsplayinginthewoodsright
now?"Drewinquired,loweringhisvoiceanotch.
"Don'ttease,"Mallorysaid."Sowhatifshedoesn'tfeellikeabeer.Youguysread
toomuchintothesimplestthings."
"Dowe?"
Thelightwasfading,butClairecouldfeeltheminspectingher.Sheresistedthe
urgetosmoothdownherwhiteT-shirt,totrytohidetheexpandingwaistlinethat
wassoobvioustoher.
"It'strue,"shesaidquietly."I'mpregnant.Butthegirlsdon'tknow."Shetooka
deepbreath."EvenKirkdoesn'tknow."
Shestaredintotheheartofthefire,wherethewoodseemedtobeglowingfrom
within.Itwasperfectforroastingwienersnow.Sheshouldcallthekids.Andshe
would.Inaminute.
Whatwereherfriendsthinking?Sheknewthey'dbeexchangingstunnedglances,
althoughnoonehadyetsaidaword.ThenshefeltGrady'sarmaroundher
shoulder.
"Itakeitthere'sareasonyouhaven'ttoldKirk?"
Shenodded,thenturnedherheadintohischest,unabletosayanotherword
withoutcrying.Drewcameuponherotherside,thenMallory.
"It'llbeokay,Claire,"shesaid."Ijustknowitwill."
Clairepressedherlipstogetherandnodded.Withthebackofherhand,she
brushedawaythemoisturethathadcollectedalonghereyelashes.Afteradeep
breath,shestraightened.
"Th-thanks,guys.Ihopeyou'reright."Butwhatwerethechances?Herhusband
didn'tloveheranymore.Helovedsomeoneelse.Howcouldanymarriagesurvive
somethinglikethat?
"Howaboutwecallthekidsinfromtheirgame,"Mallorysuggestedgently."The
firelooksaboutright,doesn'tit?"
"Perfect,"Gradysaid,gentlywipingClaire'scheekwithonecallusedfinger.
Atthatmomentthephonerang.Clairestaredatit,notsureshewantedto
answer.IthadtobeKirk.Whoelsewouldcallonhercellphone?Butshewasn't
sureshecouldtalktohimrightnow.
"Isthefireready?"Andiecametearingoutfrombehindthewoodshed,still
holdingAngel'shand."I'mstarving!"
"Me,too!"Angelsaid.
"Andme!"
"Andme!"
ClairereachedforthewoodensticksthatKirkhadcarvedseveralyearsago,but
Mallorytookthemoutofherhand.
"We'llgetthekidsorganized,"shesaid."Youanswerthephone."Thensheplaced
theslimpieceofblackplasticintoClaire'shand.
Turningherbackonthefireandthenoiseoffourhungrychildrenandtwohungry
teens,Clairepressedthetalkbutton.
"Hello?"
"Claire?Iwasbeginningtoworry.Didthetripgookay?"
Kirk'svoicesoundedsothinandfragile.Clairetriedtopicturehisface,hisbody.
Wherewashe?Athome?Theoffice?WithJanice?
"Thetripwentfine.Westoppedformilkshakes."Itwassuchatrivialdetailshe
immediatelyfeltsillyformentioningit.Butsuddenlyshelongedtotellhimevery
singlethingthey'ddonesinceleavingthatmorning.
"Soundsnice,"hesaid."Iwish…"
Shehungon,waitingfortheendofthatsentence,buthedidn'tfinish.
"I'dliketocomeupthisweekend,"hesaid."Toseethegirls."
Clairesteppedfartherawayfromthegathering,untilshewascertainnoone
couldhearher."I'mnotsurethat'sagoodidea."
"Whynot?"
Oh,howcouldsheexplain?Thiswastheoneplaceshefeltsafe,protected.Where
shecouldpretend,justforalittlewhite,thateverythingwasstillnormal.Ifhe
droveuptothecottage,allthatpeaceofmindwouldbelosttoher.
"Ineedtoseethegirls,Claire.Imissthemalready."
Whataboutme?Claireputahandtoherchestandclosedhereyes.Shewould
notcry.Notonthephone,nottalkingtohim.Shehadtobestrong.Andshehad
tothinkofthegirls.Hewasright.Theirinterestsmustbeputfirst.
"ThenIguessyou'dbettercome.WhenshouldItellthegirlstoexpectyou?"
"HowaboutSaturdaymorning?"
UsuallyhecameFridaynight.Butmaybehe'dreservedthattimetospendwith
Janice.
"Fine."
"We'lltalkthen,Claire.Weneedtomakesomedecisions."
Clairedidn'twanttomakedecisions.Shewantedahusbandwholovedher.A
fatherforherthreegirlsandfortheunbornchildshecarriedinsideher.
Whenshedidn'tanswer,Kirksaid,"I'llseeyouSaturday,then.Givemyloveto
thegirls."
Claireturnedoffthepoweronthecellphoneandfoughtforhercomposure.She
couldn'tbreakdownnow,notevenwithMallory,Drewand
Gradytocoverforher.She'dseenAndielookatherwhenthephonehadstarted
ringing.
Shehadtoreturntothefireandpretendallwasnormal.
Oh,whywasthishappeningtoher?
CHAPTERSEVEN
Clairespentthenextmorningworkingonherstrawberry-shortcakerecipewith
thegirls.AfterlunchshedrovethemallintoPortCarting,whereshedroppedher
columnoffattheGazettewithjustapangofnervousness.
"Howaboutwestopforanice-creamconeatMarg'sPastryShop,"sheproposed.
ShewashopingtolightenthemoodafterAndie'stantrumjustanhourearlier.
Themorninghadstartedpromisinglyenough,withAndiecompletingthefirsttwo
pagesofhermathworkbookmuchmorequicklyandaccuratelythanonewould
expectfromastudentwithbelow-averagemathgrades.
Andshe'dbeencooperativeinthekitchenasshe'dthickenedfrozenstrawberries
forthecenterlayeroftheshortcake.
Onlylater,whiletheyweresamplingtheresults,hadshethrownherfit."Whydid
wemakeDaddy'sfavoritedessert,whenheisn'tevenheretohaveany?"She'd
runtoherroomandstayedthereuntilitwastimetoleaveforPortCarling.
ClairegaveAndiemoneyforthecones,thensatinaboothtowait.Therealissue
wasn'tthestrawberryshortcake,ofcourse.Wasitboredom?ItseemedtoClaire
thatAndiespentfartoomuchtimeonherown,reading.Ifonlytherewere
anotheryounggirlAndie'sagenearby…
"Problems?"Gradyslidintothebenchseatacrossfromher.
"Hey,Grady."Shesmiled."Justalittlekidtrouble."
"Anykidinparticular?"
"Andie."ClairetoldhimaboutAndie'sdecliningmarks."Theproblemsstarted
shortlyaftershehadafalling-outwithafriendnamedErin."
"Wasitabigfight?"
"I'mnotsure.AccordingtoAndie,theyjustgotboredwitheachother,butIdon't
know…"
"Thathappens."
"True.ButAndiehasotherfriends,friendsofherssincekindergarten.Andshe
hasn'tbeeninterestedinanyofthemforalongtime,either."
"Soundslikethere'smoregoingonhere."
"Iagree.ButAndiewon'ttalktome,andherteacherswearsshe'sseenno
evidenceofanyproblemshitheclassroomorontheplayground.Noteasingor
bullyingoranythingofthatnature."
"Taylorwentthroughaphraseoncewherehejustwantedtobeonhisown.He
neverwasassocialashisbrother."
"IfAndiewantstimetoherself,mat'sjustfinewithme.Aslongasshe'shappy…"
ButClairedidn'tthinkthatAndiewashappy.Infact,theveryoppositeseemed
true.NotwantingtoburdenGradyfurtherwithherproblems,shechangedthe
subject.
"HowareTaylorandWarrendoing,bytheway?Dotheystillenjoyreportingon
high-schoolsportsfortheGazette?'
“Thatjobhasbeenalifesaver.Keepsthembusynightsandweekends."Grady
glancedaroundthesmallcafeasiflookingforsomeone,beforefocusingbackon
her,grinninginhisoldfamiliarway.
"Justthinkofthetroublewegotintoattheirage,thenmultiplyitbytwo,and
thataboutsumsitup."
"Iwasanonlychild,butIguessIgavemyparentstheirshareofgrayhairs."
"AndIhelped."Grady'sgrinwidened,andClairewonderedifhewasthinking
aboutthesummerbeforetheirlastyearofhighschool,whenthetwoofthemhad
dated.Twoglorious,wonderfulmonths.InthefallClairehadreturnedtoToronto,
butthey'dstayedintouch—untilGrady'soldgirlfriendfoundoutshewas
pregnant,andclaimedGradyasthefather.
"Butyoucan'tmarryBess,"Clairehadargued."Itwouldbeaterriblemistake."
Afterall,he'dbrokenupwithBess,hadn'the?AndhewascrazyaboutClaire.
Justasshewascrazyabouthim.
Sherememberedhowhe'dsetherhearttopoundingjustbybrushinghisfingers
onthebackofherneckorplacingahandgentlyonherthigh.Hehadsuchalight
touch,yethewassoconfident,sosure.She'dbeenaspliantasbiscuitdoughin
hishands,andneverhadsheregrettedthathe'dbeenherfirst.
Buthe'dleftherforBess,andthetwoofthemmarriedaweekaftergraduation.
Clairecouldn'tevenrememberthenameoftheguyshe'dendeduptakingto
grad.Sinceitcouldn'tbeGrady,ithadn'treallymattered.
She'dgonetocollege,thengottenajobattheSheratonCentreindowntown
Toronto.Thatwaswhereshe'dmetKirk.HisfirmhelditsannualChristmasdinner
anddanceintheDominionBallroom,andshe'dbeenthespecial-events
coordinatoratthetime.
Andlookwhatthathadledto—
"Mom,canweeatourconesoutside?"Daisyasked,skippingbackfromthe
counterwithaverygenerouskiddie-sizecone.
"Sure.Wasthereanychange?"
Andiedroppedafewcoinstothetable.
"Thanks,hon."SheglancedbackatGrady,buthisattentionwaselsewhere.She
followedhisgaze,andsawatinywoman,dressedinjeansandatightblacktank
top,stepinthedoorwithayounggirlaboutJenna'sage.
TereseBalfour,Clairerealized.HadGradyarrangedtomeetherhere?Thatwould
explainthewayhe'dbeencasingthejoint.
Yes.TeresesmiledandwavedasshecaughthisgazeandClairewassurprisedto
seeGradyflushinresponse.
"Excusemeaminute?"heaskedher.
"Sure."
Shewatchedhimapproachthecounterandbendlowtosaysomethingquietlyto
Terese,thentoheryoungdaughter.Thelittlegirlgiggledandwrappedherarms
aroundhiswaist.
Clairedecidedsheshouldgooutsideandjoinhergirls.She'dmetTeresebefore;
TeresehadevenbeenatthecottageforDrewandMallory'swedding.Butfor
somereasonClairedidn'tfeellikesayinghi.
Saturday,ClairewascleaningthebreakfastdisheswhensheheardKirk'ssedan
pullupthelane.Sheglancedoutthekitchenwindow,surprisedtoseehimso
early.Thegirlsexplodedoutthefrontdoorbeforehehadachancetoslideout
fromthefrontseatofhiscar.
"Daddy,Daddy!Ilostmytooth!"
Clairemovedawayfromtheopenwindowasbittersweetpainbroughtyetmore
tearstohereyes.Thegirlslovedhimsomuch.Didherealizehowluckyhewasto
havethatspecialtrust?
Shewenttothedecktogatherthebeachtowelsshe'dputoutontherailingto
drylastnight.Carefully,shefoldedtheminastackonachair,thenwaitedforthe
soundofthescreendoorclosing,beforeshewentbackinside.
Thethreegirlsweretrailingtheirfather.Jennawasinsistingthathechecktosee
ifhertoothwasreadytocomeout,likeDaisy's.
"Stillgoingtobeawhile,kiddo,"hetoldher.
ItwasnicetoseeKirkoutofbusinessattire,wearingtan-coloredshortsanda
forest-greengolfshirt.Hisdarkblondhairhadreddishglintsinthebright
morninglight,andClairecouldtellfromacrosstheroomthathehadn'tshaved.
Thewaythegirlswereclingingtohim,you'dthinktheyhadn'tseenhimina
month.Oddlyenough,afterallhertalkofmissingherfather,An-diewastheone
whowashangingback.Withastart,Clairerealizedherdaughterwaswatching
her.
Self-consciously,Clairecrossedtheroom."Howwasthedrive?"Alltooawareof
Andie'sscrutiny,sheleanedforwardtokissKirklightlyonthecheek.
Shesawthesurpriseflashinhiseyes,thencomprehensionashekissedherback,
hishandreachingouttograspherupperarmtightly.
"Howareyou,Claire?"
Hisquestionmadeherthinkofherpregnancy,andshewasgladshe'dwornher
loosedenimjumper—aperfectchoiceforcamouflagingthechangestoherbody.
"Oh,thegirlsaretryingtodrivemecrazy,asusual,"shesaid,huggingJennaand
Daisynexttoher."ButsofarI'vestayedoutoftheloonybin."
"Mo-om,"Andiegroaned.Shesidleduptoherfather."We'remakingstrawberry
shortcakefordesserttonight,Dad."
"Yum.Myfavorite."Kirksethisduffelbagandbulgingbriefcaseonthefloor.
"Canwegooutontheboatthisweekend?"Daisyaskedhim.
"Willyoutakeusforanicecream?"
"Yesandyes."Kirknoddedatthetwoyoungest."Whataboutyou,Andie?What's
onyourlistfortheweekend?"
Andiescuffedasandaledfootagainstthepinefloor.
"I'dliketodosomethingasafamily,"shesaid."Doyouthinkwecouldallplay
Monopolytonight?"
Clairepressedherlipstogether,awarethatKirkwascheckingherexpression,but
notdaringtoreturnhislook.Shenoddedslightly,thenheardhimsay,"Sure,
Andie.Ifthat'swhatyouwant."
"DoesithavetobeMonopoly,Andie?"Clairesaid,tryingtosoundlighthearted.
"Youknowyourfatheralwayswinswhenweplaythatgame."
Familytimeshecouldhandle,shedecided.AslongassheandKirkdidn'thaveto
bealone.
Itturnedouttherewasnoneedtoworry.Thegirlsclungtohissideallday.
First,theywentforacruiseonthelake,takingalongapicniclunch,whichthey
ateintheboat.ThenKirkdrovethegirlsintotown,givingherachancetohavea
bitofabreak.
Notthatshewasabletorelax.TohaveKirkhere,tobeactingasthoughthey
wereonebighappyfamilywhenthetruthwasjusttheopposite,wassobizarre.
Howlongcouldtheykeepupthischaradeforthesakeofthechildren?
Andyet,apartofherwashappytoseehim.Thatsheshouldfeelthisway,when
he'dbetrayedherashehad,struckherassounfair.Whycouldn'tshejusthate
himandbedonewithit?Thatwouldbemuchsimpler.
Butshedidn'thateKirk.Infact,atendernessswelleduphiher,attheoddest
moments.SuchaswhenDaisyclimbedonhislaptotellhimaboutthenewgame
she'dmadeupwithhersisters.Orwhenhestoppedinhistrackstofixaboard
thathadcomelooseonthedeck.
Notuntillatethatnight,pastteno'clock,afteradinnerofbarbecuedhamburgers,
withstrawberryshortcakefordessert,andatwo-hour-longgameofMonopoly
thatfinallyendedinastalematebetweenAndieandKirk,didtheyhavetimeto
talkatlast,justthetwoofthem.
NotthatClairewantedtotalk.Butclearly,theycouldn'tgoonastheywere.
WhenKirkcamebackfromtuckingthegirlsin,shehadapotofdecafcoffee
ready.
"Thanks."Kirktookhismug,andoutofhabittheywenttositbythefire—on
oppositeendsofthesofa.Thenightwasuncharacteristicallycool,andKirkhad
builtupablazewhiletheywereplayingMonopoly.Nowthelogsglowedamber,
givingthemsomethingtolookat,ratherthaneachother.
"Thegirlsseemokay,"Kirkfinallysaid.
"Yes.AlthoughAndiehashadsomeupsanddowns.IwishIknewwhatwasgoing
oninherhead."
"Ican'tbelievehowhermarksdeterioratedthisyear."
"Istillthinkmere'saproblemwiththekidsatschool."
"PoorAndie."
Yes.PoorAndie.Clairefeltlikecryingeverytimesheimaginedtellingtheireldest
daughtertheyweregettingadivorce.ThatwasnotwhatAndieneededrightnow.
Butmaybeitwouldbebettertogeteverythingoutintheopen.Eventually,Andie
wouldcometoacceptthesituation—didshehaveanychoice?
"We'vegottotelldiem,Kirk."
Kirkrubbedhischin,andsheheardthescratchofhiswhiskers."Whatisit,
exactly,thatwe'regoingtotellthem?"
Washebeingobtuseonpurpose?"Thatwe'reseparating."Shewouldn'tsay
divorce,notagain.Hewouldhavetobringupthesubject.
"Isthatwhatwe'redoing?"
"Well,that'ssureashellhowitfeels."Thiswassofrustrating.Whydidhekeep
turningherquestionsaround?Shewastryingtoberealistic,tryingtofacethe
facts.Didn'theknowhowhardthiswasforher?Evenwhentheyweretogether,
shefeltasthoughaglasswallwereseparatingthem.
"You'retheonewhowantedmetomoveout,"heremindedher.Hefinishedhis
coffeeandsetthemugdownonthetableinfrontofthem."Haveyougivenany
furtherthoughttotheideaofcounseling?"
Howfunnythewayheaskedthat.Asifshe'dthoughtofanythingelse.Thelogical
sideofherknewitwasareasonablesteptotake.Forthechildren'ssake,ifnot
hersandKirk's.Buttheemotionalside…
"Kirk,what'sthechancewecansavethismarriagewhenyou'reinlovewith
someoneelse?"
Hehadthegracetolookabashed."I'vebeendoingalotofthinkingsinceyouand
thegirlsleft."Heleanedforward,staringintothefire.
"Oh?"
"I'vemissedyou.Allofyou."Heglancedather,thenturnedaway,asifhedidn't
reallyexpecthertobelievehim."Ifyouagreetocometocounselingwithme,
thenI'llstopseeingJanice.Ihaven'tseenhersinceyouleft,anyway."
Clairehadtofightnottocryitwassucharelieftofindouthehadn'tbeen
spendingallhistimewithJanice.Orhadhe?Couldshereallybelievewhathewas
tellingher?
"Howisthatpossible,whenyouworktogether?"
"IguessIshouldhavebeenmoreclear.I'veseenherattheoffice,butwehaven't
spoken.ItoldherIneededtosortthingsoutwithyoufirst."
Oh,shewantedtobelievehim.Butthismanhadliedtoherinthepast.He'd
phonedtosayheneededtoworklate,whenitwasreallyanexcusetospendtime
withJanice.
"AndIshouldbelieveyoubecause—"
Kirk'sbroadshouldersroseandfellonalongsigh.Shecouldseetheflushof
coloronhischeekbones,whichwerehighlightedintheglowfromthefire.
"I'lladmitthereweretimeswhenIstretchedthetruth—stretcheditterribly.
Usually,atleastsomeworkwasinvolved."Hesighedoncemore,thenstoodto
throwanotherpieceofbirchonthefire.
"Iguessmere'smorethanonewaytodeceiveyourwife."
Thecoloronhischeeksdarkened."Okay.Ideservedthat.Thepointis,Claire,I'm
tellingthetruthnow.Iammakinganefforttodotherightthing.YoubelieveI
lovemykids,don'tyou?"
Clairestood,crossingherarmsoverherchest."Yes."Shewalkedtothewindows.
Inthedarkthewall-lengthpanesactedlikemirrors.Shetriedtoseepasther
imagetothecalmlakeoutside,butitwasimpossible.
Ofcoursehelovedhiskids.Buthedidn'tloveher.
"Goaheadandbookanappointment,"shesaid."Doyouhaveacounselorin
mind?"
Hecameupbesideher,andforamomentshethoughthewouldtouchher,buthe
stayedafullarm'slengthaway."Yes.Iphonedourfamilydoctor.Shegavemea
name."Hefishedacardfromhisbackpocket."RivaSharp.Shespecializesin
familycounseling,includingcouplestherapy."
Couplestherapy.ToClairetheconceptwassuspect.Shewonderedhowmanyof
thecoupleswhowenttotherapyendedupstayingtogether.Orwasthisjustan
extrasteptoprolongtheseparationprocess?
"HowaboutTuesdayafternoon?"Kirkasked."Couldyoufindsomeonetowatch
thegirls?"
"Isupposeyou'vealreadybookedtheappointment."
"Don'tbeangry,Claire.Ihopedyou'dsayyes."Heturnedtowardherthen,
touchinghershouldertentatively."Ican'tstandlivingthisway.I'vegottoknowif
wecanfixourmarriage."
Ornot.Clairemovedawayfromhim,towardthefire.Shewasn'tsureifshe
wantedtobeathimwithherfistsorbeghimtoholdher.Eitherway,tobenear
himwasn'tsafe.Shepickedupthepokerandopenedthescreen.Whenshetried
toflipovertheremnantofthelastlog,itdissolvedintoashes.Shereturnedthe
pokertoitscast-ironstandandshutthemeshscreening.
"Okay,"shesaidfinally."Whattime?"
"Twoo'clock."
"I'llbethere."
CHAPTEREIGHT
ThenextmorningKirkspentacoupleofhoursoutonthedeckafteralongearly-
morningswim,dealingwiththatbulgingbriefcasehe'dbroughtfromtheoffice.
Clairesippedherbalteauntilsheshookoffherdullheadache—thelegacyofyet
anotherrestlessnight.
She'dmeanttotellKirkyesterdaythatshewaspregnant.Severaltimesshe'd
evenopenedhermouth,butsomehowthewordshadstalledatthebackofher
throat.
Whyhadn'tshetoldhim?
Becauseitwasn'tsupposedtobethisway!Anewbabywassupposedtobegood
news.Notacomplicationinanalreadyvolatilesituation.
Shedidn'twanttoseeKirk'sfacecrumpleinresignationorshockordisbelief
whenheheardaboutthisbaby.Notafterhe'dbeensodelightedaboutthefirst
three.She'dneverforgethowtightlyhe'dsqueezedherwhentheygotthecall
aboutAndie.Orhowhe'dsentflowerswhenshewasjustsixweekspregnantwith
Daisy—givingClairetheinspirationforherseconddaughter'sname.Twoyears
later,whenherthirdpregnancywasconfirmed,they'dsplurgedonasittertogo
outfordinner.
Theirfinancialsituationhadbeentighterbackthen.Thatdinnerouthadbeena
realtreat.Oddhow,nowthattheycouldaffordit,shecouldn'trememberthelast
timesheandKirkhadgoneoutjustthetwoofthem.
WhyhadittakenKirk'sconfessiontomakehernoticethesethings?Thedwindling
oflovingwordsandactions,oftimespenttogether.Thethoughtfultouchesthat
hadmadethemacouple,notjustmotherandfathertothesamethreekids.
Thechangeshadtakenplacesograduallyshe'dneverrealizedhermarriagehad
enteredthedangerzone.
Clairerinsedouthermugandplaceditinthedishwasher.Thegirlswereoutside
collectingitemsfromascavengerlistshe'dgiventhemafterbreakfast.Firstone
tocomeupwithalltwelvewouldgettheplasticfigurethey'dfoundinthebottom
ofthecerealboxthatmorning.Inthemeantime,shewantedtoexperimentwith
somerecipesforthisweek'scolumn.Shehadanideaforafat-reducedpotato
salad.Andherbean-and-cornsaladwithcilantrowasalwaysabighit.Once
made,shecouldservethemasanearlydinner,beforeKirkwentbacktoToronto.
Clairedidn'tknowwhethershewasrelievedordisappointedabouthisupcoming
departure.Ofcourse,itwouldn'tbelonguntilshesawhimagain.
TheyhadthatappointmentbookedforTuesday.Justthinkingaboutitmadeher
bellytightenwithapprehension.DidKirkreallywanttosalvagetheirmarriage?
Orwashejustgoingthroughthemotionssohecouldtellhimselfhe'ddone
everythinghecouldtotrytomakeitwork?
Ormaybehewasdoingitfortheirchildren.Because,likeher,hehatedtobreak
uptheircomfortable,securehome.
Thatwasn'tabadreason,ofcourse,butasshescrubbedpotatoeswitha
vegetablebrush,Clairehadtoadmitthatshewishedheweremotivatedbymore
thangoodintentionstowardhisfamily.
Wheredidhisfeelingsforherfactorin?shemused.Ifindeedhehadany.
Atnoonontuesday,ClairedroppedherchildrenoffatMallory's.Theywere
excitedattheprospectofspendingthedayinPortCarlingwithAngel.Mallory
wasgoingtotakethemdowntotheparkbythebridge,wheretheycouldwatch
themotorboatstravelingthroughthelocksbetweenLakesMuskokaandRosseau.
Iftheywerelucky,they'dspottheRMSSegwunasthesteamshippassedthrough
thelocksorstoppedforpassengers."Here'sabatchofgranolasquaresforthe
kidstosnackon."ClairesettheplasticcontaineronMallory'skitchencounter.
"Andthisbaghasspareclothing,suntanlotionandhats."
"Perfect."Malloryleanedagainstthecounter,munchingonanapple."You're
alwayssoorganized.Withthreechildren,howdoyoudoit?"
"Withthreechildren,howcouldInot?"Claireopenedherpurseandpulledouta
coupleofsheetsofpaper."IalsohavemycolumnfortheGazette.Couldyougive
ittoDrewforme?"
"Youbet."Mallorytooktheenvelope."Drewsayshe'shadlotsofcallsaboutyour
firstcolumn."
"Oh?"Clairehadwonderedifmerewouldbeanyreaction.
"Allpositive.Iguessalotofpeoplehavemissedthatcolumnthesepastfew
years."
"Well,that'sarelief.Itisn'teasyfollowinginthefootstepsofAngelaDriscoll."
"Iknow.Shereallywassomething.DrewandIstillmisshersomuch."
Clairesqueezedherfriend'sshoulder.Angie'scancerhadstruckherdownso
swiftlyherfamilyandfriendshadhadnotimetopreparefortheloss.
"ShewouldhavebeensohappytoseeyouandDrewtogether.AndAngel…"
"Iliketothinkso."
"Bytheway,didyoutrytherecipe?Thestrawberryshortcake?"
"Claire,youknowDrewandIareculinarychallenged.Werelyonyouforour
home-cookedmeals.ButIheardGradyhadalotofsuccesswiththerecipethis
weekend.Thetwinsdroppedofftheirsportscolumnlastnightandmentionedthat
he'dservedtheshortcakefordessert."
HadTereseandherdaughterbeentheretoshareit?Clairedidn'taskthequestion
becauseshewasashamedofthestabofresentmentshefeltatthethoughtofthe
youngmotherandherchildenjoyingamealwiththeHogans.
Shedidn'tknowwhyshewasn'tpleasedtoseeGradyinthisnewrelationship.He
certainlydeservedtofindhisownhappinessnowthatBesshadleft.Andwhile
ClairehadreservationsaboutTerese,obviouslyeveryoneelselikedher.
"Idon'tmeantorushyou,"Mallorysaid,"butshouldn'tyoubegoing?Yousaid
yourappointmentwasattwo."
Claire'sstomachtensedaroundthebranmuffinandmilkshe'dforcedherselfto
haveforbreakfast.Glancingdownatherwatch,shenodded."You'reright.Wish
meluck."
Mallorywalkedhertothevan,thenleanedthroughtheopenwindowasClaire
turneddiekeyintheignition."IwantnothingmorethanforyouandKirktosort
thisout,"shesaid."Anddon'tworryaboutthegirls.We'llhavelotsoffun."
"Youknow,onethingthisdisasterhasremindedmeofishowluckyIamtohave
goodfriendslikeyouandDrew."Claireslippedonhersunglasses."Thanks,
Mallory."
Mallorypattedherarm."Youbet.Now,don'trushback.Takewhatevertimeyou
need.Anddon'tworry,"sheaddedinaloudervoiceasClairepulledoutfromthe
curb.
Clairesmiledandwaved.Don'tworry.Howcouldshenot?
ThecounselorKirkhadchosenwasfromBarrie.Thecitywasareasonable
midpointbetweenthecottageandToronto—indicative,perhaps,ofthekindof
compromisethey'dneedtosavetheirmarriage.
Savetheirmarriage…
Forasecond,hopelightenedthepressureagainstherchest,butalltoosoon
realismsetin.RegardlessofwhetherKirkhadsleptwithJanice,he'dbrokenhis
weddingvowtoClaire.Hewasinlovewiththeotherwoman,andhowcould
Clairecompete?Shewastenyearsolder,overweight—andpregnantontopof
everything!
Andshedidn'tevenwanttocompete.Aftertwelveyears,sheshouldn'thaveto.If
Kirkdidn'tvaluewhattheyhadtogether,thenshedidn'twanthim.
Sheturnedtheradiouploudandtriednottothinkasthemilesflewby.Kirkhad
leftherRivaSharp'sbusinesscard,andtheaddresswaseasytofind.Claireeased
thevanintoaparkingspotinfrontofthesmallbrickstructure,whichhouseda
legalfirmandaninsurancebrokerage,aswellasthecounselingpractice.
Kirk'ssedanwasalreadythere,parkedacrossthestreet,andshestaredatitfora
fewsecondsbeforepullingdowntheflapoverthevanitymirrorandreapplying
herlipstick.Whattoweartoamarriagecounselingsession?Thathadbeenher
quandarythismorning.Ithadbeencomplicated,ofcourse,byherneedtohide
herpregnancy.
Buthidingitwouldnolongerbenecessaryaftertoday.ShewasgoingtotellKirk
forsurethistime.Maybeafterthesessionwasovertheycouldgoforacoffeeor
something.
Iftheywerestillspeaking.
Sheflickedtheswitchtolockthevandoors,thensmootheddownherdenim
jumper.Shewaswearingablack,scooped-necktopunderneath,andfashionable
blackplatformsandals.Silverhoopshungfromherears,andhertoenails
gleamedrose-pinkfromlastnight'smanicure.
Shelookedokayforathirty-seven-year-oldwomanwhowasthreemonths
pregnant.Andwhosehusbandwasinlovewithanotherwoman.
Rivasharp'sofficewasbothcozyandprofessionalinappearance.Thewallswere
linedwithbookshelvesandadeskwastuckeddiscreetlybehindanintimate
arrangementofasofaandseveralchairs.
KirkwassittinginoneofthosechairswhenRivaopenedthedoor.Clairefelther
heartthudatthesightofhim.Helookedsohandsome,socalmandassured.How
wasthatpossible?
Hewasdressedinanavyfour-buttonsuit,withapaleblueshirtandoneofhis
jazzierties.Somehowsheknewhehadn'tprocrastinatedinfrontofthemirror,as
shehad,tryingtodecidewhattowear.
Despitethefreshcoatoflipstick,herlipsfeltdryasshesmiledathim,beforeshe
turnedtothecounselor.Rivaseemedtobeinherearlyforties.Blackhair
streakedwithsilver,warmeyesliketoastedpecans,andawidesmile.Shewas
wearingafull-skirtedcottondressthatswishedaroundherlegsasshewalked.
OnherfeetshehadonBirkenstocks,hertoenailsunpainted.
"Comein,Claire.Howwasthedrive?Wouldyoulikeacoffee?"
"Shetakescream,"Kirksaid.
Amused,Clairesatonthesofa,vaguelyawarethatKirkhadrisen,thenseated
himselfagain.Twomugsalreadysatonceramiccoastersonthelowtableinfront
ofthem,nexttoaglassbowlofpaper-wrappedcandies.Amomentlater,athird
mugwasplacedonanewcoasterinfrontofher.
"Thereyougo,Claire.I'msogladyoucouldmakeit."
Howgenialeveryonewasbehaving,asifthiswereasimplesocialgathering.
Clairesetherpurseinherlapandfoldedherarmsoverit.Rivatookachairon
theothersideofthesofa.Ifsomeonehaddrawnlinesconnectingthethreeof
them,theresultwouldhavebeenanequilateraltriangle.Perfectlybalanced,
Clairethought,withnobiases.Anotheromen?
"Sohowareyoudoing,Claire?"Rivaleanedforwardoverherthighs.
"I'vebeenbetter."Now,therewasanunderstatement.
"Yes.I'msureyouhave.Kirkexplainedyoursituationtomeoverthephone.And
wehadafewminutestotalkbeforeyouarrived.Nowit'syourturn.Isthere
anythingyou'dliketoaskmebeforewegetstarted?"
"Doestherapyreallysavemarriages?"Shehadn'tmeanttobesoblunt,but
wasn'tthatwhatsheneededtoknow?Shedidn'twanttogothroughweeksof
meetingsiftherewasn'tanyhope.
"Therapycanhelp.Itusuallydoes."Rivasatbackinherchair,herexpression
suddenlystern."Asforsavingamarriage—well,thatpart'suptoyou.Uptoboth
ofyou."SheglancedatKirk,thenturnedtoClaireagain.
"Doyouwanttosaveyourmarriage,Claire?"
Theabruptquestioncaughtheroffguard."IthinkKirkshouldanswerthatfirst."
"Why?"
Wasn'titself-evident?SurelyKirkhadtoldherthefundamentalsoftheir
situation."He'stheonewho'sfalleninlovewithsomeoneelse."
Forthefirsttimesinceshe'dwalkedintheroom,Claireangledherbodysoshe
facedherhusband,andlookedathim,reallylookedathim.Hemethergazewith
resignation.Orwasitsorrow?
"Isn'tthatright?"shedemanded,wantinghimtosaysooutloud,infrontofthe
therapist.
Foralongmomenthedidn'tanswer.Thenhischestrosewithadeep,indrawn
breath,andhenodded."JaniceandIhadanemotionalconnectionthatClaireand
Ihavebeenmissingforalongtime.That'strue."
Jealousy,morepotentthananyvenom,shotthroughClaire'sbloodstream.
Channelingtheemotionintoanger,sheretaliatedquickly."Well,it'sprettyhard
tohaveanemotionalconnectionwithamanwho'sneverhome."
Kirkdidn'tdefendhimself,andintheensuingsilence,Rivaspokecautiously."I
understandyouranger,Claire.Buthaveyouseenthepositiveaspectofthis
situation?"
"Positiveaspect?"UpuntilthismomentClairehadreservedjudgmentonthe
olderwoman.NowshehadtowonderatRiva'ssanity.
"WhatI'mgettingat,"thetherapistcontinued,"isthatKirktoldyouaboutthis
womanbeforetherelationshipprogressedtoafullyintimatestage.Thathasto
tellyousomething,Claire."
Whatthecounselorwantedhertosaywasobvious.ThatKirk'shonestywasasign
hecaredaboutthemarriage.Iftheyweretalkingaboutoneincidentonly,Claire
mightbemorepreparedtoagree.ButKirkhaddeceivedherformonths.Hewas
anadult;he'dknownwhathewasdoing.
"Itsayshewasfeelingbloodyguilty!"
Shetookashallowbreath,thencontinued."Asheshouldhave.Thefactthathe
didn'tsleepwithherdoesn'tmakeitanylesswrong.Hefellhilovewithher!"
Riva'sexpressionwasnoncommittal.Didn'tshegetit?
"Formonthshetoldmelies,neglectedourkids,spentallhisfreetimewithher.
Sowhatiftheydidn'tactuallyhavesex?Andsowhatifguiltfinallymadehim
admitthetruthtome?Heshouldneverhavelettherelationshipprogressasfar
asitdid."
Shewasraving.Claireknewit,andshetriedtocalmdown,butdamnit,shefelt
thecounselorwasmakingexcusesforKirk.
"Youmaynotthinkmyhusband'shadanaffair,andmaybetechnicallyhehasn't.
Butinhisheart—"sheglancedatKirk,meetinghisgaze"—he'sasguiltyassin
andheknowsit."
Kirkheldherlook;theonlyindicationsthathe'dtakeninherwordswerethe
palingofhiscomplexionandthetighteningofhislips.
Afterafewmomentsofsilence,Rivafinallyspoke."Doyouhaveanythingtosay,
Kirk?"
HeclearedhisthroatandshiftedhisgazefromClairetoRiva."She'sright.Ilet
myrelationshipwithJanicestrayoutofbounds.AndIknewwhatIwasdoing.I
can'tjustifyit,beyondsayingthatitmademehappytobewithher."
No!Didhehaveanyideahowthathurt?
"Icanseethatupsetsyou,"Rivasaidquietly."What'swrong,Claire?"
"I’mtheonehe'ssupposedtobehappywith."
"Butareyouhappywithme?"Kirkcountered."Itdoesn'tfeelthatway.WhenI
comehome,allIsensefromyouisdisappointment.Idon'tevenhavemyfootin
thedoorandIknowyou'realreadyangryatme."
"There'sadifferencebetweenmybeingangrywhenyoucomehomelatefrom
workandyourhavinganaffair!"
Kirk'sexpressionwascoldashereplied,"Isupposethereis."
Hewasunbelievable!Clairewantedtowalkoutoftheroomrightthen,butRiva
leanedoverandplacedahandonhers."Anaffairdoesn'thavetomeantheend
ofamarriage."
Clairethoughtaboutthatforaminute."Youmeanyougetcoupleswhereoneof
thepartnerswasactuallysleepingwithsomeoneelseandtheyendupstaying
together?"
"Ithappensallthetime.Moreoftenthanyoumightthink.Therearereasons,
goodreasons,forkeepingamarriagetogether.Atthesametime,affairsdo
happen.Sometimes,thepartnerscangetpastit.Sometimes,theycan't.Often,it
dependsonthebasisforthemarriageinthefirstplace.Arethespouseswell
matched?Dotheysharevaluesandinterests?"
Once,Clairewouldhavesaidyestothosequestions.Nowshethoughtaboutthe
hoursKirkputintowork.Hewasconsumedbyhisneedforsuccess.Hadhe
consciouslyplacedhisworkgoalsaheadoftheneedsofhiswifeandchildren?
''Kirk'sjobhascomefirstforalongtimenow.''
"That'snotfair,"heretaliated."JustbecauseIdon'tworkninetofivedoesn't
meanIdon'tlovemyfamily."
"Doesn'tit?Whenwasthelasttimeyouwenttooneofthekids'soccergames?
Youcouldn'tmakeDaisy'sdancerecitalinJune."
"Icouldn'thelpitthatIhadameeting—"
Hadhe?Ormaybehe'djustbeenspendingmoretimewithJanice.Claire
wonderedwhywasshesittinghere.Listeningtohimwasjustmakinghermore
angry.Moreresentful."There'salwayssomeexcuse,isn'tthere."
"Youdon'tappreciatethepressuresofmyjob."
"Andyoudon'tappreciatethepressuresofmine."Hethoughtstayinghomeand
takingcareofthreekidswasapicnic.Sheknewhedid."Itwouldbenicetohave
alittleassistanceattimes.Itwouldbenicetohaveabreak,occasionally,atthe
endofaday."
"I'vetoldyouI'dhavenoproblemwithyouhiringacleaninglady."
Acleaninglady?Themanjustdidn'tgetit."God,Kirk,I'mthreemonthspregnant
andyouhaven'tbeenaroundenoughtonotice!"
CHAPTERNINE
"Pregnant?"Kirkfellbackinhischair,theworldaroundhimdarkeningsothat
therewasonlyonefocalpoint.Hiswife'sface.
She'dgonequiet.Thepoisonintheirargumenthadfounditsantidote,andthat
hadbeenherstunningannouncement.
"Pregnant."Heknewitwastrue.Subtlesignshe'dbeentootroubledtodetect
lineduplikearrowsmarkingtherouteonamap.
Hisgazesliddownthefrontofherdenimdress,whichcouldn'tquitedisguisethe
thickeningofherwaist,thefullnessofherbreasts.Insomecornerofhisbrain
he'dregisteredthathiswifewasgainingweight.Ithadn'toccurredtohimto
wonderwhy.
"Youcouldhavetoldme."
Clairelookedathimwearily."CouldIhave?"
Emotionsqueezedoffhisthroat.Blinking,Kirkstood,thengropedhiswaytothe
window.
CouldIhave?Claire'squestionwasstillaliveintheroom,bouncingoffthewalls,
playingoverandoverinhishead.
Ofcourseshecouldn'thavetoldhim.Shewasright.Hespentalmostallhistime
atwork,andwhenhewashome,hewashardlyaccessible.Atleastnot
emotionally.
Kirkpressedhisforeheadagainstthecoolglassofthewindow.God,whatwasthe
matterwithhim?Howcouldhebeinthismess?Thesepastsixmonths…ateach
stephe'dfeltsomehowjustifiedinwhathewasdoing.Now,lookingback,hefelt
onlydisgust.Disgustforthechoiceshe'dmadeandthepainhe'dcaused.Forall
ofthem.
Claire,Janiceandhimself.Therewerenowinnersinthisgame.Nomatterwhat
theeventualoutcome,noonewouldemergeunscathed.
"ObviouslyClaire'srevelationcameasashocktoyou,Kirk,"Rivastated.
Henodded,returningtohischairbutunabletolookatClaire.Time—heneeded
sometime.Claire'spregnancychangedeverything,althoughhowhewasn'tsure.
Didoneunbornchildcountformorethanthreeexistingones?
Hethoughtofhisdaughters,andcordsofguiltwrappedaroundhisneck.Oh,God,
whathadhedone?Andhowtogoaboutsettingthingsright?Tofindtheright
wordstookeffort,andwhenhedid,hisvoicewasn'tassteadyashewouldhave
liked.
"IthinkthebasicsarethereforClaireandme.Butwe'veneverhadthemarriage
weoughttohavehad.Ifwe'regoingtogetanywhere,Ithinkwebothhaveto
admitthatmuch."
Clairelookedathimasifhe'dbetrayedheryetagain.
Buthecouldn'tbackoff.Ifhedidn'tfinishnow,itwouldneverbesaid.
"Something'salwaysbeenmissing."
"No."
Thereitwas.Thatblankdenial.Howcouldhearguewhensherefusedtoseetheir
pastforwhatitwas?
"Whyarewehere?"Claire'shandstrembled."Ifyouwereneverhappy,why
bothertryingtofixthingsatthislatestage?"
Despitehisownbitterguilthefeltanger.Clairewasnevergoingtoforgivehim,
letaloneworkontheproblemsthathadwedgedbetweenthemrightfromthe
start.Maybeitwastimetogiveup.
Thenhethoughtoftheunbornbaby,andhisangerdeepened.Sohehadn'tbeen
aroundasmuchasheshouldhave.Still,hehadn'tdeservedtofindoutabouther
pregnancythisway.Clairethrowingthenewsathimasthoughitwashersecret
trumpcard.Hah!Takethat!
Well,ifcausinghimpainhadbeenhergoal,she'dsureashellsucceeded.Butin
termsofpreservingtheirmarriage…
Hewonderedifhewastheonlyonewhofelttheywerehardlymovingintheright
direction.
somehowRivamanagedtodissipatetheirhostilityenoughtoconvinceClaireand
Kirktobookasecondappointment.ClaireleftKirkatthereceptiondesktosettle
theiraccount.
Onthestreet,shefishedanxiouslyinherpurseforherkeys.Kirk'sbitteranalysis
oftheirlifetogetherwasallshecouldthinkof.Sotheirrelationshiphadalways
beenflawed.Kirkhadneverbeenhappy.Thatwaswhatshe'ddrivenallthisway
todiscover.Sheshouldhaveknownhe'dblameeverythingonher.Nevermind
thathe'dliedandcheatedandfalleninlovewithsomeonenew…
Thedoortothevanwaswarmassheliftedthehandle.Inside,theheatedairwas
suffocating,andsheflinchedwhenshetouchedthehotvinylofthesteering
wheel.Afterturningontheengine,sheputtheairconditioneronHigh,andthat
waswhenshespottedtheslipofpapertrappedbeneathherwindshieldwiper.
Damn!Aparkingticket.Shehadn'tevennoticedthemeterearlier.
SheclimbedoutofthevanandwasjustliftingthewiperbladewhenKirkcame
outoftheoffice.Shestuffedtheticketintothesidepocketofherjumper,then
gotbackintothevan.Butnotfastenough.
"Wherethehelldoyouthinkyou'regoing?"
Theangerinhisvoice,theactualwordsheusedmadeherheartpound.Kirk
didn'tnormallytalkthatway.Shepressedabuttononthepanelbyherelbow,
andthepassengerwindowopenedsmoothly.
"Don'tswearatme!"
Ignoringtheopenwindow,heyankedatthepassengerdoor,thenhauledhisbody
intotheseatnexttoher.Thevanwasroomy,butClairestillfeltuncomfortable,
awarethattheyhadn'tsatthiscloseinthetherapist'soffice.Shetriedtoignore
himassheadjustedtheventsoitwasblowingcoolairdirectlyatherface.
"Don'tyouthinkweoughttotalk?"
Hesoundedcalmernow,butshewasstillannoyed."Itdidn'tseemtodousmuch
goodinthere."
Kirktwistedinhisseatuntilhewasfacingher,hisgazesteady."Hellofawayto
findoutmywifeispregnant.Couldn'tyouhavetoldmethisweekend?"
Shegrippedthewheelandstaredaheadofher."MaybeIwouldhave.IfI'dfelt
morelikeawifeandlesslikeunwantedbaggage."
"Unwantedbaggage,"herepeatedbitterly."Thatprettymuchsumsitup,doesn't
it?"
Whatdidhemean?Wasthatreallyhowhesawher?Shedidn'thavethenerveto
ask.
"ThreemonthsClaire?Areyoureallythatfaralong?"
Sheglancedsidewaysandsawhimeyeingherstomach,herbreasts.Withher
seatbeltfastened,thesignswerealltooobvious.
"Yes.Iwenttothedoctorafewdaysbeforeyoutoldmeabout—aboutJanice.I'd
justgotoffthephonewiththeresultswhenyoucameintothekitchen."
Hecursed."Greattiming."
Claireswallowed,thinkingaboutthechildshewascarrying.Thepoorthing
couldn'thelpthatitsparentswereinsuchamuddle.Yetitwouldsurelyhaveto
livewiththeconsequences.
"Butwhydidyougotothedoctorsolate?Withtheothersweknewbysix
weeks."
"Idon'tknowwhyIdidn'tnoticethesigns.IguessIlosttrackofmyperiod…"
Clairetrailedoffasshewonderedifshewasjustkiddingherself.Hadshereally
beensooblivioustothemessagesherbodywasgivingher?True,shedidn'tget
themorningsicknessthatsomanyotherwomensufferedfrom,butshe'dbeen
tiredandherbreastshadswollen.Thenthere'dbeenthemissedperiods.
Maybeshe'dignoredthesignalsbecausesubconsciouslyshe'dknownher
marriagewasintrouble.
"Thisshock,alltheunhappiness…"Kirkshookhishead."Iknowyouhaven'tbeen
eatingthatwell.Orsleeping,either.Haveyoutalkedtoyourdoctorabout
possibleimpactonthebaby?"
"Mynextappointmentisn'tforthreeweeks.Isawthedoctorjustbeforeweleft
forthelake.AtthatpointI'dlostsomeweight—butthat'stypicalforthefirst
trimester."Shethoughtofthetestshe'dsuggested—shewasoverthirty-fivenow,
andtherewereprecautionsthatshouldbetaken.Butthiswasn'tthetimeforthat
discussion.
"Youneverlostanyweightwiththefirstthree."
True.Itwasn'tthepregnancy;itwastheemotionalduress,andherresultinglack
ofappetite,thatwastoblame."I'mtryingtoeatproperly."
"Oh,Claire."Kirktouchedthesideofhercheekwithhishand.
ForamomentClaireclosedhereyes,thecaressofKirk'shandallshecaredto
thinkabout.Underneaththepolishedbusinessmanveneer,Kirkhadatenderside
thatshe'dseentoolittleoflately.Exceptwhenhewaswiththegirls.Hehad
inordinatepatiencewiththemsometimes,shethought,evenmorethanshedid.
"Howdidthishappentous?"heasked.
Claire'seyesopenedatthereminderoftheirsituation."Howdidthishappen?"
Shepulledbackfromhistouchandslippedhersunglassesfromthevisor."I'mnot
theonewhoneedstoanswerthatquestion."
SomuchforthetendernessinKirk'sexpression.
Heleanedbackinhischair,hismouththinnedtoahard,tightline.
Shestaredathimpointedly."Ihavetogo,Kirk.Mallory'sgotthegirlsandI
promisedI'dbehomebeforedinner."Actually,shehadn'tsaidwhenshe'dbe
home.Andhadn'tMallorytoldhernottorushback?ButKirkdidn'tknowanyof
that.
"Iwanttocomeoutthisweekend.Fridaynight,ifthat'sokay."
Itwasn'tokay.Shedidn'twanttofaceuptowhatwashappeningbetweenthem.
Shedidn'twanttoanalyzewhathadgonewrongorfigureouthowtosetthings
right.Nowallshefeltwasanger,andconcentratingonthatseemedeasier.
Butthenshethoughtofthegirls'disappointmentiftheirfatherdidn'tcomefor
theweekend.
"Yes,"shesaid,fixinghereyesontheroadinfrontofher."Thegirlswouldlike
that."
"Thegirls,Claire?"
Sheknewwhathewasasking,ofcourse,anditwasdefinitelytoomuch.
"Ihavetogo,"sherepeated.
Helookedatherafullminute,butsherefusedtomeethisgaze,focusing,
instead,onthestreet,onthedottedwhiteline,onthetrafficlightswhereshehad
toturntomeetthehighway.Finally,heletoutaraggedsigh."Okay,then."
Heopenedthepassengerdoorandsteppedoutontothesidewalk."Youwilltake
careofyourself?Eatproperlyandgetenoughsleep?"
Hisconcernforhisunbornchildwastouching.Whenithadbeenjusther,he
hadn'tworriedso.Shenoddedcurtly,stillstaringoutthefrontwindow,and
waitedforhimtoclosethedoor.
"It'snotjustthebabyI'mworriedabout."
Oh,sure.Asthoughshewerefoolenoughtobelievethat."I'llbecareful,Kirk."
"Good.I'llseeyouFriday."
CHAPTERTEN
Holdingherselftogetherfortherestofthatweekwasn'teasy,butsomehowClaire
managed.Shehadto,becauseofthechildren.
Thankgoodnessshehadthem.Ifnot,shemighthavegoneinsane,ordrivenoff
inthevanandnevercomeback.AllthoughtsofKirk,oftheirtwelve-year
marriage,broughtwiththemlashesofpain.Yetshecouldthinkoflittleelse.
Shewonderedwheretheyhadgonewrong,whyKirkhadn'ttalkedtoher,whyhe
hadturnedtoJanice.
Andmostpainfulofall,ClairewonderedifhewasmissingJanicenow.He'dsaid
hewouldn'tseeherwhileheandClaireweregoingtotheircounselingsessions.
Butdidhewantto?Washestillthinkingoftheotherwoman?Dreamingofher?
WhenGradyinvitedClaireandthegirlstogowaterskiinglateThursday
afternoon,Claireacceptedeagerly.Thedistractionwasbadlyneeded.Notjustby
her,butbythegirls.AlldayWednesday,andthismorning,too,they'dbeenatone
another'sthroats.EspeciallyAndieandDaisy.
Now,ensconcedinGrady'ssixteen-footfiberglassrunabout,Clairetookherfirst
fullrelaxingbreathoftheday.Shesatsidewayssoshecouldkeepaneyeon
Andie,whowasskiingbehindthewake,aproudsmilespreadoverherface.Daisy
andJennasatinthetwobackseats,wavingmadlyattheireldersister.
"She'sdoinggreat,"Gradyshoutedafteraglanceoverhisshoulder.Thenhe
grinnedatClaireandwinked.Shefocusedbrieflyonhisruggedface,thewhite
flashofhisteeth,thebreadthofhisshoulders.
Gradywasabigman—welloversixfeet,withahuskybuild.Althoughthe
summerseasonhadjustbegun,hewasalreadytanned.Hereyefollowedthe
taperedlinethatledfromhisbarechesttohisflatbelly.Andhewasclearlyin
shape.
Self-consciously,shetuggedthewhiteT-shirtsheworeoverhersuit,amaternity
modelbuilttoaccommodateherexpandingwaistline.Sheherselfwouldn'tbe
drawinganyadmiringlooksthissummer.Notthatshehadinyears.Somehow
thosefiveextrapoundshadn'tdisappearedafterJennathewaytheyhadwiththe
othertwo.
Whatwouldhappenafterthisone?Wouldshegainevenmoreweight?Tenpounds
insteadoffive?Itdidn'tbearthinkingabout.Pressinghersunglassesupagainst
thebridgeofhernose,sheturnedherattentionbacktoAndie,whowasstill
skimmingoverthelake.
"Waytogo,Andie!"Clairewavedencouragingly.ToobadKirkhadtomissthis—
theireldestdaughter'sfirstskioftheseason.Thethoughtcameautomatically,
followedquicklybyastabofpain.Kirkwasn'there,andmaybe,afterthis
summer,hewouldneverbeagain.Atleastnotwhenshewasaround.
Claireswallowed,andjabbedathersunglassesagain.ShecouldseetheHogans'
gray-painteddockinfrontofthem.Grady'ssonTaylorwasstandingattheedge,
shoutinginstructionstoAndie.Besidehimweretwootherpeoplewhohadn'tbeen
thereearlier.Awomanandachild.TereseBalfourandherdaughter,Lisa.
ClaireglancedatGrady.He,too,hadspottedthenewcomersandhadhishand
raisedinwelcome.ClaireswallowedandturnedbacktowardAndie.Theywere
closetothedock.ItwasalmosttimeforAndietoletgooftherope…
"Now,Andie!"
AtTaylor'ssignal,Andiedroppedthehandle,andtheropeskiddedaheadwithout
her.Foramomentsheseemedtobestandingonwater,thenslowlyshebeganto
sinkintothelake.
"Oh!It'scold!"ClaireheardherdaughtercalloutasGradyswungtheboat
around.
"Goodwork,Andie!"Taylorpositionedhim-selfonthedock,thendivedintohelp
retrievetheskiswhileAndieswamashore.
Terese,hertinybodylookingterrificinablackbikini,herolive-tonedskinalmost
asbronzedasGrady's,leanedovertoofferherahand."Welldone!"
"Hey,Terese!Gladyoucouldmakeit.WouldLisaliketorideintheboat?''
"Ihavemylifejacketon,"Lisapointedout,tuggingonTerese'shand.Thefive-
year-oldhadhermother'sdarkcoloring,butherhairwaslonger,andcurrently
tiedbackintwohighpigtails."CanIski?"
"Notthisyear,"Teresesaid."MaybelaterGradywillpullyouandtheothergirls
behindtheboatinatube."
"Howaboutyou,Terese?"Gradyasked,slidinghissunglassesuponhishead.
"Wouldyouliketohaveago?"
Whentheotherwomannodded,ClairefacedGrady.
"Hassheskiedbefore?"
"Afewtimes."
Halfexpectingtheyoungerwomantofallflatonherface,Clairewassurprised
whenTeresepoppedoutofthewateronthefirsttry.Althoughobviouslya
beginner,shemanagedtobreakoutfrombehindthewaketocutafewturns,
beforeGradyheadedbacktothedock.
Tereseswamdirectlyfortheboatwhenshe'dfinishedherattempt.Laughing,she
letGradypullheroutofthewater.Claireavertedhereyesratherthansee
Terese'sflatbelly.
Forawomantolookthatgood,especiallywhenshe'dhadababy,wasn'tfair.And
itespeciallywasn'tfairthatGradysoobviouslynoticed.Hewrappedatowel
aroundTerese'ssoakedbodyandaskedJennaifshecouldshareherseat.
ClairedecidedtositoutonthedockwhilefirstTaylor,thenGradywentforaspin.
Bothwereincredibleskiers,butafterseverallongrunsitwasclearthatTaylor
hadfinallysurpassedhisfatherinendurance,ifnothingelse.
"Whew!''Gradypulledhimselfoutofthewaterandfloppeddownonthestained
cedardocknexttoClairewhilehecaughthisbreath."Ihatetoadmitit,butI
can'tkeepupwiththatboyanymore."
Atthewheel,Taylorcalledouttohisfather,"I'mgoingtotakethegirlstubing.Is
thatokay?Andiecanspotforme."
GradyglancedatClaireand,whenshenodded,calledback,"Okay,son."
TeresehelpedsettleDaisy,JennaandLisainsidethelargerubbertube,then
pushedawayfromtheboatandswamtowardshore.Taylorstartedtheboat
moving,andallthreegirlsshriekedwithpleasure.
Foramoment,Clairewatchedvigilantly.Satisfiedthateveryonewassafe,she
restedherfaceonbentkneesandturnedtoGrady,whohaddriedoffwithasmall
whitetowelthatnowhungaroundhisneck.HisattentionwasfocusedonTerese,
whowasstillswimmingbacktothedock.
"Happy,Grady?"Claireasked.
Heglancedsidewaysather,thenbacktotheboat,whichwascuttingawidecircle
onthelake.
"Amazinglyenough,yes,"hesaidatlast."Thedivorcehasn'tbeeneasy,butI
thinkI'vefinallyputitbehindme."
"I'mglad."Clairedidn'tthinkshe'deverunderstandhowBesscouldhaveleft
Grady.Gradywassomeoneawomancouldcounton.He'dmarriedBesswhen
she'dtoldhimshewaspregnant.Clairewaswillingtobethe'dnevercheated
duringtheiryearsofmarriage.Andthedivorce—thathadalmostkilledhim,but
he'dneversaidawordagainstBess.Stilldidn't.
"YouandTerese…"Shedeliberatelyleftthesentenceunfinished,hopinghe'dtell
herabouttheirrelationship.
ButGradyjustsmiled.
Amomentlater,Teresewaswithinearshot.Gradycrouchedlowandofferedhera
handasherfeetsoughtpurchaseonthemetalladder.
"Hi,Claire,"shesaid,slightlyoutofbreath."Yourgirlsaresurehavingablast."
"Yes."TherewaswarmthinTerese'salmond-shapedeyes,butClairehadnever
feltcomfortableinherpresenceanddidn'tfeelcomfortablenow.
WasitduetoTeresethatGradyhadfinallymadepeacewithhisdivorcefrom
Bess?Ifthatwastrue,thenClaireknewsheoughttofeelthankful.Butforsome
reason,thatwasn'tthewayshefeltatall.
MalloryandDrewboththoughtTeresewasgreat,butthatdidn'tmeanshewas
therightwomanforGrady.Afterall,shecamewithalotofbaggage.Nottheleast
ofwhichwasanabusiveex-husbandandayoungdaughter.
WasshereallythebestchoiceforGrady?SomehowClairedidn'tthinkso.
ClairewaslyingonherbedFridaynightwhensheheardKirk'ssedaninthe
driveway.Thenumbersonthebedsidealarmclockglowedredinthedark:11:05.
He'dphonedwhilesheandthegirlswereeatingbeansandwienersonthedeck
andsaidhe'dbealittlelate.
Why?Whatareyoudoing?Whoareyouwith?
Shehadn'taskedanyofthosequestions,althoughshe'dbeentempted.Nowshe
rolledontohersideassheheardhimopenthedoor,drophiskeysonthecounter,
sethisbagonthefloor.Howmanytimeshadshelaininbedlisteningforthose
familiarsounds?
Sheheardhisfootstepsinthehall,thenthesoundofdoorsopeningandclosing
ashecheckedonthegirls—DaisyandAndieinthebunkbeds,Jennainthedouble
bednextdoor.Shuttinghereyes,Claireimaginedwhathesaw.Youngbodies
tangledinbedclothes,smellingoflakewaterandsunscreendespitevigorous
scrubbingintheshowerearlier.Hairsplayedonpillows,nosesfreckled,eyelashes
restingonsmoothwhitecheeks.Booksandstuffedanimalsscatteredonthefloor.
Jenna'snewrockcollectioninapailbyherbed.
Clairerealizedshewasstrokinghertummy.Nextsummertherewouldbeone
morebed—acrib—andonemoretinyfacetokissgood-night.
NowthefootstepspausedandClaireknewKirkwasstandingbyherdoor.Would
hepushthedooropen,orgosleeponthecouch?She'dleftanextrapillowplus
anoldafghanononeofthecushions.Justasshe'ddonelastweekend.
Shetookadeepbreath,thinkingofthetimesbefore,howherbeingpregnanthad
seemedtoturnKirkon.Whileotherexpectingwomencomplainedthattheir
husbandstreatedthemasiftheyhadaninfectiousdisease,Kirkhadwantedto
makelovemoreoftenthanusual.He'drelishedcuppingherswollenbreastsinhis
hands,coveringhergrowingbellyinsoft,warmkisses.
They'dbeenalittlenervouswiththeirfirstchild,untilherdoctorhadreassured
themthatifClairefeltnodiscomfort,thenthebabywouldbefine.
Clairehadfeltalotofthings,butdiscomfortwasn'toneofthem.Nowthefamiliar
tinglingsensationstirredinher,travelingfromthetipsofherbreaststothe
warmthbetweenherlegs.Shemissedmakinglove.Howlonghaditbeennow?
Clairedidsomequickarithmeticandarrivedatatotalofjustoverfiveweeks.If
theyweregettingadivorce,thenthiswasanotheroneoftheadjustmentsshe
wouldhavetomake.
Butmaybetheywouldsurvivethiscrisis.Thewordsofthecounselorcameback
toher,astheysooftenhadsinceTuesday.
Anaffairdoesn'thavetomeantheendofamarriage.
Wasittrue?Clairewonderediftherewerecouplesinherowncircleoffriends
whohadgonethroughsimilarsituations.Ifso,itwassomethingtheydidn'ttalk
about.
Sinkingintoherpillow,shetriedtorememberthegoodthingsabouther
marriage,backintheearlydays.Surelysexhadbeenoneofthem.Atleastfrom
whatsheremembered.
Asimilarsenseofhumorhadbeenanother.Laughingtogetherwassomething
theyhadn'tdoneforevenlongerthanmakinglove.
Andtalkinguntiltheweehoursofthenight.Whenshe'dfirstmetKirktherehad
neverseemedtobeenoughtimetosayallthatwasinhermind.Nowtheyonly
communicatedaboutthechildren.
"Kirk?"Shesteppedoutontothecoolplankfloorandreachedforherthincotton
wrapjustasthedoorswungopen.Therewerenocurtainsontheopenwindow,
andpalelightfromthemoonmadeitpossibleforhertoseethedarksilhouetteof
hisbody.Tall,lean,broadshouldered…
"Sorry.DidIwakeyou?"
He'dbeenstandingbehindhercloseddoorforalmostfiveminutes.Whathadhe
beenthinking?
"No.Iwasfeelingkindofrestless."
"CanImakeyousomeherbaltea?"
"Thatwouldbenice."Shefollowedhimtothekitchen,whereheturnedonthe
lightoverthestove.Hewasstillwearinghissuitfromtheoffice,althoughhe'd
removedhistieandloosenedthetopbuttonsofhisshirt.Hishah-hadgrowna
little,andoneofthecurlsfelloverhisforehead.
Nowhebrusheditbackwithhishandbeforetakingthebottledwaterfromthe
fridgeandfillingthekettle.
"IwishIcouldhavebeenherebeforethekidswenttobed,butIhadsome
paperworktocatchupon."Heglancedather,asifexpectinghertoquestionhim
further,butshejustslidontoastoolandleanedherelbowsonthecounter.
"YoushouldhaveseenAndiewhenshestooduponskisyesterday.Shewasso
nervousatfirst,thenshegotthisgrinonherface."
"Icanimagine.Shesoundedthrilledwhenshetoldmeonthephone.I'msorryI
missedit."Heputteabagsintomugs."DoyouthinkGradywouldtakeusouton
theboatthisweekend?I'dlovetoseeDaisytryforherfirsttime."
"I'msurehewould,butIdon'tknowifDaisy'sready.Shelookedprettynervous
whenAndiewasskiing."
"Well,wewon'trushher."Kirkpouredtheboilingwaterintothemugs.
WatchingKirkperformthesimpledomestictask,Clairerealizedtheyweretalking
aboutthekidsagain.Maybeitwasnowondertheirmarriagehadfallenapart.
"Whatdoyousaywedrinktheseonthedeck."
"Sure."Shefollowedhimouttheslidingdoors,noticingthewayhepaused
slightlyatthesofa.Maybehe'dseenthepillowandtheblanketanddrawnthe
obviousconclusion.
Itwaswarmoutside—toowarm,really.Shefeltstickyandflushedeveninher
nightieandwrap,whichweremadeofthethinnestcottonandonlycamedownto
midthigh.Atleasttherewasabreeze.Shestoodattherailing,admiringthetrail
ofmoonlightonthegentlyrippledsurfaceofthelake.
"Didyouhearthat?"Kirkasked,handingheroneofthemugs."Careful,it'shot."
Shebalancedthemugonthecedarrailingandtiltedherheadtolisten."Anowl?"
"Ilovethatsound.Italwaysremindsmeofthefirsttimeyoubroughtmehere.
Rememberhowwesneakedoutinthecanoeonceyourparentswereasleep?"
Clairelaughedsoftly.They'dpaddledoutfromshore,thenmadeloveawkwardly
butpassionatelyonaquiltedblanketKirkhadspreadonthewoodenfloor
betweentheseats.Anowlhadskimmedacrossthesky,soclosetheyheardthe
rustleofhisfeathersaninstantbeforehisunearthlycallhadpunctuatedthe
crucialmoment
"Thatwasunforgettable,"sheagreed.Apressureonherarmmadeherglance
downtowhereKirkhadplacedhishand.
"Youlookbeautiful,Claire.You'resolovelywhenyou'repregnant."
Shehadn'trealizedhewasstaringather,andnowtheintensityofhisexpression
hadhercatchingherbreath."Youcouldn'teventellIwasexpectingthelasttime
yousawme,"sheremindedhim.Onlyfourdaysago.Shewouldn'thavechanged
muchhithatamountoftime.
"Imusthavebeenblindnottohavenoticed."Hiseyestraveleddownfromher
facetothelowscoopofhernightie,thentothethinfabricthatclungtoher
breasts.Shesawhimmoistenhislips,thengazelower.
"MayI?"
Shedidn'tknowwhatshewasgivinghimper-missiontodo,butwhenshe
nodded,heplacedhisotherhandonherbelly.Shefeltarespondingstirbetween
herlegsandalmost,butnotquite,leanedintohim.
"Hey,there,littleone,"hesaidsoftly."Thisisyourdaddytalking."
Thathereyesfilledwithtearsatsuchasimplecommentseemedsilly,butthey
did.Kirkhadalwayslikedtotalkasiftheunbornbabycouldhearhim.
"Don'tyouworry,"hecontinued."YourmamaandIaregoingtotakecareofyou."
Helookedbackather,hisexpressionfierce."Nomatterwhathappens.Aren'twe,
Claire?"
Shenoddedagain,nottrustinghervoice.
"AndI'mgoingtotakecareofyou,too,Claire."Hetippedherchinupandstared
intohereyesuntil,Lordhelpher,shealmostbelievedhim.
"Areyou,Kirk?"Shewassotemptedtobeghimtobethehusbandandfather
thatsheandthegirlsneeded.
Butwhy?DidshestillloveKirk?Despitehisdevotiontotheoffice,hisnearaffair
withJanice?Orwasitbecauseshewaspregnantandneededsomeoneshecould
dependon?
Truthwas,shedidn'twanttobeasinglemotherwithfourchildren.Butthat
wasn'treasonenoughtoclingtoamarriagethatdidn'tworkonotherlevels.
Still,thewayshefeltwhenhetouchedher—thathadnothingtodowiththe
children.
"I'msoconfused…"
"Sitdown,Claire."Kirkpulledoveroneofthewoodenchairs.Onceshewas
seated,hehandedherhermug,thendrewupachairbesideher.
"I'msorryI'vescrewedupourlivesthisway."
"Ifonlyyou'dcometomeabouttheproblemsinourmarriagebeforeyouturned
to—"
"Iknow."Heleanedforwardonhisknees,glancingsidewaysather."Butit
happenedsogradually.Ididn'trealizewhatwasmissinginourmarriageuntilI
foundit—withher."
Thathurt.Thatreallyhurt.Clairesippedhertea,wishingshecouldrecapturethe
warm,peacefulfeelingsheusuallyhadwhenshesatoutbythelakeinthe
evening.Instead,shefeltanxiousandtense.And,yes,jealous.
AnotherwomanhadgivenKirktheemotionalintimacythatheshouldhavebeen
gettingfromher.Thattheyshouldhavebeensharingtogether.Thinkingofthe
twoofthemalonetogether,allthosemonths,madeherphysicallyill.Andshe'd
neverguessed…
"DidyouseeJaniceatworkthisweek?"
"She'sonholiday…visitingherfolksonVancouverIslandforacoupleofweeks."
Good.Ifonlyshe'dstaythere.ButClaireknewthesolutionwouldnotbethat
simple.
Lessthanafootawayfromher,herhusbandcuppedhismugandstaredout
acrossthelake."It'soverbetweenJaniceandme.Youdon'thavetoworryabout
that."
Clairesighed."AndIguessI'msupposedtotakeyourword?"
"Forwhatit'sworth,"hesaid.Hestoodabruptlyandwenttotheslidingdoors."I
takeitIgetthecouch?"
"Thatwasmyplan.AlthoughIcouldshareJenna'sbed—"
"Let'sleavethekidsoutofthisfornow.""I'dlovetodojustthat.Butlet'sfaceit.
Asinnocentastheyare,ourchildrenareattheveryheartofthissituation.
Whateverwedecidewillaffectthemforalltheirlives."
Kirklookedbleakasheturnedbacktofaceher."Don'tyouthinkIknowthat?
Don'tyouthinkIworryaboutthateveryminuteofeveryday?"
Well,youdidn'tworryaboutitwhenyouwerehavingthoselate-nightdinnerswith
Janice!Clairebitbacktheangrywords.Whatwasthepointinescalatingtheir
argumentatthistimeofnight?
"Whydon'tyougotobed,Claire.Youneedyourrest."
Asifshe'dbeabletofallasleepnow.Still,Clairegrabbedhermugandfollowed
himindoors.Shepouredherteadownthedrain—she'donlymanagedtoswallow
afewmouthfuls.
Notthatitmattered.Noamountofchamomilewasgoingtobringhercomfort
tonight.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Thecottagewassuspiciouslyquietthenextmorning.Frombehindclosedeyelids,
Clairesensedanothersunnyday,andjudgingfromtheheatintheroom,itwas
laterthanusual.Oh,joyofjoys,maybethegirlshadsleptin.
Sheyawnedandstretched,andherhandhitsomethingsolid.Shepulledthe
paperbackmysteryshe'dbeenreadinglastnightoutfromunderherpillow.She
musthavedozedoffaroundchapterseven,shethought.Justwhenthey'd
determinedthedeathwasn'taccidental.
Butifshe'dfallenasleepreading,thelightoughttobeon.Anditdidn'tseem
rightthatthechildrencouldhavesleptthislate.Thesmallclockbythelamp
claimeditwasafterten—whichthehighangleofthesun'srayspassingthrough
thewindowverified.
Clairestretchedagain,andwonderedhowKirkhadfaredonthesofa.Her
stomachtightenedthewayitalwaysdidwhenshethoughtofherhusbandand
theproblemsbetweenthem.
Thatwaswhenshesawthetrayonthebureauagainsttheoppositewall.
Shesatupandswungherfeetontothecoolfloor.Wilteddandelionshungtheir
headsoverasmallglassvase.Anotelayproppedagainstthewhitethermosshe'd
normallyusedontheboat.Nexttothethermosstoodamugandacellophane-
wrappedmuffin.
Shereadthenote:"Enjoyyourbreakfastinbed."TheprintinglookedlikeDaisy's.
TheaccompanyingpicturewasJenna'strademarkrainbow.
Clairetwistedthetopoffthethermos.OutseepedthearomaofEarlGreytea.For
asecondshelookedatthedoor.Itwassodarnquietoutthere.Wherewerethose
kids?WherewasKirk?
Thensheglancedbackatthebookonherpillow.
Whattheheck.Shedeservedabreak,didn'tshe?Claireliftedthetray,thensetit
ontheunoccupiedhalfofthebed.Shepouredoutamugfulofthetea,unwrapped
themuffinandopenedherbook.Pullingupthepillowagainsttheheadboard,she
settledherselfbackunderthecovers.
Thebrotherhadkilledhim,Clairedecided.Shewasallbutpositive…
man,itwashot!KirkcheckedtoseeifAndiewasstillwearingherhat.Shehad
thepaleskinofatrueredhead:sunscreenalonedidn'tofferherenough
protection.
Thereshewas,atthefarcornerofthebeach,sprawledoutinthesand,reading
oneofthebookshe'dboughtforher,thebrimofherdenimhatpulledlowover
herface.
Andie.Somethingwasgoingonwiththatkid.Hewasn'tsurewhat.Daisyand
Jennahadopenedtheirarmsforbighugswhenhe'dwokenthemwithafingerto
hislipsforthemtobequiet.ButAndiehadheldherselfaloof,herexpression
blankwhenheexplainedhewantedtogivetheirmotherabreakthismorning.
Thetwoyoungergirlshadhelpedhimputthetraytogether.Itwasseven-thirty
whenhe'dsetitonClaire'sbureauandturnedoutthelightbyherhead.He'd
neverseensomeonelooksadintheirsleepbefore,butthatwasexactlyhow
Clairehadlookedtohimwithherflaxenhairspilledoverthepillow,thinlines
tracedacrossherbrowanddowneithersideofherlips.
Sadandvulnerable.He'dfeltapiercingguiltknowinghewasthereasonshe
lookedthatway,andhe'dbeensotemptedtoliedownnexttoherandsmooth
awaythoseworrylineswithsofttouchesandevensofterwords.Buthe'dknown
Clairewouldn'twelcomehiminherbed.Andthegirlswereexpectinghimtokeep
themamused.
Sohe'dallowedhimselfmerelytostrokethesideofhercheekbeforeroundingup
thegirlsandtakingthemtotheConroys'summerplacejustafewmilesfarther
alongtheshoreofLakeRosseau.
BeacheswererareinMuskokacottagecountry.Generally,thelakesbuttedupto
solidrock,andmostcottagersbuiltlongwoodendocksconnectinglandandwater.
BuddyandPatConroy'spropertywasdifferent.They'dboughtthesmallcottage
asanenticementtotheirchildren—whowerenowmarried,withchildrenoftheir
own—inthehopethatRobertandLaurawouldspendmoreoftheirsummer
holidayswiththem.
Nowthathewassemiretiredfromhislawpractice,Buddykeptthesmallnatural
beachwellgroomed,andwasalwaysgenerousaboutsharingaccesswithother
friendsfromPortCarling.Especiallythosewithsmallchildren.
"Let'sbuildanothersandcastle,Daddy,"Jennasaid,tugginghisarm.
Theheathadmadehimsomnolent,butheshookoffhisfatigueandpaddedalong
thesandtothewater'sedge.ThereJennahandedhimabucket,withstrict
instructionsonthetypeofsandhewastouse.
"Nottoowet,Daddy,oritmushesdown.Andnottoodryoritwon'tstick."
"I'vegotit,"heassuredher.Crouchingtohisknees,hebegantoshovel.Lordbut
hewastired.
Thecouchwasnotthemostcomfortableplacetosleep,especiallysinceitwas
aboutsixinchesshorterthanhewas.'Course,itseemedjustfinewhenhewas
takingalazyafternoonnap.
Hemightaswelladmitit.ThesituationbetweenhimandClairehadkepthimup.
Thatandthefaintlineoflighthe'dseenunderherbedroomdoor.
Knowingshecouldn'tsleep,either,hadcausedhimtofeelguiltyashell.Afterall,
shewaspregnant.Sheneededherrest.
"Putithere,Daddy,"Jennacommandedwithalltheauthorityofanoffice
manager.Funny,you'dthinkthatbeingtheyoungest,she'dbemoreusedto
takingordersthangivingthem.ButrightfromthestartJennahadseemedto
havemoreconfidencethantheothertwo.
Whichmadehimwonderwhatthisfourthchildwouldbelike.
HedumpedthepailofsandintheareathatJennahadcleared,andwastoldtogo
getanother.Obediently,hewalkedbacktothewater'sedge.Daisywaswadingat
kneelevel,tryingtocatchsomethinginagreenplasticstrainer.
"What'reyoulookingfor,Day?"
"Bugs."
Shesoundedsomatter-of-factitmadehimsmile.
"Whybugs?"
"SoIcanfeedmygrasshopper."
"Yourgrasshopper?"
"He'sinthejarbythecastle."
KirkdroppedoffthefreshpailofsandwithJenna,thenwenttocheck.Sure
enough,agraygrasshoppersatinthebottomofanoldjamjar.Thelidhad
severalairholesthathadbeenpunchedinwithanail.
Daisycameupbesidehimwithseveralwaterbugsinthestrainer.Waterspiders?
Theyallhadspindlylegswithtinybodies.Theywouldn'tmakemuchofameal,he
figured.Besides,didn'tgrasshopperseatgrass?
Daisytookthejaroutofhishandandstruggledtoopenthelid."Mrs.Conroy
gavemethiswhenIwentinsidetousethebathroom.Shesaidtosayshewas
makingsandwichesforlunch."
"Daisy!"Thathadbeenatleasthalfanhourago."Whydidn'tyoutellmesooner?"
Hisdaughtershrugged."Ididn'tminkofit."Herhairhadgrown,henoticed,so
thatherbouncyblondcurlsnowbrushedhershoulders.
Kirkglancedtowardthecottage.FromtheoutsidedeckBuddywavedathim,and
henoticedPatriciacarryingatrayofglassesoutfromthehouse.Afteraquick
checkofallthreegirls,heboundedupthelawntojointhem.
''Inevermeantforyoutofeedus,Pat,"hesaid.
"Iknow,Kirk.It'sourpleasure.Weloveyourgirls."Shepushedhergrayinghair
backfromherface."IjustgotoffthephonewithMallory.SheandDreware
bringingAngeloverforlunch,too."
Buddylookedupfromthecrossword."Angel?"Asmilespreadoverhisusually
implacablefeatures."That'sgood.Wehaven'tseenherinawhile."
"Allofsevendays."Patriciasmiledindulgently."Thiswillbeagoodopportunity
forthegirlstoplaytogether."
Mallory.Drew.Kirk'sinsideshadlurchedatthementionofClaire'soldfriends.
Hadhiswifetoldthemabouttheirproblems?Hewasalmostcertainshewould
have.MalloryandDrew,aswellasGradyHogan,wereClaire'sbestfriends.She'd
knownthemallherMe,fromthesummersshe'dspentuphereatthecottage.
IfClairehadsaidanythingaboutJanice,aboutthebaby,they'dthinkhewasdirt.
Andthey'dberight.
"I'llgetthegirlswashedupforlunch,"hesaid.
"Norush,"Patriciatoldhim."Letthemplayafewminuteslonger.CanIofferyou
somethingtodrink?Buddy'shavingicedtea."
"Thatwouldbenice,Patricia.MayIhelp?"
"Noproblem.Ihaveeverythingrighthere."Shepouredfromafrostedpitcher,
thenpassedhimaglass.
"I'dbettergobackdowntothebeach."HecouldseeJennaandDaisyfromhere,
butAndiewastoofaraway.
"I'llcallwhenit'sready,"Patriciasaid.
IcechinkedagainsttheplasticglassasKirkwalkedslowlybacktothesand.He
satontheedgeofthebeachandwatchedhischildrenplay.Andiewasstill
reading,butDaisyandJennahadjoinedforcesandwerenowbuildingthecastle
aroundthegrasshopper.
Howhadhecometothis—turnedintothekindofmanthathehimselfdespised?
Hadn'theswornwhenhisfatherhadlefthismothertomarryanaerobics
instructorfromhisfather'sdowntowngymthathewouldneverdosomethinglike
thattohisownwifeandchildren?
NotthatheequatedJanicewiththevacuousyoungwomanwho'donlystayed
withhisfatherfortwoyearsbeforecuttingoutwiththeexecutivepartnerofhis
father'slawfirm.
No,Janicewasanintelligent,attractivewomanwhowasinterestedinagenuine,
long-term,fullrelationship.Thatwaswhathadbroughtthiswholesituationtoa
head.
"Idon'tknowaboutyou,butI'mreadytotakeourrelationshiptothenextlevel,"
she'dtoldhimduringoneoftheirdinners.She'dplacedherhandonhisarmand
leanedforward,revealing—intentionallyornot,hehadnoidea—aglimpseofher
firm,uprightbreasts.
He'dknownwhatshe'dmeant,ofcourse.Sleepingtogether.Itwasatempting
proposition,butonethatmadeitimpossibleforhimtoignoretherealityofhis
marriage.
"Letmethinkaboutthat,"he'dsaid.Hedidn'twantanadulterousaffair.Janice
didn't,either.Butneitherdidhewanttobreakuphisfamily.Howhadhearrived
atsuchareprehensiblesituation?
HisrelationshipwithJanicehadstartedinnocentlyenough.Orhadit?Ifhewas
honest,hehadtoadmitthatrightfromthestarthe'dseenthatJanicewas
attractedtonun.
Andhe'dfeltflattered.
Janicethoughthewashandsome.Sheoftencomplimentedhimonhisphysique
andhowwellhedressed.Sheknewhewasthehighest-grossingbrokerinthe
officeandwentoutofherwaytotellhimhowimpressedshewas.
WhereasallClaireeversawwasamanwhowasneverhomeontimeandwho
didn'tdoenoughtohelpoutwiththehouseandkids.
Notthatthatwasanysortofexcuse—
Heturnedatthesoundofanapproachingvehicle.Sureenough,therewasDrew's
Explorer.Standing,hebrushedsandfromhiskhakishortsandshieldedhiseyes
withonehand.OutsteppedMallory,thenDrew,whoopenedthepassengerdoor
togetAngelfromhercarseat.
Theywerehere.Timetofacethemusic.Kirksteppedforwardtogreetthem.
"Howwasyourday,mom?"Daisyasked,aftershowingClairehernewpet
grasshopper.HisnamewasSam.Hedidnotlikegreeneggsandham.Hedidnot
likewaterbeetles,either.Orspidersorflies.Allthosedeadinsectslayinthejar
withhim,alongsideaclumpofgrass.
"Didyouhaveanicebreak?"
"Idid."ClairesqueezedDaisy,inhalingthelittle-girlscent,enhancedbythe
aromasoflakewaterandsunscreen.
Actually,she'dbeenboredsilly.She'dfinishedherbookaroundtwointhe
afternoon.She'dbeenright.Themurdererwasthebrother.Thenshe'dspenta
fewhoursinthekitchen,improvisingsomefresh-fruitsalsasforhernext"Cottage
Cooking"column.
Shehadn'tbeenabletostopworryingaboutthechildren.Kirkhadleftanotethat
he'dtakenthemtotheConroys'beach.Wouldherememberhatsandsunscreen?
Wouldhemakesuretheyhadenoughtodrink?Theheatcouldbedehydrating.
Butthey'dmadeithomejustfine,withthegirlsdisplayingnoilleffectsthatshe
couldsee.NowKirkwasonthedeck,barbecuingthechickenbreastsshe'd
marinatedearlier.Jennawashelping,chirpinglikeabirdjustbeforesunrise.As
forAn-die…She'dgivenClairealookthatClairecouldonlydescribeasaccusing,
beforeholingupinherbedroom.
Duringdinner,Andiecontinuedtobesullen,withdrawn.
"Aren'tyouhungryafteryourbusyday?"Claireasked,passingamixtureof
choppedstrawberriesandblueberriestossedinalightlimevinaigrettewithsome
cilantro,whichshe'dthoughtmightappealtothechildren.
Andieshookherhead,notlookingupfromherplate."Ihatethosegreenthings.
I'mnoteatingthat."
ClaireglancedatKirk.Fromhisexpressionshecouldtellhehadnomoreidea
whatwasgoingonwiththeireldestdaughterthanshedid.
"Havealittlemorechicken,then,"Clairesaid."You'vehardlyeatenanything."
Andiesetherknifeandforkontheplate."CanIgotomyroom?"
ClairelookedagainatKirk,whosaidreluctantly,"Nosnackslater,Andie."
"Iknow."Shepushedagainstthetable,andherchairlegsscrapedontheoldpine
floor.NeitherClairenorKirksaidawordaboutbeingmorecareful.AsClaire
watchedherdaughtertrudgebacktoherroom,thedescriptivewordthatcameto
mindwasdespondent.
"Doyouminkshegottoomuchsun?"sheaskedKirk.
"Shewaswearingherhatthewholetune.AndImadesuresheputonplentyof
sunscreen."
Afterdinner,KirkinsistedClairerelaxonthedeckwithherteawhilehe
supervisedshowersforthegirlsandputthemtobed.Itwasstillwarmoutside,
eventhoughthesunhadset.Kirk'svoice,lowandsoothing,traveledfaintly
throughtheopenpatiodoors.Hewassinginganoldfavoriteofallthegirls—a
songaboutawomanwho'dswallowedafly.
Sincehe'dfoundoutshewaspregnant,Kirkhadbeenpamperingherlikea
princess.Clairewasn'tcertainhowshefeltaboutthat.Sureitwasnice,butwho
washereallyconcernedabout?Herorthebaby?
Howaboutboth?Thatwasthefan-answer.Afterall,he'dbeenasconsiderate
duringherotherthreepregnancies.
Maybethatwasthesolution.Ifshekeptherselfpregnant…
Veryfunny.Clairefinishedherteaandsettheemptycuponthearmofherchair
asshewenttostandattherailing.
Thehalfhourrightaftersunsetwassuchapeacefultimeofday.Thelakerippled
lazily;shecouldhearthewaterlappingontherocksbelow.Thestrandsofclouds
huggingthehorizonglimmeredmauveandpink.Abovethem,setinthedeep
bluesky,shecouldseeafewofthebrighterstarsandthesaucyarchofanew
moon.
OnlywhenKirktouchedherarmdidsherealizeshe'dstoppedhearinghisvoice
murmuringinthebackgroundtothegirls.
"Aretheyasleep?"
Henodded,removinghishandandstaringoutatthelake,too."Doyouhaveany
ideawhat'seatingAndie?"
"Notreally.She'sbeenabearwithhersistersthisweek.Isitadolescence?"
"Atten?"
"Itdoesseemearly."Shethoughtoftheeasewithwhichsheandhereldest
daughterhadalwayscommunicatedbeforethisyear."Ifthereissomething
wrong,Ican'tunderstandwhyshewon'tspeaktome.Shealwayshasinthe
past."
"Samehere.Ijusttriedtotalktoher,butshegavemethesamelookI'vebeen
gettingallday.AsifshejustfoundoutIwasanaxmurderer.Notunlikethelooks
IgotfromMalloryandDrewduringlunch,bytheway."
Clairedippedherheadsohewouldn'tseehersmile.
"Ofcourse,Ican'tsayIblamethem."Kirkreachedoverandtookoneofher
hands.Thelefthand.Theonewithherweddingbandandtheengagementring
he'dgivenheronanightmuchlikethisone.They'dbeenoutinthecanoe.Ithad
beenafewdaysaftertheowlincident.
Kirktwirledtherings,andshefoundherselffocusingonthebandhehimselfwore
ontheringfingerofhislefthand.
"I'vebeensuchanidiot,Claire.SinceyouandthegirlshavebeengoneI'vehada
lotoftimetothink."
Think?Thinkingcouldbegoodoritcouldbebad.Whatifhe'ddecidedhewanted
tobewithJanice?Clairesuddenlywantedtoaskhimtokeepquiet.Ifthiswas
morebadnews,shedidn'twanttohearit.Nottonight.Notever,tobehonest.
ButKirkhadsomethingtosay.
"InevershouldhaveletmyfriendshipwithJanicegetanywherenearthestageit
did.WhatI'verealized,Claire,isthatourfamilyiswaymoreimportanttome.As
youare."
Heletgoofherhandandtookherbytheshoulders,turninghertofacehim.
Againstthewhiteofhisgolfingshirt,hisfaceandarmslookeddarklytanned.His
intelligentfacewasseriousandsad.
"Iloveyou,Claire.IsthereanywayIcanmakethesepastfewmonthsupto
you?"
CHAPTERTWELVE
Hehadn'tseemedTOfeelhelovedherbeforehefoundoutshewaspregnant.
Clairepushedthenegativethoughtaside.Ifshewantedtosavethismarriage,
givehergirlsahappy,stablehome,shewasgoingtohavetogetpastthe
bitternessandthehurt.
Underherbreath,sherepeatedhernewmantra:Anaffairdoesn'thavetomean
theendofamarriage.
Kirkbroughthishandsuptocaressthesidesofherface.Cuppingherjaw,he
bentclosertoher."Youarebeautiful,Claire.AsIwatchedyousleepthismorning,
itwasallIcoulddonottoclimbinnexttoyou."
Sohehadbeentheonetobringinthetray,toturnoffthelight.
"I'mfat."Wasthatallshecouldsay?Clairecouldhavebittenhertongue—wished
shehad.
Kirk'sarmsslippedaroundherwaist,joiningattheback,pullinghertowardhim.
"Youarenotfat.Youneverhavebeen."
"Youcan'tdenythatafterJenna—"
"Claire,Ilikedthosefullcurves."Heputahandtoherhair,strokingit.Itwasa
calminggesture,andmadeherwanttoshuthereyes.
"Don'tthinkthishappenedbecauseofyou—becauseofafewpoundsoranextra
wrinkleortwo."
Janicewasyounger,andintruththatstillstung.Fortywasonlyafewyearsaway,
andClairewasalltooawareofit.
"BecauseIloveyou.AndIloveyourwrinkles.Alltwoofthem."Thenhekissed
herbrow,hislipssoftandcomforting.
Helovedher.HowClairewantedtobelievethathemeantwhathesaid.Hiskisses
—theyfeltasthoughhemeantit.Hewascoveringherfacenow,thetenderskin
ofhereyelids,thesidesofhercheeks,thelineofherjaw.
Shethoughtoflastnight,howherbodyhadalternatelyglowedandachedwith
memoriesofthelovemakingthey'dsharedinthepast.
Ithadseemedsoimpossiblemen,justtwenty-fourhoursago,thatshewouldever
knowthosepleasuresagain.
Nowshewasn'tsosure.
"Kirk,Idon'tknow…"
Hewaskissingthecornersofhermouth,hislipsstillgentleandundemanding.
"Wehavetostartsomewhere.Iknowitisn'tgoingtobeeasy.Butletmetouch
you,Claire.Letmeshowyouhowincrediblybeautifulyouaretome."
Hishandsonherbarearmsweresosoothing,hiskissescompletelyintoxicating.
Shedidn'twanthimevertomoveawayfromher.Shefeltalongingbuildingfrom
deepwithin,fromthehurt,emptyplaceatherverycore.
Warmthfloodedbetweenherlegs,andshepressedinagainstthemuscled
hardnessofhisthigh.Hishandssliddownfromhershoulders,alongthelengthof
herback,pullinghercloser,communicatinghisdesire.Againstherhipbone,she
feltthehardbulgeofhiserection,andlookeduptoseehimstaringatthebuttons
onherblouse.
"Youaren'twearingyourbra."
"Iwassunbathingnudewhileyouwereaway,"sheadmitted.Althoughshehad
fairhair,herskinbronzedeasily,justlikeDaisy'sandJenna's.
Kirkgroaned."God,Claire.Youdrivemecrazysometimes.IwishIcouldhave
seen…"
Hebroughthishandsuphersides,thentrailedthemjustundertheswellofher
breasts.Lightly,hereachedforthetinywhitebuttonsonherblouse.
"Sobeautiful."Kirktooktheweightofherbreastsinhishands,drawinghis
thumbsoverhernipples.Pleasurearcedalonghersensitizednerveendings.
"Ah."Thesoftsighfloatedfromherthroatoutintothenight.
Kirkpulledhertotheloungechairwhereshe'dlainonlyhoursago.Asheundid
thezipperofhisshorts,hecaughthergazeandasked,"Isthisokay,Claire?I
wanttomakelovetoyousobadly…"
Wasitokay?Wasitevenright?
Claireknewherthinkingwasfoggyrightnow.He'dsaidhelovedher,butdidthat
eraseallthathe'ddone?
Andwhatabouther?Shewantedhimrightnow—shecouldn'tdenythatButdid
shestilllovehim?Shedidn'tknowtheanswertothatquestion.
"Claire?"Kirkeasedherontohislap,strokingherface,herhair."Doyouwantto
stop?"
Hiswordswerekind,histouchsweet,butsittingontopofhim,shecouldfeelhow
hardhewasforher.Andshewasequallyhotforhim.
Maybethiswasoneofthewaysforthemtogetcloser,torepairthedamagethey
bothhadsuffered.
Anaffairdoesn'thavetomeantheendofamarriage.
Claireplacedherlipsonhis.Notarealkiss,justatouch.Andwhispered,her
breathminglingwithhis,"Makelovetome,Kirk.Righthere.Rightnow."itwent
fine;really,itdid.Rightuptotheverylastmoment,whentheshockwaveshad
weakenedtotremors,whenKirkhadfallentoherside,theirbodiesstilljoined,
theirbreathingstillhard.
AsobchokedoutofClaire'sthroat,andsherealizedshewasn'tfine.Notatall.
"Whatisit,Claire?"Kirkheldherfacetohisshoulder.
Shepulledback,unabletobreathe.Pushingonhischest,sheslidoutfrombeside
himandbrushedbackthehairfromherface.Kirkwasconcerned,worried.Hesat
upandreachedforher,butshemovedquicklytotheside,gatheringherclothes,
feelingthetearsastheyfellfromherfaceontoherhands.
"You'rescaringme,Claire.Pleasetalktome."Butshejustshookherhead.
Howcouldshehavethoughtthatallthatwaswrongbetweenthemcouldbe
solvedsoeasily,sotidily?Howcouldshehavemadelovetothisman,whohad
betrayedher,whoattheverymomentofcominginsideherbodyhadperhaps
thoughtofsomeoneelse.
Janice.
Shepulledonhershorts,hertop,fumbledwithbuttonsandthezipper."Yousaid
younevermadelovetoher.Butdidyoukissher?Didyoutouchher?"
Kirk'sarmswerewrappedaroundhisbarechest.Helookedconfused,befuddled.
"Let'snottalkaboutthatnow,Claire.Please…"
''Youdid,didn'tyou?Youkissedher…"God,thishurt,maybemorethananything
elsesofar.
Shewasn'tsurprisedwhenhenodded,confirmingherfears.
"Whydoyouwanttoaskthesequestionswhentheanswersareonlygoingto
hurtyou?"
"BecauseIneedtoknow.Youtouchedher,too,didn'tyou?"
Shebackedaway,hatinghimthenandhatingherselfevenmore.
Kirkstoodbutdidn'ttrytoapproachthistime."No,Ididn'ttouchher.Notinthe
wayyoumean."
Sothatwasthebottomline,wasit?He'dkissedJanicebuthadgonenofurther.In
reallife.Buthowaboutfantasy?Ifhe'dbeeninlovewithJanice,hemusthave
thoughtabouther.Maybeevenwhenhewasmakinglovewithhiswife.Maybe
eventhistime…
MaybethoughtsofJanice,notClaireatall,hadmadehimsohot…
Shepushedthroughthescreen,wantingonlytoputspacebetweenthem.Oh,
God,thishurtsomuchshecouldn'tstanditShesplashedwaterfromthekitchen
faucetoverherface,buthershoulderswerestillheavingwithhersobs.
She'dnevercriedlikethisinherlife.Wrenchingsobsthatshesimplycouldnot
control.Heclaimedhelovedher,buthowcouldhe?Noonewouldhurtsomeone
helovedthewayhehadhurther.
Kirkcameinside,closingthescreencarefullybehindhim."Pleaseletmehelpyou,
Claire."Histonewasanxious;she-couldseethathefeltterrible,butitdidn't
matter.Nothingmatteredexceptherneedtocry.
Akeychainhungonthehookbythedoor,andshegrabbedit.Shehadtogetout
ofthishousebeforeshewokethekids."I'mgoingforadrive."
"Notlikethat."Kirkrantowardher."You'reinnocondition—"
"Leavemealone!"Shetwistedfromhisarmsandgrabbedthedoorhandle,her
avenueforescape."Leavemethehellalone!"
Sherealizedshe'dtakenKirk'scarkeysbymistakebutdidn'tforasecond
considergoingbackinsidetoexchangethem.Instead,sheunlockedthefront
doorofhissedanandslidbehindthesteeringwheel.ShecouldseeKirkstanding
atthekitchenwindow,lookinggrayfacedanddistressed.
Shetookcomfortintheknowledgethathecouldn'tseeher,sittinghereinthe
dark.She'dthoughttodrivetosomedesertedlaneway.Someplacesafeandquiet,
whereshecouldbealoneandjustcry.Butnowshedidn'twanttomove.
Shedidn'twanttothink,either,butunfortunatelythatwasallshecoulddo.Think
ofherhusbandandJanice,imaginethemineachother'sarms,mouthslocked…
No!Thepicturewasmorethanshecouldstand.Hadhethoughtofher,Claire,at
all?Hadhefeltanyguiltatthemomenthe'dbrokenhisweddingvowstoher?
Clairepressedthebackofherhandagainsthermouth,wantingtoerasethe
kissesshe'dfoundsosweetearlier.
Sheglancedup.Kirkwasstillstandingbythekitchenwindow.Didhehaveany
ideahowtemptedshewastostartthecaranddriveasfarawayfromhimasshe
could?Shedidnotwanttohavetodealwiththissituationhe'dplacedthemin.
Whatwomanwould?Tochoosebetweenlivingwithamanwho'dfalleninlove
withanotherwomanorleavinghim,therebydeprivingherchildrenofasafe,
stablehomewithboththeirparents.
Andshewaspregnant!IfsheleftKirk,whowouldbewithherinthedelivery
roomwhenthischildwasborn?Whenshegavethatlastpushandthedoctor
announcedthesex,wasanyonegoingtocarebesidesher?
Clairerestedherarmsandheadonthesteeringwheelandallowedthesobsto
explodefromherchest.No!No!Shecrieduntilithurttoomuchtocryanymore,
andthenshesearchedthecarforaboxoftissues.
Shethoughtshe'dputoneintheglovecompartmentthelasttimeshecleaned
thecar.Sheflickedtheswitchandthecompartmentdoorflewopen,triggeringa
tinyinteriorlight.Clairepushedpastthecarmanual,theicescraper,themapof
Ontario.
Notissues.Butsomethingelsewasinthere,somethingsmall,shiny,cooltothe
touch.Shecurledherfingersarounditandpulleditout.
Atubeoflipstick.Anditwasn'thers.
Clairestuckthekeysintheignitionandstartedtheengine.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
WherethehellwasClairegoing?Shewastooupsettobedriving.Especiallylate
atnightonbackcountryroads.
Kirksteppedawayfromthekitchenwindowandcontemplatedtheremainingset
ofkeysonthehookbythedoor.Hewastemptedtogoafterher,buthecouldn't
leavethekidsalone.
Maybewhereshewasgoingatthistimeofnightwasn'tthepoint.Shewasn't
headedanywhere.Shejustcouldn'tstandtobeinthesamehousewithhim
anymore.
He'dneverheardhercrylikethatbefore.Tohimthewallsstillechoedwiththe
sound,bringingbackanothertime,anotherplace.
Hismotherandhisfather,arguinginthekitchenwhilehehidunderthebedinhis
room.Shoutedaccusations,flunginbothdirections,followedbytheslammingof
thefrontdoor.Andthensobbing.
Animal-painsobs,thekindtornfromyourgutwhenmentalpainbecomesphysical
andyourlogicalmindhassimplygivenup.
Thatwaswhathisdadhaddonetohismom,andthatwaswhathe'ddoneto
Claire.
Kirkfeltasobofhisownrisingfromhischest,andhequicklyforceddownaglass
ofwater.
Atleasthiskidshadn'twitnessedthescene.Atleasttheyweresafelyasleep.He
wentintotheirroomstocheck,thenreturnedtothekitchen,wherehereached
intothecupboardoverthefridgeinsearchofbrandyleftoverfromlastsummer.
Thereitwas.
Hepulleddownthesquatbrownbottleandlinedatumblerwithacoupleof
inches.Thenhewentoutandsatontheslatesteps,hopingthecoolernightair
mightmakeitpossibleforhimtodrawabreathwithoutfeelingasifhislungs
wereabouttocavefromtheweightofhisguilt.
Thebrandywasgoneintwominutes.Hesettheemptyglassonthestepandgot
uptopacethelane.Hecountedeighty-fourstepstothetopofthedrive,which
connectedtotheaccessroadthatledouttothehighway.Whichwayhadshe
turnedonceshegottothepavedroad?TowardPortCar-ling?OrPortSandfield?
Whatdiditmatter?Asifhecouldfindhereitherway.
Heretracedhisstepstothecottage,thedarkofthenightpressinginonhim,
remindinghimofhisculpability.
Andtherealhellofit,thebitterirony,wasthatonlywhenhesawClairebreak
downhadherealizedhowmuchheonlydidloveher.Itwaslikethatmoment
whenheslippedonhisglassesandallthestockquotesinthemorningpaper
suddenlybecamelegible.
HesawthathisinfatuationwithJanicewaspreciselythat.HesawthatClairewas
thewomanhewantedtospendhislifewith.Andhesaw,Godhelphim,howmuch
he'dhurtherwithhisownconfusion.
Sinkingontothetopstair,hecuppedhisheadinhishandsandclosedhiseyes.
Pleaseletherbeallright.Pleaselethercomeback.Pleaselethergivemeanother
chance.
Evenifhedidn'tdeserveit.
Oldmemories.Attwenty-four,whenhe'dmether,Clairehadbeenthekindof
womaneveryyoungmandreamedabout.Pretty,blondandbuxom,withan
outgoingpersonalityandnaturalconfidencetospare.He'dbeenamazedwhen
she'dagreedtogooutwithhim,andwassooncaptivatedbyherabilitytosee
humorinalmosteverysituation,andbyherpractical,no-nonsenseintelligence.
HisClaire.
He'dthoughtofherassuchforyears,eventhoughhe'dalwayssensedacoreto
herspiritwherehewasdeniedaccess.Shewaskindandcaringtofamilyand
friends,withthestrongestmaternalinstinctsofanywomanhe'dknown.Butwith
him,sheheldsomethingback.
Still,she'dbeenhisfriend,hislover,themotherofhischildren.Nowhewondered
whyhehadn'tbeenhappywiththat,whyhehadfeltthatsheowedhim
somethingmore.Somethinghehimselfcouldn'treallyputwordsto.
Kirkwasstillonthestep,hisheadcradledinhishandsashedriftedinandoutof
sleep,butnowhestraightenedhisshouldersandlookedahead.
Althoughthesunhadn'tyetrisen,therewasalighterqualitytothedark,orsoit
seemedtohim.Atadifferentpitchfromthebirds,whichhadalreadybeguntheir
morningchorus,hecouldclearlymakeoutthesoundofanapproachingvehicle.
Soon,hesawthenoseofhisVolvosedanthroughthescreenoftreetrunks.
Claire,headingdownthedrive.Relieved,Kirkstood.Itwasn'tClaire,though.The
carwashis,allright,butMallorywasatthewheel.Sheparkedabouttenyards
fromhim,thengotoutfromthedriver'sseatreluctantly.
Mallory'sbrowncurlyhairwaspulledbackinaponytail.Shewaswearingfaded
jeanswithfrayinghems,andaT-shirtshortenoughtorevealaninchofherflat
belly.Henoticedherfeetwerebare,andshecarriedsomethingsmallinherleft
hand.
"Where'sClaire?"
"She'satmyplace.Sleeping."Mallorypressedherlipstogether,thenglancedat
thebedroomwindowsofthecottage."Arethegirlsokay?"
Thequestionannoyedhim."Ofcoursethey'reokay.They'resleeping.It'searlyin
themorning.Whatinhelldidyouthinkthey'dbedoing?"
Shetookastepback."Okay.Sorry.Ididn'tmeantoaccuseyouofanything."
"Oh,really?"Thenwhatwasshedoinghere?She'dcometogivehimhellfor
hurtingClaire.Andhedeservedit.Heshovedhishandsinhispocketsandmoved
overtowardthewoodshed.
Malloryfollowed."Claireisamess,youknow."
"Iknow."Hepulledinadeepbreathofair,thenforceditout.Hewishedhecould
meetMallory'sgaze,buthewassuddenlyafraidhemightbreakdown.Staringat
theground,hechokedoutafewwords."Believeme,Ifeelterribleaboutthat."
"Idobelieveyou."Malloryputahandonhisshoulder.
Hewassurprisedatthegesture.He'dexpectedClaire'sfriendstorallysolidly
behindher,againsthim.Certainly,MalloryandDrewhadbeencoolenough
towardhimduringlunchattheConroys'.
"DrewandIwantyouguystoworkthisthingout,"Mallorysaid."AndIstillthink
youcan.Butyou'vegottoappreciatehowhardthisisonClaire.
Youknowhowshelikesorderinherlife.Thisfeelingofbeingoutofcontrol—well,
itscaresher.Itcertainlycomplicatesmattersthatshe's—"
"Pregnant."Hepickedupsomestraylogsthekidsmusthavebeenplayingwith
andthrewthembackontopofthestackhe'dchoppedlastfall.
HeturnedtofaceMallory."Iintendtolookafterher,toloveher.Ifshe'llletme…"
ItworriedhimthatnowMallorywouldn'tlookhimintheeye."Iknow,Kirk.Butit
mighttakesometime.Itdoesn'thelp—"Shesighed,thensatonthefattree
stumpheusedasachoppingblock.
"What?"Theblockwasbigenoughfortwo.Heperchedtentativelyontheedge
andlookeddownonMallory'sprofile.
"Shefoundthisintheglovecompartmentofyourcar."Malloryopenedherleft
hand,revealingagold-coloredtubeoflipstick.
"Oh,hell."
Mallorypassedittohim,andwithoutthinking,hetosseditfarintothetreesand
thescrub.
"It'sJanice's,isn'tit?"
"Yeah."Whythehellhadsheputthelipstickinhisglovecompartment?He
rememberedherpullingdownthevanitymirrortofreshenupthelasttimehe'd
takenhertodinner.Thathadbeenthenighthe'drevealedhewasgoingtotell
Claireaboutthem.Hegroaned,thinkingofthecolossalmesshe'dmadeofthings.
"SeeingsomethingtangiblethatbelongedtoJanicemadethesituationsomuch
morerealforClaire."
"Yeah.Icanimaginehowshewouldfeel."Howwouldhelikeitifhefound
anotherman'sbelongingshihiswife'svan?Justtheideamadehischestswell
withpain.
"Anyway—"Mallorystoodandlookeddownathim"—Clairefellasleepjusthalfan
hourago.IthoughtI'dlethersleepuntilshewakesuponherown.I'mnotsure,
butshe'llprobablycomehomethen.Shewon'twanttoworrythekids."
"No,"heagreed.Tohellwithhim.Shewouldn'tcareabitforhowhewasfeeling.
Andtruthfully,couldheblameher?
whenClairedrovedownthelanetowardthecottageshortlyafternineinthe
morning,Andiewassittingonthefrontstep,wearingcutoffjeansandanold
soccerT-shirt.Herhair,whichsheobviouslyhadn'tcombedyetthismorning,was
ariotofredcurlsaroundherpale,freckledface.
Thepoorkiddidnotappearhappy.Clairetookadeepbreathandglancedat
herselfinthesidemirrorasshegotoutofthecar.Shelookedterrible—paleand
redeyed—buthopefullyAndiewouldn'tnotice.
"Goodmorning,hon.Haveyouhadbreakfast?"
"Daddymadepancakes."Andiestareddownatherbarefeet."Wherewereyou
lastnight,Mom?"
Clairesatonthestepnexttoherdaughter."Didn'tDadtellyou?"
"HesaidyouwenttoMallory's.Butwhy?"
Theclearblueofherdaughter'seyeswasapotenttruthserum.Clairedrewa
deepbreath."YourdadandIhadanargument.AndIneeded—Ineeded—"Claire
paused,shiftinghergazetothetallstandoftreesbythewoodshed.
"YouknowwhenyouandyoursisterarefightingandIsendyoutoyourroomsto
cooloff?"
Andienodded.
"Well,sometimesadultsneedtocooloff,too."
"IsthatwhathappenedthelasttimeyousaidDaddywentonabusinesstrip?I
sawhissuitcaseinthecloset…"
Oh,myLord.ClairerememberedthewayKirk'sclothinghadbeenpushedtothe
side.
"Hewasn'tonabusinesstrip,washe?Youlied."
Toprotectyou.Claireletherheadsinkontoherarms."You'reright,Andie.I
shouldhavetoldyouthetruth.ButIdidn'twantyoutoworry."Shetrailedher
fingersdownAndie'ssoftcheek,thenleanedincloserforahug.Herdaughter
remainedstiff,unyielding.
"Idon'tthinkit'sveryniceofyoutogoawaywhenDaddy'sonlyhereforsucha
shorttime.
Maybe,ifyouwerenicertohull,Daddywouldwanttocomemoreoftenandstay
longer."
Attimesthedemandsofmotherhoodjustwerenotfair.Thiswasoneofthem.
WasitherfaultKirkworkedsuchlonghours,hadfrequentbusinesstrips,often
wastiedupweekends?Didn'tshewishhehadmoretimeforthefamily,too?But
shewouldnotsayawordagainstKirktoAndie.
"I'msorryifyoudon'tseeasmuchofyourdadasyou'dlike.Buthe'sheretoday,
right?Whynotmakethemostofit."
Andieconsideredthatforaminute,beforepushingherselfintoastanding
position."Yeah.Iguess."
GuiltcrushedClaire'sribsasshewatchedherdaughtergobackintothecottage.
IfsheandKirkweretogetdivorced,Andiewouldseeevenlessofherfather.
YetClairewasn'tsureshecouldgobacktolivingwithKirkasifnothinghadever
happened.
FindingthatlipstickinKirk'sglovecompartmentshouldhavebeensuchalittle
thing.Afterall,itdidn'tchangeasinglethingshealreadyknewaboutJaniceand
Kirk.Yetthatslendermetaltubehadputanimageinherheadthatshejustcould
notshake.
JaniceinthecarnexttoKirk.Glidingonherlipstickassheanticipatedtheir
dinnertogether.
Andattheendoftheevening…akiss.Thatwomanhadkissedherhusband.
AndKirkwouldhavehadtowipealltracesofthatlipstickoffbeforecominghome
toher,slidingbetweenthesheetsoftheirbed,mumblingsomeexcuseoranother.
Lastnightshe'dseenthepain,thesorrowandregret,inKirk'seyes.Forthesake
ofherchildren,shewantedtoforgivehim.Buthiherheart,shejustdidn'tknow
ifitwaspossible.
ClairewasdeterminedtokeepbusythatweekwhileKirkwasbackinthecity.On
TuesdayshehadMalloryandDrewoverfordinner.ThensheinvitedGradyand
theboysonThursday.
ShewasamazedwhenbothWarrenandTayloracceptedtheinvitation.Between
summerjobs,theirreportingdutiesfortheGazetteandwantingtimewiththeir
friends,thetwinshadfewsparehours.Thatnight,however,theyseemedrelaxed
andatease.Duringdinnertheyteasedthegirlsandeachother,whilemanaging
toeatenormousquantitiesofthemarinatedflanksteakthatClairehad
barbecued.
Afterdessertoficecreamandcaramel-bananasauce,theygood-naturedlyagreed
totakethegirlsoutforapaddleonthelake.ClaireandGradyhelpedwithlife
jackets,thensettledonthewoodenchairsattheendofthepiertowatchthe
chaos.
"Sometimes,theystillactlikesuchkids,"Gradysaid,soundingalittlenostalgic.
Hewasleaningbackinthechair,hislongtannedlegsplantedfirmlyonthedock.
ClairewatchedasWarrenmaneuveredhispaddleboat,whichhewassharingwith
Andie,sothathecouldsplashhisbrotherintheface."Theylooklikethey're
havingfun."
"Yeah.They'rehavingagoodsummer.Theywenttotheirmom'slastSunday.She
tookthemtoapoolpartyatherboss'shouseandapparentlyhehadacoupleof
reallycutedaughters.Sothatdidn'thurt."
Clairesmiled,enjoyingthefinelinesthatspranguparoundGrady'seyeswhenhe
grinned.
"Warrensaidsheactedreallyproudwhensheintroducedthemtoallherco-
workers.Youknow,'Thesearemyboys,'thatkindofthing.Ithinktheboys
appreciatedbeingincludedintheirmother'snewlife."
Clairenodded.Sheknewhowoverwhelmedthey'dbeenwhentheirstay-at-home
momhadsuddenlybegunanewcareerandmadenewfriends.ThatBess'snew
lifehadincludeddumpingheroldhusbandhadn'thelped.Forawhiletheboys
hadfeltthattheirmotherhaddumpedthem,aswell,althoughthedecisionto
havethemstayhiPortCarlingsotheycouldfinishhighschoolwithalltheir
friendshadmadesense.
"Lord,Ican'tbelievethiswillbetheirlastyearofhighschool.Irememberthose
daysasiftheywereyesterday."
"Me,too."Clairelookeddownatherfingernails,whichshe'dpaintedpinkthat
afternoonwhilethegirlswereplayingoutside,thenglancedsidewaysatGrady.
"Thatwasthesummerwewentoutforafewmonths.Doyoueverthinkabout
thosedays?"
Heseemedalittlesurprisedbythequestion,buthenodded."Suredo.Istillcan't
believeImanagedtodateClaireElizabethAdams,classpresidentandgirlvoted
MostPopular…"
"Oh,stopit!"HerfriendshadteasedhermercilesslyaboutthatMostPopularthing
whenshe'dshownthemheryearbook."Youweretheguyallthegirlswanted.
Captainofthehockeyteam,mostgoalsscoredbyanykidfromPortCarlinginone
season…"
Gradyhooted."Wewerequiteateam,weren'twe?"
Washetalkingaboutthehockeyteamorthetwoofthemasacouple?Claire
couldn'tbesure,butsheknewthatshehadneverbeenascompletelyhappyasin
thosefewgloriousmonthswhensheandGradyhaddated.
ThenBesshadtoldhimshewaspregnant.
"Doyoueverwonderwhatmighthavehappened…?"
"Sometimes."Gradycockedhishead,hisexpressionseriousforonce."Yeah,
sometimesIwonder…"Hisgazebrushedherface,thelengthofherbody,likea
caress.Hereachedouttotouchherhandgently,thenquicklywithdrew.
Clairefeltasweet,piercinglongingandclosedhereyessohewouldn'tguess.
"ButyouandKirkaren'tgoingtoenduplikeBessandme,"hesaid.
Clairewonderedhowhecouldsoundsosure.Nevertheless,hisstatementputa
fullstoptoherwaywardthoughts.Nowshetookadeepbreath,gatheringher
composure."Thedivorcewasawful,wasit?"
"Oh,yeah.BessandIhadourdifferences,butIwasdefinitelyinthemarriagefor
thelonghaul.Obviously,shewasn't."
Hestareddownathishands."Thankfully,Ihadtokeepmyselftogetherfor
WarrenandTaylor,orLordknowswhatImighthavedone."
"Andnowyou'reseeingTerese…?"
Grady'sfacesoftenedatthementionofhername.Hislipscurledup;thecrinkles
byhiseyesreturned."Sheisonegreatlady,Claire,andherdaughtersureisa
funnylittlething."
Thekidshadpaddledoutseveralhundredyards.Nowtheyturnedback.Claire
wasglad.Acoolwindhadpickedup;thesunhaddippedtotreelevel.Sheslipped
onasweatshirtandtriedtoworkupagenerosityofspirittowardGrady'snew
romance."Sothingsaregoingwell?"
Grady'schestcavedalittle."Theywere."
Were?Oh,she'dknowntherewassomethingaboutthatwoman."What's
happened?"
"Terese'sex-husbandmanagedtotrackherdownthisweekend.LuckyIwas
aroundorthingscouldhavegottenuglyforTereseandLisa."
Heflexedhishands,andClairewonderedifthesituationhaddeterioratedto
actualblows."Mai-lorytoldmethereasonsheleftthemarriageinthefirstplace
wasthathewasphysicallyabusive."
Gradynodded."ItstartedafterLisawasborn.Theoccasionalshoveorslap.Once
hegaveTereseashaking,thenthrewheragainstthestove.Thecomerofthe
metalhandlecaughtherontheface—"
Claireclosedhereyesbriefly,sickenedbythevividmentalpicturesheconjured.
"Isthathowshegotthatscarbyhereye?"
"Yeah.Butitwasn'tenoughtoconvincehertoleave.Shedidn'treachthatpoint
untilheturnedonhisowndaughter.ThenTereseknewshehadnochoicebutto
go."
"ThankGodshedid."PoorTereseandLisa.Clairetrulydidfeelsorryforthem.
ButtheideaofGradyhavingtodealwiththisman…
"Youcansaythatagain.Troubleis,havingherexshowuphasmadeherskittish.
Itookherintothepolicedepartment.Shefiledacomplaint,gotarestraining
order,butyouonlyhavetoreadacitynewspapertoknowhowmuchprotection
thatoffersawoman."
"Doesshethinkhecouldbedangerous?"
"Shedoes,andafterseeinghiminaction,Idon'tblameher.Themanisviolent,
Claire.Andunpredictable.AndnowTeresewantstocoolthingsoffbetweenthe
twoofusbecauseofhim."
"Really?"Clairefeltanuncomfortabletwingeofguilt.Gradysoundedsounhappy,
butdidn'tsheagreewithTerese?Shedidn'twanthiminasituationwherehe'd
havetoworryabouttheconstantthreatofTerese'sex-husband.
"It'sjustlikeTeresetoworryaboutmewhensheshouldbeworryingabout
herselfandherdaughter.Iwanttoprotecther,butshewon'tletme!"
Maybeit'sforthebest.Thatwaswhatshewantedtosay,butClairedidn'tdare.
Gradywasn'tthetypetobackawayfromasituationjustbecauseitmighthave
dangerousrepercussionsforhimself.Healwaysthoughtofothersfirst.Butthere
wassomethingshecouldremindhimof.
"Justaslongasthetwinsaren'tdraggedintothis."
Gradypaused,lookingoutoverthelake.Thenheturnedtoher."Iknowwhat
you'resaying,Claire.Believeme,I'mworried,too.ButTeresehasdonealotfor
theboys,andtheythinktheworldofher.Youknowshe'sgoneaboveandbeyond
inherroleashigh-schoolguidancecounselor.Initially,herconcernabouttheboys
gotustospendtimetogether."
"Mallorytoldme."
"TheboysfeelalmostasprotectiveaboutherasIdo.Andweallworryabout
Lisa."
"Ofcourseyoudo."Thesituationwashopeless.AmanlikeGradywouldnever
walkawayfromawomanwhoneededhim,nomatterwhatthepotentialdanger
tohimself.Hadn'thegallantlysteppedforwardtomarryBess,eventhoughhe'd
beeninlovewithClaireatthetime?
ClairewonderedwhatitwouldfeelhiketobethewomaninneedandhaveGrady
cometotherescue.Sheclosedhereyesandletherheadrestagainstthebackof
thechair.Acoolbreezefromthelakedancedonhercheeksandliftedthewispsof
hairaroundherface.
Gradytotherescue.Itseemedtoherthatwouldfeelmightyheady.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
"WhatIworryabout,"Clairesaid,shavingcornoffthecobtomakechowderfor
dinner,"isthatthisisGrady'stransitionalrelationship.Youknow—tohelphimget
overthedivorcefromBess."
Mallorywasstandingbythestove,stirringtheonionsandgreenpeppersshewas
sauteingonlowheat."Youdon'tthinkhereallylovesTerese?"
"Oh,Idon'tknow."Clairedismissedthequestionimpatiently."Thepointis,Grady
wasattractedtoher,startedseeingher,thenthisstuffwiththeex-husband
beginstosimmerandnowhe'strapped.Don'tyousee?"Shetransferredthecorn
tothelargepotwhereshe'dbeenboilingdicedpotatoesinchickenstock,then
addedacupofchoppedham."AmanlikeGradyisnevergoingtobackoutona
damselindistress."
"Butwhywouldhewantto?Assuminghe'sinlovewithher."
"Maybehejustthinkshelovesher.Becausesheneedshim.JustthewayBessdid
whenshefoundoutshewaspregnant."
"Iseewhatyou'regettingat,"Mallorysaidslowly."ButIalsothinkyou'rewrong."
"Mewrong?Isthatpossible?"Clairejoked,butinsidesheworried.Perhaps
MallorywastooclosetoTeresetoseethetruth.Orwassheherselfoutofline
withherconcernsaboutthenewhigh-schoolguidancecounselor?
ClairetookthefryingpanfromMalloryand.scrapedthecontentsintothesoup
pot,thenaddedagenerousquantityofpeppertothemix.Teabiscuitswereinthe
oven,andatossedsaladsatinthefridge.Dinnerwouldbereadytoeatintwenty
minutes.
Itwasladies'nightattheRidgewaycottage.DrewwasinTorontoforacoupleof
days,recordinganextraepisodeofForeignMatterssothatheandMallorycould
takeafewextradaysoverthelongweekend.Theywereplanningtodrivetohis
cottageintheGatineauHillstodoalittlehikingandvisitsomeofhisoldfriends.
Clairefiguredhewaseagertoshowoffhiswifeanddaughter.
Sinceshewasn'texpectingKirkuntillater,ClairehadinvitedMalloryandAngel
fordinner.Rightnowthegirlswereplayingoutsideontheswings.
"WhattimeareyouexpectingKirk?"Malloryaskedasshelaidnapkinsaroundthe
placesettings.
"Hedoesn'tusuallygethereuntilaftereleven.Withthelongweekendtraffic,
though,itcouldbelater."Clairecouldn'tbelieveitwastheAugustlongweekend
already,themidsummermarker.
LastweekendsheandKirkhadtalkedabouttakingtheboattoPortCarling,
somethingtheyhadn'tdoneallsummer.Drivingtherewasfaster,buttravelingby
boatwassomuchmoreromantic.
"Howarethingsgoing?"Malloryasked,hertonecautious.
"Well,thetherapysessionsarekindofinteresting."She'dreadabookRivaSharp
hadrecommended,andsheandKirkhadspentlastSaturdaynighttalkingabout
thedifferentissuesitraised.
"AndKirk'sbeenthemodelhusbandandfather."Wheneverhewashere,hetook
overthebulkofthedailychores,insistingthatsherestforseveralhoursevery
afternoon.
Rest.Ifonlyshecould.Sleepwassoelusivethesedays.
SheandKirkhandledeachotherwithkidgloves.Shecouldseehewaseagernot
tohurtorupsether.There'dbeennorepeatofthatintenselovemakingsession
they'dhadonthedeck.
InawayClairewasrelieved.Shewasfrightenedoftheemotionsreleasedinher
onlysecondsafterhersoul-scorchingclimax.Fromecstasytoagony.Thephrase
heldmoretruththanshe'deverrealized.
Butshewasalmostasdisappointedasshewasrelieved.Herbodymissedthe
physicalcontact.
Sometimes,shefeltasifshewereateenageragainthewayherthoughtskept
returningtosex.Therewasanachinginherbreasts,anemptinessathervery
core.
DidKirkmissmakinglovewithher,too?Occasionally,shethoughtshesawa
glimmerofawarenessinhiseyeswhenhewaslookingather.Asilence,aquickly
gatheredbreathwhenshe'dremovedhercottonshirttorevealahaltertopthat
wasalittlesmallforthisstageofherpregnancy.
Butmaybeshewasimagininghisreaction.MaybeitwasonlyJanicehethought
about,Janicehemissed.Shehadtokeepremindingherselfthatonlyafterhe'd
discoveredshewaspregnanthadhetoldherJanicewasamistake.Hisunborn
child,nothiswife,washisconcern.
atfiveo'clocktheywereabouttositdowntotheirearlydinner,whenthephone
rang.
Clairereachedfortheportablephone,whichwassittingonthecounternextto
thesink.Whileshewasinthekitchen,shegrabbedthesaladoutofthefridge
andpassedittoAndie.
"Hello?"
"Hi,Claire,it'sme."
"Kirk."Claireglanceddownatthewatchonherwrist."Whenareyouleaving?"
Therewasapause.Claire'sstomachmusclestightened,andshenoticedAndie
watchingheranxiously.
"That'swhyI'mcalling.We'vehadsomeinvestorsfromNewYorkshowup.I'm
expectedtotakethemoutfordinnertonight."Hewasusinghisbusinessvoice,all
brisk,nononsense."Ishouldbeabletogetawaytomorrowaroundnoon.There'll
belesstrafficthen,anyway."
"Oh,yes,verysensible."Didhehearthesarcasm?Ifso,hepretendednotto.
"Good.TellthegirlsIlovethem.I'llbethereintimefordinner,andwecantake
thatboattriptoPortCarlingonSunday."
Claireswallowed,hatingthatshefeltsodisappointed.Shekepttellingherselfshe
couldn'tpossiblyloveKirkanymore,notafterthewayhe'dbetrayedher.Butif
thatwastrue,whydidshefeelsobereftathavingtowaitanextradaytosee
him?
"Claire?"Kirk'svoicewassuddenlysofter."Areyouthere?Iseverythingokay?"
Sheturnedherbacktothetableandwenttothestovetocheckthattheburner
andtheovenwereshutoff.Theywere."I'mf-fine."
"Areyousure—"
Claireblinkedbacktears,andaflashofanger.Howmanytimeshadsheheard
thissameexcusefromhiminthepast?Howmanytimeshadfamilycomesecond
toworkobligations?Andhowmanytimeshadthoseworkobligationsbeena
fabricationtogivehimtimetospendwithJanice?
"Ihavetogo.We'rejustsittingdowntodinner."Shehungupthephonewithout
waitingforhisreply,thentookherseat,halfexpectingthephonetoringagain.
Itdidn't.
ClaireavoidedMallory'seyeswhensheannouncedtoherdaughtersthattheir
fatherwouldbearrivinglaterthanexpected.Sheplayedwiththesoupinher
bowlandforceddownasmallservingofsalad.
Thebaby.Shehadtoeatforthebaby'ssake.Claireswallowedamouthfulof
chowder,thenanother.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,sheresentedbeingpregnant.
Shedidn'tneedthisextraburdenontopofeverythingelse.Justonce,shewished
shecouldputherownwantsandneedsfirst.
Andrightnow,shedidn'twanttoeat.Shewantedtorantandrave…
Afterthedishesweredone,Mallorygotthegirlssettledinfrontofthetelevision
withamovieintheVCR,thenpulledherontothedecktotalk.
"Outwithit,Claire.Youlookreadytoexplode."
"Youdon'tknowhowrightyouare."Clairewalkeddownthestepstothesecond
levelofthedeck,andMalloryfollowed.Fromthisvantagepoint,theycouldhear
therhythmiclappingofwaves,thecreakingoftheboardsattheirfeet.Claire
grippedtherailingandleanedagainstit.
"Hesayshehastoentertainout-of-townclients.ButI'llbethe'sseeingher"
"Whydoyouthinkthat?"
"Janice'sholidayendedonMonday.I'vebeenwonderinghowKirkwouldreactto
seeingherbackintheoffice."
"Didyoutryaskinghim?"
Clairebenttorestherforeheadonherfoldedarms.HowcouldMallory
understand?SheandDrewweresoclose,socompatible.Shecouldn'tappreciate
whatitwasliketohaveyourhusbandlietoyou,deceiveyou.
"Claire,youcan'tworryyourselfsickaboutthingslikethis.Youhavetotalkto
Kirk.Tellhimwhatyou'rethinking.Givehimachancetoreassureyou."
ButwhatifhereallywasseeingJanice?
Well,atleastshe'dknow.
"You'reright,"shedecided."IneedtotalktoKirk.Willyoustayovernightwith
thegirls?"
"Now?You'regoingtotalktohimnow?"
"JustassoonasIcandrivetoToronto.Let'ssee.It'sfive-thirty.IfIleaveright
awayI'llbethereshortlybeforenine—I'llbegoingagainstthetraffic."
"Oh,Claire.Areyousurethisisagoodidea?Howwillyouknowwheretofind
him?"
"I'llcallhisassistant,Greer.Shemakesallhisdinnerreservations.Sowillyou
watchthegirls?"
"Ofcourse.But—"
"Talktohim,"Claireremindedher,afingeratherfriend'schest."Yourwords.
Remember?"
ClairehadcalledGreerfromhercellphone,shortlyafterheadingthevansouth
forToronto.
"Goodthingyoucaughtme."Greer'svoicehadbeencheerful."Iwasjustonmy
wayoutthedoor.HisreservationisatthatItalianrestaurantheloveson
Eglinton.Justaminute—I'llcheckmyaddressbookforthename—"
"Noneed.Iknowtheone."She'dgonetherewithKirkseveraltimes…
Now,parkedinfrontoftherestaurant,Claireconsideredthepossibilitythatshe
wouldn'tfindthemthere.Theymighthavechosentospendthen-timesomewhere
moreprivate.WouldKirkdaretakeJanicehome?Claire'schestfeltasifitwere
onfireassheimaginedJanicetossingherpurseonthechairbythefrontdoor,
slippingherblazerontothepostbythestaircase,walkingupthesteps,holding
Kirk'shand…
No.No.Hewouldn'tstoopsolow.Besides,itwasonlyeight-forty.Theyhadtostill
behere.
Inthefoyershepaused.Therewasafountaininthecenteroftheroom,terra-
cottatilesonthefloor,flamboyantItalianartonthewalls.Theplacewascrowded
andnoisy,andtheenticingaromasofgarlic,oreganoandtomatosaucefilledthe
air.Adark-hairedgirlinherearlytwenties—obviouslythehostess—wasstanding
nearbybutpreoccupiedwithaflirtingcustomer.Shelaughed,tossingback
shoulder-lengthhair.
Thelightsweredim,wrought-ironcandelabrawereontheirlowestsettingsand
candlesonthetablesflickeredbeckoningly.
Thewomenweredressedtodisarm.Reflexively,Claireputahandtoherhair,
wishingshe'datleastputonlipstickinthecar.Shewaswearingapalepink
sundressandheroldflatsandals,andcouldn'thavefeltmoreoutofplace.Still,a
maninhisfiftiessmiledatherastheireyescaughtacrosstheroom.Anda
nearbywaiterbowedcourteously.
"Meetingsomeone?"
"Yes.CouldIjustlookaround?''
Hewouldhavepreferredtohelp,butsheslidpast,aselegantlyasawomanwho
wasfourmonthspregnantcouldslide.Shescannedthecrowd,tablesoflovers,of
families,offriends,onthelookoutfortwofurtiveheads.Onedarkblond,the
otherbrunette.Twopeopleleaningintowardeachother,possiblyholdinghands…
Shewouldpourtheirwineovertheirheads,thenthrowJaniceintothefountain.
Shewould—
TherewasKirk.She'dknowthosebroadshouldersanywhere.Apillarhidtherest
ofthepartyfromherview.
Clairemovedforward.Nowshesawthepartyinfull.Twomenweresittingwith
herhusband.Andhe'djustnoticedher.
Inlessthanasecondhiseyeswidenedinastonishment,thennarrowedwith
anger.Sheknewthatsettohismouth,eventhoughshesawitrarely.
Suddenly,shefeltabsurd,conspicuous.Hewasn'twithJanice;hersuspicionshad
beenunfounded.Whatonearthwasshegoingtodonow?Turnanddrivebackto
thecottage?
Kirkhadrisen,andhiscompanionswerelookingherway.SomehowClaire
propelledherselfforward.Kirkwassmilingnow,allgenialcharm.
"Youmadeit,Claire.Betterlatethannever.Thisismywife,gentlemen.Iasked
hertojoinusifshecould."
Hishandonherarmwasgentleasheguidedhertothechaironhisright.The
twomenacrossthetabledidnotseemupsetbytheinterruption.Bothslightly
olderthanKirk,bothdressedinsimilarbusinessattireasherhusband,they
smiledpolitelyandheldouttheirhandsinturn.
"Claire,MartinMclntyreandBarryStracker.They'vecomefromNewYorkto
considerinvestmentopportunitiesinsomeofournewerhigh-techventures."
ClairesmiledatBarry,whosatacrossfromher.
Hehadaroundface,balancingkeeneyeswithawarmsmile.Martin,sitting
acrossfromKirk,wasbothtallerandbetterlooking,andhisexpressionwas
decidedlymorealoof.
"IhopeI'mnotinterruptinganythingimportant,"shesaid."WhenKirktoldme
aboutthedinner,IthoughtIcouldn'tcome,butatthelastminuteIfounda
sitter."
"I'mglad."Kirksmiledather,andforamomentshealmostbelievedthathewas
pleasedtoseeher.Thensherememberedwhomtheywerewith,andtheneedto
presentapleasantfacade.
"Wewerejustabouttoorderourmaincourse,"Barrysaid."Wouldyouliketosee
themenu?"
Hehandedhertheleather-boundbooklet,andshesmiledherthanks.Eatingwas
thelastthingonhermind,butofcourseshe'dhavetoordernowthatshewas
here.
"Theservertoldusaboutapastaspecialyou'dprobablylike,"Kirksaid."A
mixtureofricottaandspinachinhomemaderavioli,servedwithacreamytomato
sauce."
"Thatdoessoundgood."
Theserverhadjustreturnedandwasgatheringmenus.Claireaddedherstothe
pile.
"Andasaladontheside?"Kirkasked."Claire'spregnant,"heannouncedtothe
group,puttinganarmaroundhershoulders.
"Congratulations!"Wineglasseswereraised,thentheordersweregiven.
Claireaskedforanonalcoholiccocktail,thensatbackinherchair.Thesuspicion
andangerthathadfueledherduringthelongdrivehadcompletelyfizzled,and
nowshefeltanoddmixtureofcontentmentandpleasure.Kirkhadn'tremoved
hisarm,anditswarmthfeltinclusive,asifhewereshepherdingherintothe
group,assuringherofherwelcome.
Barrywascharmingandgregarious,andshesoonfoundthatMartinhadadry
wit,whichheusedsparinglybuteffectively.
"Yourhusbandisapersuasiveman,"Barrysaid,breakingapieceofbreadinhis
hands."Butwhatdoeshiswifesay?Shouldwehandhimthesixhundred
thousanddollarshe'saskingfor?"
"Onlyifyoucan'taffordseven,"Clairesaid.
Kirklaughedandsqueezedhershoulder."Asyoucansee,wemakequiteateam."
Briefly,Claireallowedhergazetomeethis,andwassurprisedatthewarmthand
affectionshesaw.Ballinghernapkininonefist,shewilledherselftoholdback
quicktears.
"Anddoyoualreadyhavechildren?"Barryasked,jumpingtopicswithease.
"Threegirls,"Kirksaidproudly.
"Maybeasonthistime?"BarryglancedatClaire,thenbacktoKirk.
"Orperhapsthey'llsticktothehousespecialty,"Martinsaid."Mywifesaysonce
yougettherecipefiguredout,don'tbotherexperimenting.Wehavetwoboys."
Theirmealsarrivedthen,andClairewassurprisedtofindshefeltfamished.The
ravioliweresotendertheymeltedlikeshortbreadinhermouth,andthe
seasoningswereexquisite.Thesaladwastossedwithalightraspberryvinaigrette
andservedwithahandfulofberriesandsomefreshlyroastedpecansinthe
center.
"Oh,myLord,"Clairesaidafterherfirstfewbites."Nowonderyoulikethis
restaurantsomuch."
"Itisgood,isn'tit?"Kirksaid.He'dorderedapistachiochickendish,servedwith
oven-roastedvegetables.
"Justgivemetenminuteswiththatchef…"Shewasthinkingofgatheringnew
recipesforhercookingcolumn,butMartinchosetomisinterpretherintent.
"I'mnotsosurethatwouldbewise."HeglancedupfromhisossobucoMilanese.
"Themanwasquitehandsome—IsawhimasIpassedbythekitchenontheway
tothewashrooms.Thinasarake,withdarkItalianeyes.Pregnantornot,I
wouldn'ttrustmywifealonewithbun.Besides,aren'tthoseItalianspartialto
blondes?"
Kirkreturnedhisarmtohershoulders."Iwon'tlethergoalone,then."
Thebanterwasflattering,eventhoughsheknewshewasn'tlookingherbest.
Thenshecaughtaglimpseofherselfinamirrorontheoppositewall,andwas
amazedtoseeshelookedokay.Herhairfellinpaleyellowwavesaroundher
face,andthewarmatmosphereandcamaraderieatthetablehadbroughtcolorto
hercheeksandlips.
Themealendedtooquickly.Kirkpickedupthetabforthegroup,thenthefourof
themrosefromthetableandwalkedsinglefiletothefrontdoor,withClaire
leadingtheway.
Shepausedinthefoyer,suddenlyguiltyabouthavinginterrupted."Butdidyou
gettodiscussallyourbusinessissues?"
"Madam—"Barrytookherhandandbowedslightly"—meetinganassociate'swife
isasimportantasreviewingthefinancialstatements."
"Oftenmoreso,"Martinsaiddryly.
"Wediscussedtheprojectoverdrinksbeforedinner,"Kirkassuredher."These
gentlemenhavetogetbacktotheirhotel.Theyhaveanearlyflighthome
tomorrowmorning.Ifyouhavequestions,"hesaid,turningtothemandshaking
hands,"youhavemycellphonenumber,aswellasthenumberatwork."
Outonthestreethehailedthemacab,andClairesmiledastheymadetheirfinal
goodbyes.
"YoumustcometoNewYorkandwe'llreturnthehospitality,"Barrysaid.
"Yes,"Martinaddedoverhisshoulder."Thefoodmightnottasteanybetter,but
it'llbetwiceasexpensive."
Thecabdoorshutandtheywereoff.Clairewasstillsmilingasshewatchedthe
redtaillightsdisappeardownthestreet.ShewasabouttotellKirkhowmuch
she'denjoyedtheevening,whenshenoticedhewasstaringather.Andtheangry
expressionshe'dglimpsedattherestauranthadreturned.
"Whatareyoudoinghere,Claire?"heasked."Youwerecheckinguponme,
weren'tyou?"
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
"ANDifIwascheckinguponyou?"Clairesquaredoffagainstherhusband.
"Wouldyoublameme?"
Allthegoodwillshe'dbeenfeelingvanishedintothewarm,humidnightair.She
forgotaboutthepleasureofthepasthourandahalfandremembered,instead,
theangerthathadfueledhertripinthefirstplace.
"Janicewasbackintheofficethisweek,wasn'tshe?"
"Sowhatifshewas?"Kirk'shandswereinhistrouserpockets.Hetookastep
closer,loweredhisvoiceanotch.
"Claire,I'mgoingtocounselingwithyou.I'mspendingeverysparemomentI
havewithyouandthekids.Ifthatisn'tenoughtoconvinceyouI'mseriousabout
makingthismarriagework,thenmaybeyoushouldtellmewhatitisthatyou
want?"
Clairegatheredhercouragetoasktheburningquestion,afraidoftheanswerbut
unabletoliveanylongerwiththeuncertainty."Iwanttoknowwhatyourfeelings
areforJanice.Doyoustillloveher?"
Kirk'sshouldersheavedonasigh,menheshookhisheadinagestureof
hopelessness."Oh,Claire."
Shesteppedback,knowingthequestionhadbeenamistake."I'mgoingho—"
"No.You'renotleaving."Suddenly,Kirkwasinfrontofher,hishandonherarm.
"Weneedtotalk,butnothere.Comebacktothehouse,Claire."
Shejerkedawayfromhim."Don'ttellmewhattodo."
Hecoveredthesideofhisfacewithhishand,shootingaglanceheavenward,then
atheragain."I'msorry,Claire.Ijustcouldn'tstanditifyouleftnow.Please,let's
haveacalm,civilizedtalk."
Claireconsidered.Hewasrightononepoint.Theycouldn'tremainhereonthe
street,arguingaboutsomethingthisimportant."Isuppose."
Kirkwalkedhertothevanandheldthedoorassheclimbedinside.
"Mycar'sjustdowntheblock.I'llmeetyouathome."
Home.Whatwashomeanymore?Clairefeltoddlydisorientedasshedrovethe
familiarstreets.ThefreewaytookherquicklytotheirneighborhoodinRichmond
Hill.Herethehouseswerelarge,mostofthembrick,withgenerouslotsand
maturetreesandlandscaping.
Shepulledintoherdriveway,notingthatKirkhadbeenkeepingthelawningood
condition.Thegaragedoorwasalreadyopen;Kirk'sVolvonosedintotheright-
handsideasusual.
Justasshegotoutofthevan,Kirkopenedthedoorthatledfromthegarageto
thehouse."Comein,Claire."
"Thanksfortheinvitation.LastIchecked,Iownedthisplace,too."
Kirk'sjawtightened."I'mgoingtoignorethat."
Forasecond,Clairewasashamedofherlittletemper,butthenshedecidedshe
wasentitledtofeelangry.Maybenotabouthisopeningthedoorbutaboutother,
moreimportant,things.
Shesweptthroughthehallwayandintothekitchen,awarethateverythingwas
neatandclean—notsomuchasadirtyglassbythesink.Inthefamilyroomshe
pacedthelengthofthefireplace.Thehousewassoquietshecouldhearthehum
oftheair-conditioning.
"Wantadrink?"
"No,Idon'twantadrink."
ShewatchedKirklowerhimselfontotheirwell-wornleathersofa.Afterafew
uncomfortablemomentssheproppedherselfagainstthearmattheoppositeside,
andhetwistedtofaceher.
"WhenyouaskedifIwasoverJanice,Ididn'tmeantoavoidthequestion."
"Really?"Clairepickedatthepolishononefingernail,wonderingifshewasready
tohearthis.Hewastakingsolongtoreplythenewshadtobebad.Maybehe
didn'tknowhowtotellher.Afteralongsilence,shecouldn'tbearitanymore.
"Youaren'toverher,areyou?"
"No,I'mnot,"heagreed.
Pauiknifedalinefromherthroattohergut.Hermouthopenedautomaticallyfor
air,justassherealizedhewasstillspeaking.
"Becausetherewasnothingtogetover.Notreally.Itwasjustaninfatuation.I
seeitquiteclearlynow.Ineverlovedheratall.NotthewayIloveyou.Theway
I'velovedyouourentiretwelveyearstogether."
Hetookherhandsandclaspedthem,andhelookedsosincereshewastempted
tobelievehim.Thefightwentoutofherthen,andsherealizedthatwhatshe'd
reallyfeltallalongwasfear.
"Areyousure,Kirk?Orareyoujustsayingsobecauseofthebaby?"
Heglancedatherwaist.Thesmallmoundthatwastheirchildwasbarelyvisible
behindherfulldress.Hetuggedonherhandsuntilshewasleaningcloseenough
thathecouldwraponearmaroundherneck.
"Thebabymatters.Justasallthreeofourotherchildrenmatter.Butthatdoesn't
changethefactthatIloveyou."
Wassheafooltobelievehim?Butshedid.Ormaybeshejustwantedto.Witha
whimpershelethimdrawhernear,untilherfacewassecurelyonhisshoulder,
herbodytuckedhinexttohis.Shefelthimtracetheoutlineofhermouthwitha
fingerandallowedherlipstopartslightly,hertonguetoflickagainsthisskin
eversobriefly.
"Oh,Claire."Hebenthismouthtohers,hislipsfirmandwarm.Forseveral
secondssheandhewerestill,thenhermouthpartedwiderandhislipsbecame
moredemanding.Stroking,brushing,nibbling.
"Claire,"hesaidagain,pullingbackforamoment."WhenIkissyou,Ikissonly
you.Always."
Sheknewwhathewastellingher,andcouldn'tstopatearfromslippingoutthe
cornerofhereye.Shesawhisconcernwhenhetasteditssaltinessandedged
awaytoreadherexpression.
"Happythistime,"shesaid,runningherhandalongthecordedmusclethat
stretchedacrossthebreadthofhisshoulder.
"Areyousure?"Hekissedhereyelidsgently,whilehishandsteasedthestrands
ofherhair."Iwanttomakelovetoyou,Claire.Butifyoucryagain,Godhelpme,
IthinkI'llwanttodie."
Nolongerangry,orevenjealous,Clairetracedtheoutlineofherhusband'sstrong
face,stoppingbrieflyatthevelvetsoftnessofhisearlobe,thencontinuingalong
thecurveofhiseartothetangleofcurlsfallingoverhisbroadforehead.
"Ican'tpromisenottocry,"shesaid."ButthistimeIwon'trunaway."recorded
jazzmusic,playedbyherfavoritesaxophonist,awokeClairethenextmorning,
themusiclikealong,lazycaress.SheopenedhereyesintimetoseeKirkwalkin
thedoorwithatray.
Heworeonlyhiswhitecottonboxers,andsheadmiredthesculptedmusclesofhis
chest,thetaperingofhiships,thelonglineofhislegs.
"Bagelsandjuice?"Hesetthetrayonthebed,thenscrambledunderthecovers
withher.He'dturnedofftheair-conditioningandopenedthewindowstosunshine
andthefaintestofbreezes.
"You'respoilingme."Shestretchedwithapurr,thenleanedbackagainstthe
headboard."Althoughtruthis,Iamstarving."
"Mustbethatsmalldinneryouhadlastnight,"heteased,spreadingstrawberry
jamovercreamcheese."Wantthis?"
"Mmm."Thebagelwasstillwarm,toastedtojusttherightcrispness,andthetang
ofthecreamcheesebeautifullyoffsetthesweetnessofthejam.
Shehadn'trealizedshe'dclosedhereyesuntilsheopenedthemandsawKirk
observingher.
"Watchingyoueatisalwayssuchapleasure.Youturnfoodintoasensual
experience."
"Isn'titforeveryone?"Sheofferedhimsomebagelandhetookabite."Comeon.
Tellmethatisn'tthesecondbestthingtosex."
"Whataboutchocolate?"heasked,nibblingthefingersholdingthebagel.
"Researcherssaysomewomenpreferchocolatetosex."
"Aclosesecond,"sheadmitted,catchingherbreathashisnibblingturnedto
kissestravelingthelengthofherarm.Shesetthebagelonthetrayandshuther
eyes."Mmm,yes.Thatfeelsnice."Hestoppedathershoulderandeaseddown
thespaghettistrapofhernightgowntoexposeafullbreast.Cuppingitwithone
hand,heloweredhismouthtothebutterscotch-colorednippleand,afteragentle,
teasingtug,lookedbackather."Betterthanchocolate?"
"Ifonlytherewereawaytocombinethetwo.""Icanthinkofafew…"
"I'llbetyoucan."Shechuckled,thensanklowerintothepillows."Butthensex
wouldbecomefattening.SomethingIdefinitelydon'tneed."
Kirkwasathertummynow,nuzzlinghisfaceagainstherskin.Herestedone
cheekonherforamoment,andhisexpressiongrewserious."You'realways
talkingasifyouhavesomesortofweightproblem,butyouknowthatyoudon't,
right?"
Clairesquirmed."IknowI'mnotsupposedtodoanythingcrazyliketrytolose
weightwhenI'mpregnant."
"Pregnantornot,you'reperfectasyouare.Didyounoticethemenwatchingyou
intherestaurantlastnight?Notjusttheguysatourtablebutseveralothers,as
well.You'reincrediblypretty.Ifeltsoluckyitwasmeyouwerewith."
Clairerememberedtheprotectivearmoverhershouldersandsmiledalittle.No
waywassheasgorgeousashewasmakinghersound.She'dbeeninasundress
andflatsandals,afterall.Butshefelthemeantwhathewassaying.Andmaybe
shewasthatprettytohim.
Theymadelovebetweenbitesofbagelandswallowsofjuice.Itturnedintoa
game.JustwhenClairethoughtdesirewasgoingtosweepthemovertheedge,
Kirkwouldmakethemstopandtakeanothermouthful.
"ButIdon'twanttoeat!"sheprotestedagainsthisshoulder,herbodycoiled
tightlywithdesire."Bepatient."
Soshebitandchewedandswallowed.AndwasrewardedasKirk'shard,sleek
bodyroseupaboveher,thenenteredsmoothly.Bythispointtheyweresoturned
ontherewasnostoppingeitherofthem.Tenminuteslater,theywerebreathless
ineachother'sarms,satedineverypossiblesenseoftheword.Thebreakfast
traywasempty,theCDhadfinishedplayingandtheirlovemakingwasmost
satisfyinglyconcluded.
"Iloveyou,Claire."
Kirksqueezedhertight,andsheclosedhereyesontearsofpleasure.
"Thishasbeenthemostwonderfulmorningofmylife."
"I'mglad.Me,too."Hekissedhersoftly,thenstretchedouthislegs."Howlongis
Malloryabletowatchthekids?"
"Thekids!"Clairesatupstraight,unabletobelieveshe'dallbutforgottenabout
them."PoorMallory.IneverdidtellherwhattimeI'dbeback."
"Relax,"Kirksaid,buthesatup,also."Wecancallheronthecellphoneonthe
driveup.Let'sgrabaquickshowersowecanhittheroad."
"Okay."Claireswungherlegsoverthesideofthebed,thenstood,naked.Her
nightgownwassomewhereinthepileofbeddingtangledonthefloor.Awareof
Kirk'sgaze,sheautomaticallyliftedherhandstoherbelly,thensheforcedthem
down.Ifhethoughtshewassoperfectthewayshewas,thenlethimsee.
Shewasrewardedbyhisgrin."Beautiful,"heconfirmed.
Shesmiledallthewaytothebathroom.Quickly,shebrushedherteeth.Assoon
assheshutoffthefaucetshecaughtthesoundofKirk'svoicefromaroundthe
corner.
Hewastalkingtosomeone.
Claire'sheartjumped.Thehappyhoursthey'dspentinbedwereforgottenasit
occurredtoherthathecouldhaveplannedtomeetJaniceafterhisbusiness
meeting.Maybehewascallinghernowtoapologizefornotshowingupearlier.
Walkingquietly,shepaddedaroundthecornerandfoundhimwithhisbacktoher.
"I'msorry,"hewassayingtothepersonontheotherendoftheline.
Claire'shandwenttoherthroat.Wide-eyed,shewatchedhimturntowardher.
Therelaxedexpressiononhisfacesuddenlytightened.Hissmokyeyesnarrowed,
andhischestheavedwithanindrawnbreath.
"It'sMallory,"hesaid.HoldingoutthereceivertoClaire,heasked,"Doyouwant
tospeakwithher?"
Thepanickedfeelingwhooshedoutofher,leavingherashamedandvulnerable.
Shereachedforarobeshekeptonthebackofthedoorandshookherhead.
"Iinsist,"Kirksaidbetweenclenchedteeth."OrhowelsewillyouknowI'mtelling
thetruth?"
Sheshookherhead."Iknow.I'msorry—"
"Takeit."Hedroppedthereceiveronthebedandlefttheroom.
Clairewrappedtherobetightlyoverherbreasts,glancedatthereceiver,then
downthehall.Kirkhaddisappearedintothegirls'bathroom.Amomentlatershe
heardtheshower.
Tentatively,shereachedforthephone."Mallory?"
"What'sgoingonthere?OneminuteI'mtalkingtoKirk,thenext—silence."
"IguessthepoisonIputinhismorningcoffeehadasuddeneffect."
"Claire…"
"OfcourseI'mjoking.He'sintheshower.Aliveandwell,Ipromise."Butnot
happy.Definitelynothappy."We'llbeleavingshortly.Werethegirlsokay?"
"Yeah,althoughAndiehadahardtimefallingasleep."
Clairethoughtofhereldestdaughterandsighed."I'msorryaboutthat,but
thanksforholdingdownthefort."
"Itwasfun.WemadeFrenchtoastforbreakfast.Daisyshowedmehow.We're
abouttogototheConroys'beach."
"We'llmeetyouthere."
ClairewasdressedandwaitingbythetimeKirkcamedownstairs.She'dmade
theirbedanddonethebreakfastdishes.Nowshewaswateringtheindoorplants,
whichdidn'tseemtoneedit.Kirkhadtakengoodcareofthose,too.
"Ready?"Kirkaskedher.Histonewasbrisk,hisexpressionremote.
Claireknewshe'dhurthimwithhersuspicions.Butcouldhereallyblameher?If
thesituationwerereversed,wouldhebesoquicktoforgiveandforget?
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
"Andrea?pleasetellmewhat'sbotheringyou."Clairerestedherarmsonthe
mattressofthetopbunk.Andiewaslyingwithherfacetothewall.She'dsat
stone-facedinthecaronthedrivehomefromtheConroys'beachandrushed
straighttoherroomthesecondthecarstopped.
"Please,honey.IcanseehowunhappyyouareandIwanttohelp."
Andie'sshouldersstartedtoshake."Goaway."
"Oh,honey."Clairelookeduncertainlyatthesmallwoodenladder,thenshrugged.
"Ifyou'renotcomingdown,thenI'llhavetocomeup.Ionlyhopethisoldbedcan
taketheweight."
Clairegatheredherskirtaroundherlegsandclimbed.Onceup,shestretchedout
besideherdaughterandtentativelyranahanddownherarm.
"Honey,Iknowyouweredisappointedyourdaddywaslate,butwe'restillgoing
tomaketheboattriptoPortCarling.Firstthinginthemorning."
"Idon'twanttogo."
Andiewaspouting,beingchildish;itreminded
Claireofthebattlesthey'dhadwhenherdaughterwasthree.
"Andie,youknowyoulovegoingtoPortCar-lingbyboat."
"It'llbeboring."
"Boring?"Clairetriedtoputherselfintheten-year-old'shead."Youmissyour
friends,right?Itoldyouweshouldhaveinvited—"
"Oh,Mom-m-m-m."Andierolledontohertummyandplantedherfaceinher
pillow.
Itwasacuetoleave,Clairesupposed.Butthistimeshewasn'tgoingto.Shewas
justtooworried.Andiedidn'twanttotalk,butmaybeitwastimetoforcethe
issue.
"ThishassomethingtodowithyourfriendErin,doesn'tit?"
"Erin?"
"Youtwoweresocloseatthebeginningoftheyear.UntilChristmas.What
happened,Andie?DidErindosomethingthatupsetyou?"
NowAndierolledoveronherback.Hereyesgleamedwithleftovertearsasshe
staredupattheceiling."No,Mom.Ijustgotboredwithher,okay?"
Claireexaminedherdaughter'sface.Thiswasdefinitelynotringingtrue."I
thoughtshewasalwaysfriendlyandfuntobearound.And"herparentsseemed
likesuchanicecouple."
"They'regettingadivorce."
"Theyare?"
Clairerememberedthelastoccasionshe'dseenErin'sparents.Itwasjustafter
herinterviewwithAndie'steacherinMarch.They'ddiscussedAn-die'spoor
resultsonthesecond-termreportcard,andClairehadbeenalittletearyeyed
whenshe'dspottedtheattractivepairwaitingfortheirturn.They'dbeenvery
politeandcalm;askedafterAn-dieandsaidtheymissedseeingheraround.
Claireneverwouldhaveguessedtheywerehavinganyproblems.
"NowErinspendshalfhertimewithhermomandhalfhertimewithherdad."
"Oh."Clairereflectedforaminute."Andwhendidthishappen?Herparents
separating,Imean."
"DayafterChristmas."Andieblinked,stillstaringupattheceiling.
AfterChristmas.WhichwaswhenAndie'smarkshadbeguntodive.Claire
proppedherheaduponherelbow."Honey,justbecauseherparentsareno
longertogetherdoesn'tmeanyoucan'tbefriends.Infact,Erinprobablyneeds—"
"Forgetit,Mom,okay?Justforgetit!Youdon'tunderstandanything!"Andie
twistedherbodyupfromthemattressandcrawledoverClaire'slegstogettothe
ladder.Clairetriedtorushafterher,butthefoldsofherlongskirtsnaredher.
"Wait,Andie!"
Slam!Thedoorwasshut,herdaughtergone.AmomentlaterClaireheardthe
screendoorslam,too.
ClairetalkedthesituationoverwithKirkthatnight."Ijustdon'tknowwhatto
do."
"MaybeweshouldspeaktoErin'sparentsinSeptember.Seeiftheyhaveanidea
whathappenedbetweenthegirls."
"That'sagoodidea."ButSeptemberwasamonthaway,andClairewishedshe
couldhelpAndienow.
"Let'shopetheboattriptomorrowsnapsheroutofherfunk."
Itdid,butnotatthebeginning.Andiewasthelastonetotheboatthenext
morning,andwhenshedidfinallyshowup,she'dforgottenherhatandtheyall
hadtowaitwhilesheranbacktothecottageforit.
"Hurryup,Andie,"Daisycomplained.
"Oh,justshutup,"Andiesnapped.
"Andie,"Kirkwarned.HeshotaconcernedglanceatClairebeforestartingthe
motoroftheirmahoganylaunch.Carefully,hebackedtheoldboat—whichGrady
hadlovinglyrestoredtoitsoriginalconditionafewyearsago—outofthe
boathouse.SoontheywerecruisingandClairehadwindinherfaceandearsand
thesmelloflakewaterandgasolinefumesinhernose.
Shesquintedoutacrossthewater,whichshimmeredinthehighsun.The
shorelinewasdottedwithcottages.Somewereenormous,sprawlingbuildings,
othersmedium-sizeliketheirs,andafewweresmallandrustic.Whileshe
appreciatedtheconveniencesofherplace,thesmalleroneswereherfavorite.
Theysnuggledintothelandbetter;sometimesyoucouldseeonlythewindows,
peeringlikeeyesfromamidtheweatheredoldtrees.
Nomatterwhichdirectionyoulookedtherewereotherboats.Acouplewere
pullingskiers.ClairenoticedKirksteercarefullyawayfromthem.
Conversationwasdifficultbecauseofthenoisefromthemotorandthebreeze
whippedupbytheboat,butshethoughtshesensedeveryoneinthefamily
relaxing.Shepassedoutsoftdrinks,thenleanedbackintoherseat,determined
toenjoytheday.
Evenwiththebreezeitwaswarm,andClairewasgladforhericysoda.She
suckedthroughthesmalltabopeningandtiltedherheadalittleinKirk's
direction.
Hewassittingonthebackofhischair,onehandonthesteeringwheel,theother
cuppingthecolashe'dgivenhim.Thewindhadflattenedthecurlsatthetopof
hishead,andthesidesofhisshort-sleevedshirt,whichheworeunbuttoned,
soundedlikeflagsastheyflappedinthebreeze.Despitespendingonlyweekends
atthecottage,hewasastannedasClaire.
KirkslowedhisspeedastheynearedPortCar-lingandjoinedthequeueof
watercraftwaitingtotieupatthewoodenpiers.
"CanwevisitMalloryandAngel?"Daisyasked.Thelensesonhersunglasseswere
shapedlikeflowers,andjustlookingathermiddledaughtermadeClairesmile.Of
allthreechildren,Daisywasthemostfashionconscious.Todayshehadona
matchingshortsetwithaswingtopofpaleyellow,yetanotherflowergracingthe
front.
"Sorry,Day.TheDriscollsareaway,remember?"Kirkhadstilledthemotor.Now
hegrabbedforthedock.Oncehegotagriphepulledtheboatupclosesothey
coulddisembark.
Clairetiedtheboattooneofthemetalringsscrewedontothepier,before
reachingovertogiveJennaahand.
"Who'sgoingtoprinttheHuboftheLakesGazette?"Andieasked.
"Ithinkthestaffaretakingoverforthisedition.Drewwrotehiseditorialaheadof
time."
"Canwegotothefudgery,then?"Daisyasked.
"Iwantanicecream."Jennacrossedherarms,indicatingshewouldnot
negotiate.
EvenAndiehadherrequest."Canwelookatthebookstore?"
"We'lldoeverything,"Kirkpromised,taking
Jenna'shandinhis.Clairewassurprisedwhenhetookhers,too.
They'dbarelytouchedsincearrivingatthecottageyesterdayafternoon.Barely
talked.
Nowhesqueezedherhandasallfiveofthemmovedalongthedock.They
crossedoverthebridgeandcametothebookstore.
"We'llstoponthewayback,"Kirkpromised,usheringthempastthecommunity
center,towardSteamboatBay.
"Icecream?"Kirkaskedastheyapproachedthetake-outwindowatNibbs.
Thegirlsranahead,andClairesmiled."Finally,anindulgenceapregnantwoman
canreallyappreciate."
Kirkraisedoneeyebrow."Icanthinkofothers."Hetuggedhercloser.
"Remember?"
Oh,sherememberedallright.Shewassurprisedtohearhimspeakofit,though.
They'dbeensocarefulofeachother,sopolitesincethatdreadful
misunderstandingaboutthephonecall.Ofcourse,they'dhadlittletimewiththe
girlsaround.
"Whatflavor,Claire?"Kirkasked,afterthegirlshadbeenservedandweresettled
onanoutdoorbench.
Clairelookedthroughtheglassdisplayatthemanytemptingtubsofexotic
flavorsandoldfavorites."Cookiesandcream.No,maplepecan.Oh,Ican't
decide."
"Ascoopofeach,"Kirktoldtheladybehindmecounter."Oneforyou,oneforthe
baby,"hesaid,passingherthecone.He'dchosenblacklicorice,aflavorClaire
justdidnotget.
"Oh,Daddy,"Jennasaidthemomentshesawit."Thatlooksgross."
"Wantataste?"Kirkputtheconeinchesfromherlips.
"Ick!"Jennaturnedherhead.SodidAndieandDaisywhenhetriedtogetthem
tosampleit.
"NowyouknowwhyIorderthisflavor,"hesaid,enjoyingabigbitefromthe
scoop."Idon'thavetoshare."
Therestofthemtooknibblesfromoneanother'scones.ClairesampledJenna's
bubblegum,Daisy'schocolatemintandAndie'sdoublechocolate.
Jennafinishedherconefirst,thentriedtoslideontohermother'slaptohave
someofhers.Aftersheslidoffasecondtime,sheputherhandsonherhipsand
complained,"Whyisyourlapgettingsofat,Mommy?Ican'tfitthereanymore."
ClaireglancedoveratKirkandsawthathewasequallysurprisedandamusedby
thecomment.Sofartheyhadn'tmentionedthenewbabytothechildren.Was
thisthetime?Henoddedslightly.
"BecauseI'mgoingtohaveanotherbaby."
"Youare?"Andiefroze,thenlookedfromhermothertoherfather."When?"
"AroundthemiddleofJanuary,Ithink,"Clairesaid.
"Willitbeaboyorgirl?"Daisyasked.
"Wedon'tknow."
"CanwehangastockingatChristmasforthebaby?"Jennawondered.
"Youbet."
"WillIgettohelptakecareofit?"Andieasked."I'llbeelevenbythen."
"I'msureyou'llbeabighelp,"Kirksaid,strokingdownoneofherwildredcurls.
Clairewondered,wouldthisbabybeanotherredhead?Orablondelikethe
others?
"Me,too?"Daisyasked.
"There'llbeworkenoughforallofus,I'msure."Clairefeltexhaustedjust
rememberingwhatthosefirstfewmonthswerelike.Nightfeedingsweren'ttoo
badwithonlyonechildtocarefor,butshehadthreechildrenalready,anda
householdtorun.Andmaybeshe'dbeonherownbesides.Suddenly,herice
creamdidn'ttastethatgreat.Shesurreptitiouslydumpeditinthetrash,then
followedherfamilyacrosstheparkinglottothefirstoftheappealingshopsin
SteamboatBay,
Asshewasfingeringchildren'ssweatshirtsmarkeddowntwentypercent,Kirk
cameupbesideher.
"Funny,butwhenweweretellingthegirlsaboutthenewbaby,IrealizedthatI
didn'tevenknowhowyoufeltabouthavingafourthchild."
Thatwastrue.Theyhadn'ttalkedaboutit."Iguesswe'vehadalotonourmind."
"Butstill—"Kirktuckedahandunderherelbow."Youlooksotired.Iwas
wonderingifweshouldconsiderhiringsomeextrahelp.Forthefirstfewmonths,
anyway."
Clairejustshookherheadandwalkedoutofthestore.SheknewKirkwastrying
tobeconsiderate,butshedidn'twantastrangerinsideherhouse.Shewanteda
husbandshecouldcountoneverynowandthen.
"Daddy!"Jennapointedtoawindowdisplay."BeanieBabies!CanIgoinsideto
seethem?"
"Sure,"Kirksaidfrombehindher."Takeyoursisterswithyouandwe'llwaitout
here."
Kirkpoppedthelastofhisconeinhismouth."Thatwasgood."
"Really?"Clairecouldn'tbelieveit."Itlookedlikeyouwereeatingtar."
"Tar."Kirkpretendedtoconsiderthenewtitle."Soundsinteresting.Maybeyou
couldputtherecipeinyour'CottageCooking'column."
Shepunchedhisarmlightly."Don'tmakefunofmycolumn."
Hislowerliprounded."Sensitive,arewe?"
Claireduckedherhead.Thatshelovedhercolumnasmuchasshedidseemed
silly,butshefeltenormoussatisfactionwhenshesawherfewshortparagraphs
andtheaccompanyingrecipesprintedeachweek,alongwiththetinyphotograph
thatDrewhadtakenofherlastThanksgiving.
Shehadn'ttoldanyone,butshecouldimagineprintingacookbookinafewyears.
TheCottageCookingCollection.She'dalwayswantedtowriteacookbook;this
couldbetheperfectopportunity.Kirkliftedthesideofhersunglassesand
inspectedher."Nowwhatareyouthinkingabout?"Healwaysbuggedherfornot
sharingherthoughts.Butthiscookbookideawasstillsonew."Nothing."
"Oh?"
Hishandonhersloosenedslightly,andshewonderedifshe'dimaginedtheicicles
hangingoffthatoneword.Shetightenedhergripandwasabouttoaskhimwhat
theproblemwas,whenshesawhewaswatchingsomeoneelse.
Glancingahead,shesawTereseandherdaughter,Lisa.Amomentlaterhergirls
hadspottedLisa,andsoonthefourofthemwerechattering."Hi,Terese."Kirk
steppedforward,smiling.He'dmetTereseafewtimesnow,althoughClaire
couldn'trememberifshe'dtoldhimTereseandGradyweredating.
"Hello,Kirk,Claire."Terese'susuallyfriendlysmilelookedalittlefiattoday.
"Enjoyingthesummer?"Claireasked,tryingnottofocusonTerese'stightly
cinchedbelt.Herwaistcouldn'tbetwentyinches.Onagrownwoman,thatwas
practicallyobscene.Shethought,withregret,ofthedouble-scoopedice-cream
coneshe'dallbutfinished.
"It'ssonicetospendthetimewithLisa,"Teresesaid."AndI'mdoingalittle
painting."
"Willyouhaveashowing?"Kirkasked.
"Oh,nothingasfancyasthat,"Teresesaidmodestly."Mallory'sofferedtoputupa
fewofmycanvasesinherstoretoseeifthere'sanyinterest.Infact,shehasone
inherwindownow."
"Thatwasyours?"KirkglancedatClaire.
Asthey'dpassedthestorethey'dadmiredthestarkcontrastofgraniterockand
ripplingwater.Clairehadfeltthetwoelementsweresomehowatwarinthe
picture.
"You'reverytalented,"shesaid,meaningit.
"Thanks.I'vealwayswantedthechancetopaintinlakecountry."
Unabletostopherself,Claireasked,"What'sGradyuptotoday?"
Tereseloweredhergaze.Oneblack-sandaledfootsteppedback."Actually,we
haven'tseenmuchofeachotherlately.I'vebeenbusywithLisaandpainting,and
Grady'sworkingonaspecialcustomorder."
Thenewsshouldhavecomeasarelief,buthowcouldanyonebegladatTerese's
obviousunhappiness?Heravertedeyeswereheavywithsorrow,andsomething
else.Resignation?
"Thegirlssureseemtogetalong,"Kirksaid,turningbacktowatchthefourof
themclimballoverthebenchwherethey'dsatwiththeiricecreamsearlier.
"Lisalovesyourdaughters,"Teresesaid,herlipscurlingupwardbriefly.
"Whydon'tyoubringheroverforlunchtomorrow."KirklookedatClaire."We
havenootherplans,dowe?"
"None.That'sagreatidea,"Clairesaid,asiftheimpromptuinvitationwerenotat
allunusual.Intruth,Kirkwasrarelytheonetoinstigatesocialgatherings;he
usuallylefttheentertainingscheduleuptoher.Maybehewasjusttryingtoavoid
spendingtimealonewithherbeforehehadtoleavetogobacktoToronto.
Oncethey'dsettledonwhenandClairehadagreedtoallowTeresetobringice-
creamtreatsforthegirlsbutnotdessertfortheadults,TereseandLisacontinued
withtheirerrandsandKirktuckedClaire'shandunderhisarm.
"Shelooksunhappy.Doyouthinkshe'slonely?"
Theystoppedoutsideastorewindow,watchingastheirgirlswentinsidetoadmire
anotherdisplayofsmallstuffedanimals.
"Quitepossibly."Claireoutlinedthefactsof
Terese'sromancewithGrady,thentheupsettingvisitfromherex-husband.
"Poorwoman.Whataburden.Isshetakinglegalactionagainsthim?"
"IknowGradydroveherovertothepoliceandtheygotacourtorderforhimto
stayaway."
"She'ssotiny…"Kirkshookhishead."Thatscarabovehereye…?"
Clairenodded."Apparently,hethrewheragainstthestoveonenight."
"AndthisromancethingwithGrady—isitoff,men?"
ClairethoughtbacktoTerese'sunhappyface,toGrady'srecentadmissionthat
thingswereatanimpassebetweenthem."I'mnotsure."
"It'snotlikeGradytobackawayfromawomanwhoneedshelp."
Wasn'tthatthetruth?"Maybehecanhelphermoreifhe'snotromantically
involved…"
Kirkpulledbackandscrutinizedher."Perhapsweshouldinvitehimtolunch,as
well."
"Really,Kirk.Playingmatchmakerisn'tyourstyle."
"CouldbeIhavemyreasons."
Claireconsidereditanoddthingforhimtosay,butshedidn'tgetachanceto
pursuethematterbecauseheimmediatelychangedthesubject.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
ThenextmorningClairewokeupbeforeanyoneelse—orsoshethoughtuntilshe
wentoutintothelivingareaandfoundthecouchempty,Kirk'sblanketsneatly
foldedonatrunktheykeptonthewindowwall.Slidingopenthepatiodoor,she
pulledherthinrobetoherchest,thenwalkedtotherailingandleanedover.
Kirkstoodpoisedattheedgeofthelowerdeck,handsraisedabovehisheadina
vee.Hewaswearinghisswimmingtrunks.Clairehadasecondtoadmirehiswell-
tonedbody.Hepushedoff,andhisbodypiercedthesurfaceofthelakewith
hardlyasplash.Foralongmomentheremainedsubmerged.
WhenhefinallycameupforairClairerealizedshe'dheldherbreathfromthe
momenthe'dgoneunder.
Shewatchedashestruckout,swimmingparalleltotheshore,untilhewasoutof
sightaroundabendintheland.Frompastexperience,sheknewhe'dbegonefor
atleastthirtyminutes.
Shesprawledonaloungechairandopenedherwraptothemorningsun.Itwas
goingtobeanotherhotday,butatthisearlyhourtheheatwasrtillpleasant
Closinghereyes,sheenjoyedthepeacefulness,andcontemplatedmenuchoices
forthelunchthey'dbeservinglaterintheday.
They'dgrillburgers—herownspecialblendwithlotsofgarlicandParmesan,and
she'dmakefcta-cheesebundlesforappetizers.WhenKirkcameback,she'dhave
tosendhimouttoaproducestandforfreshlettuceandtomatoesandsomefruit
fordessert…
Clairewasasleepontheloungechairontheupperdeck.Kirkpaused
momentarily,thenwalkedcloser.Hewascoolfromhisswim,andstillwet.He'd
forgottentotakeatowel.Nowhegrabbedoneofthegirls'beachtowelsfromthe
railingandusedittowipethewaterfromhisback.
AndallthewhilehewatchedClaire.
Shewassobeautifulanddefenselessinhersleep.Herlovelyhairwastousled,
herthincottonnightgownalmosttransparentinthesun.Hewasremindedofhow
she'dlookedlastSaturdaymorningwhenshe'dawokennakedintheirbed.He'd
feltsohopefulthen,especiallyafterthatfantasticbreakfastthey'dsharedinbed.
Thenhe'dmadethatstupidphonecall.Andshe'dassumedhewastalkingwith
Janice.Hecouldn'tbelievehowmuchknowingthathurt.Did
Clairereallybelievehecouldmakelovetohersothoroughly,onlytoturnhis
backtenminuteslaterandphoneanotherwoman?
He'dfelttheywereontheroadtohealing.Thenthathadtohappen.
"Areyoureallysurprised?"hemutteredashehungthetowelbackontherailing.
Wasn'therreactionexactlywhathedeserved?
Whyhadhedoneit?Witheachpassingdayhisactionsseemedmoreandmore
incredibletohim.Whathadhebeenthinking?Surehe'dhadfunwithJanice,but
wasthatfunworththepainhe'dcausedClaire?Thepotentialofsplittinguphis
family?Andhisownresultingunhappiness?
Worsewasthewayhenowfeltabouthimself.Asakid,he'dbeenashamedofhis
fatherforactinglikeafoolandleavingawonderfulwifetocavortwithawoman
twentyyearsyounger.Theaerobicsinstructorhadhungaroundonlylongenough
togetareasonabledivorcesettlement,andhisfatherhadbeenaloneafterthat.
He'ddiedearly,atsixty-two.
Kirkhadlovedhisfather,buthehadn'tadmiredthewayhe'dchosentolivehis
life.Hadn'thehimselfconsciouslychosenanotherroute?Yetsomehowhe'dtaken
asimilarwrongturn.Wasittoolate?WashisfuturewithClairelost?Wasstarting
anewlifewithouthertheonlychoicelefttohim?'
Gazingdownathissleepingwife,Kirkknewhedidn'twanttostartanewlife.He
wantedtostaywithClaire,growoldwithClaire.Hewantedtobebyherside
whentheirkidsgraduated,thenlaterwhentheymarriedandhadchildren.He
wantedlargefamilygatherings,andnoargumentsaboutwhetherChristmas
wouldbewithMomorDadthisyear.
Andhe'ddoanythinginhispowertomakeitallhappen.Ifhecould,he'drewrite
thepast,butsincethatwasn'tpossible,he'dofferthefuture.
IfClairegavehimanotherchance,he'dneverdisappointheragain.Howinhell,
though,washegoingtoconvinceherofthat?
Claire'sheadtwistedtotheside,outofthesun.Asecondlaterhereyesopened.
Shieldinghervisionwithanarm,shelookedathimsleepily.
"Didyouhaveagoodswim?"
"Verygood."Hesatontheedgeoftheloungechair,hishiplightlytouchingher
thigh.
Throughthegossamercotton,hesawtheshapeofherbreasts,thedarkcirclesat
theircenter.Hesuckedinair,thenpushedhischestoutwithonedeepbreath.
Andforcedhimselftoturnaway.
Ripplesglintedsilveronthelake.Theskyheldjustatintofblue,likean
aquamarine.
"Iwantyoutotrustmeagain,Claire."Godbuthismouthfeltdry."Doyouthink
youevercould?"
Claire'seyelidslowered.Sheproppedherselfonherelbows."You'reaskingfor
somethingyoualreadyhad.Ididtrustyou,Kirk.Andlookwhathappened."
"Itwasamistake,Claire.Areyousayingyoucan'tgivemeanotherchance?"He
wasafooltogooutonalimbwithaquestionlikethat,whentheanswerwassure
todevastatehim.
"Please,Claire."Hetookherhandandhelditbetweenbothofhis,alltooaware
ofwhathehadtoloseifshesaidno.
"Icouldtry,Kirk.Iamtrying.It'sjustsohard."Shepulledherselfupright,
leavingherhandinhis.
"Fairenough."Achance.Thatwasallheaskedfor.
GradyarrivedattheRidgewaycottageonhisboatshortlybeforenoon.Claire
followedtherestofherfamilydowntothedock,knowingthatthegirlswere
excitedfortheopportunitytodoalittleskiingandtubing.
TereseandLisaarrivedabouttwentyminuteslater.
"Wethoughtyou'dbedownhere,"Teresesaid,holdingLisa'shandasthey
descendedthestairsthatledfromthebackofthehousetowaterlevel."It'ssuch
agorgeousday."
Teresewaswearingapairofshortsoverherblackbikini,andLisahadona
darlingpinksundress,whichClairerecognizedfromMallory'sshop.Lisawasno
soonerbythewater'sedgethanshehadthatdresswhippedoverherhead,
revealingatwo-piecesuitmuchlikehermom's.
"CanIrideintheboat?"sheasked."Withtheothergirls?"
"Sure,sweetie,"Teresesaid."Justputyourlifejacketonsoyou'llbereadynext
timetheboatcomesround."
ClairepattedthechairbesideherforTerese,thenreachedintothecoolertooffer
herguestachoiceofcoldbeverage.
Tereseslippedoutofhershortsbeforesittingdown,theskinonhertummybarely
wrinklingwiththemaneuver.
"Thanks,thisisgreat."Teresepoppedthetaboffanorangesoda,tookaswallow,
thenhelpedLisawiththebucklesonthelifejacket."Who'souttherenow?"she
asked,castingalooktothelake.
"Kirk."He'dgottenupononeskionhisinitialattempt.Prettygoodforhisfirstski
ofthesummer."Andie'sgoingtotrynext.She'sthinkingofdroppingaski."
Andiewassittingontheedgeofthedock,hertoesdippedinthewater.Lisa
plunkeddownnexttoher."You'rebrave,"shesaid."Thatlooksscarytome."She
pointedatKirk,whowaspoisedataforty-five-degreeangletothewater,cutting
aturnbehindthewakeoftheboatasitheadedbacktoshore.
Gradywasatthewheel;JennaandDaisywereactingasspottersatthebackof
theboat.Thetwinshadplanswithfriends,Gradyhadtoldthem,thenwinkedand
addedgirlfriends.
"Justwaittillit'syourkids'turn,"he'dsaidtoKirk,andClairehadbeenamused
toseeherhusband'stanskingrowalittlepale.
Now,astheboattraveledparalleltothedock,Kirkletgooftheropeandsank
intothelake.Gradycuttheengineandcruisedincloser.
"Hey,Terese,"hecalledoutwithafriendlywave."Youmadeit.Andthere'sLisa.
Comingintheboat,sweets?"
"Youbet!"Lisaheldoutherhands,andwhentheboatwascloseenough,Grady
scoopedherintohisarms.
ClairenoticedTeresewatching,abittersweetexpressiononherface.
Meanwhile,Kirkhadpaddledbacktothedock,hisskiunderonearm.
"Goodski,Dad,"Andiesaid,leaningoverthewatertotaketheboardfromhim.
"Thanks,itwasfun."Helaughedashetreadedwater.HesaidhellotoTerese,
smiledatClaire,thenfacedhisdaughter."Yourturn,Andie."
"Iknow."Shesteppeddowntheladderslowly."Oh,it'ssocold,Daddy."
Insidetheboat,thethreeyoungergirlscheeredasAndiestruggledintotheskis
thatClairepassedtoKirk.KirkhelpedAndiegetintoposition,holdinghersteady
atthewaistasGradymovedtheboatforwardtostraightentherope.
"I'lldoonesmallcircle,Andie,"Gradycalledout,"menheadbacktothedock.
That'swhenyoushouldslipoutofyourskiifyouplantogiveitatoy."
Claireslidforwardtotheedgeofherseat.Andiewantedtodothissobadly.
Pleaseletherbesuccessful.
"Hitit!"Andieyelled,andtheboatsprangahead,towingherwithit.
"She'sup!"theyoungergirlscalledenthusiastically,andaspromised,Gradytook
theboatforafastjauntbeforeheadingbacktothedock.
ClaireheldherbreathasAndiecroucheddown,releasingherleftfoot.Theski
trailedbehind,andMlookedasthoughAndiewaskeepingherbalance.Then—
splash!—-shewentunder,theropeflyingaheadwithouther.
Clairewasstanding,herhandstohermouth."Oh,Andie…"
Cuttingpowerful,quickstrokes,Kirkswamouttohisdaughter.Afterabrief
consultationhewavedbacktoshore."She'sokay.Shewantstotryagain."
Andshedid.Asecondtime,thenathird.Finally,shetookarestwhileDaisyhad
aski,thentheyoungergirlswentforatuberide.
Onherfourthattempt,Andiemanagedtostayupfortwentyseconds.Onherfifth
shetumbledheadfirstintothewaterandcameupgasping.
"That'senough,"ClairetoldKirkashewaitedinthewater."She'sgottobe
exhaustedbynow.I'mgoinginsidetogetlunchstarted.Everyone'sprobably
starving."
Checkingherwatch,sherealizeditwasalreadytwo-thirty.Goodthingthey'dhad
abigbreakfast.Shehopedherguestshad,too.
Behindhersheheardtheboatcometoshore,thenGradyask,"Whataboutyou,
Terese?It'syourturnnow."
"I'mgoingtohelpClairewithlunch."
Clairepausedwhiletheotherwomancaughtupwithher."Feelfreetogofora
ski,"shesaid."There'snotthatmuchtodointhekitchen."
"No,Iwanttohelp,"Tereseinsisted.
Clairestartedthebarbecueonthedeck,thenwentinsidetoorganizethefixings
forburgerswhileTeresecutandbutteredbuns.
"Iseverythingokay,Terese?"sheaskedassheputoutadishofpickles.Itseemed
toherthatTerese'sexpressionwasevenmoredowncastthanithadbeen
yesterday.
"Isuppose."Terese'sshouldersrose,thensank,andsheputahandtoherface.
"Actually,notreally.IhadanotherphonecallfromEd—myex-husband."
"Didheasktoseehisdaughter?"
"No.Onthatpoint,atleast,I'mfortunate.Idon'thavetoworryaboutsharing
custodyorvisitationrights.EdneverdidliketohaveanythingtodowithLisa."
"That'ssosad."ClairepattedTerese'sshoulder.Shouldn'tchildrenbringacouple
closer?ThatwaswhatClairehadalwaysthought.Thatwasthewayithadworked
withherandKirk.
Orsoshe'dalwaysbelieved…
"Iknow,itissad.ButnowIwishhe'djustleaveusalone.Hewantsmetocome
backtohim,butwhenIremindedhimoftherestrainingorder,hegotangry,and
thenIhungup."Sheshookherhead."Ifitwasn'tforhavingLisa,I'dwishI'd
nevermethiminthefirstplace."
"Didyoutellthepoliceaboutthecall?"
"Iphonedthismorning.Theysaidthey'dgive''himawarning."Teresewipedaway
atear,thenreachedforatissuetoblowhernose."I'msorry.Ishouldn'tbe
botheringyouwithallthis."
"Please.Ifithelpstotalk,I'mgladtolisten."
"Mylifemustseemsostrangetoyou.Youhavesuchabeautifulhome,sucha
wonderfulhusband.Andyourgirlsaresocute."
Yes,Clairereflected.Thatwasherlife.Orhowitlookedfromtheoutside.
"Ihopeyoudon'tmindthatweinvitedGradytolunch,too.ItwasKirk'sidea,but
Idon'twanttomakeyouuncomfortable."
Teresehadwashedherhandsandwasnowbackslicingbuns."It'snoproblem,
Claire.Iguessyouknowweweredating.WhenEdturnedupatmyplace,heand
Gradygotintosuchaterriblerow.Ididn'tthinkitwasfairtoinvolveGradyinmy
problems.Especiallysincehehashissonstoworryabout.NotthatIthinkEd
wouldhurtWarrenandTaylor.Butthen,IneverthoughthewouldhurtLisaor
me,either."
"Icanseeyourpoint."Claireputthefeta-cheeseappetizersshe'dmadeearlier
intotheovenandponderedwhatTeresehadsaid,howcloselyitmirroredherown
opiniononthesituation.
Onlynow,seeingTerese'svulnerability,shefeltastabofshame.Thewomanhad
beenthroughalot,wascontinuingtosuffer.Howlongwouldshehavetopayfor
herex-husband'sbehavior?
Anotheroneofthose"noeasyanswer"situations.Clairesighed,thenopenedthe
fridgeandpulledoutthetrayofburgerpatties.
"I'mgoingtoputtheseonthegrill."
Whenshecameback,Teresewasfinishedwiththebunsandwaswashingupthe
fewdishes.
"Ican'tgetthetaptostopdripping."
"Iknow."Clairepresseddownonthehandle,tonoavail."Ihavetohavethat
fixed…Lisasureseemedkeentotrywaterskiing."
"Thatkidisfearless."Terese'ssmilewashalfproud,halfrueful."Andeversince
shelearnedtotalk,she'sneverhesitatedtosayexactlywhat'sonhermind."
ClairethoughtofAndie."Well,thatcanbeagoodthing."
"Sometimes.Butitcanalsobeembarrassing.LastweekshetoldGradyshe
wantedhimtobeherdaddy."
"Yes,well,kidssaythingslikethat."
"I'mjustworriedshe'sbecometooattachedtohim.Wherewouldshehavegotten
anidealikethat,doyouthink?"
"Well,Lisa'sdadisoutofthepicture,andGradyiswonderfulwithkids…"
"I'llsay."Tereseusedbothhandstobrushhershorthairbackfromherface,men
stoodstillforamoment."ItwasapleasuredealingwithhimwhenWarrenand
Taylorwerehavingthoseproblemsatschool.Iwishallparentswerewillingto
givetheirkidsthatmuchtimeandattention."
ClaireconsideredKirk,andhispatienceashe'dhelpedAndieinthewaterthat
morning.He'dneverhadasmuchtimetospendwithhischildrenasGradydid,
butwhenhewasaround,hewasagoodfather.
Perhapsshe'dbeenunfairalltheseyearstoexpectmore.Kirknevercouldhave
achievedhissuccessasastockbrokerifhe'dworkedthehoursthatGradydid.
Shewouldwillinglytradesomeofthatsuccessforhisspendingmoretunewith
thechildren.ButthatchoicewasKirk'stomake.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
"WhatdoyouthinkitwouldtaketogetyoutotrustKirkagain?"RivaSharp
askedClaireduringhercounselingsessionthatTuesday.
RivahadrequestedthatClaireandKirkcometoherseparatelyforafewweeks.
Todealwithafewoftheirownissues.Clairewasimpatientwiththeidea.Wasn't
thepointtoworkonthemarriage?Didn'ttheyneedtobetogetherforthatto
happen?
"I'mnotsure,Riva,"shesaid,smoothingdownthefrontofhersundress.Her
bellywasexpandingdailynow,aconstantreminderofthenewlifedeveloping
insideher.
HerdoctorinTorontohadmadearrangementswithageneralpractitionerherein
Barrie,andClairehadadoctor'sappointmentafterhersessionwithRiva.Claire
wouldhavebeenhappytoskipthemonthlyappointments—she'dsailedthrough
herfirstthreepregnanciesandsawnoreasontoworryaboutthisone—-buther
doctorhadconvincedher.
"You'llneedtogetsomebloodworkdone."he'dsaid."Plusatyourageyoureally
shouldconsideranamniocentesis."
Thathadbeenamonthago.Somehowshestillhadn'tbroachedthesubjectwith
Kirk,eventhoughsheknewtherisksforcertainabnormalitiessuchasDown's
syndromeandspinabifidawerehigherforwomenoveragethirty-five.
Butwhatpressedmoreonhermindwaswhetherthischildwouldbebornintoa
happyfamily—oranewlydividedone.
"Haveyougiventhematteroftrustanythought?"
"Well,ofcourseI'vegivenitthought."Thatdidn'tmeanshe'dcometoany
resolution.
Rivaleanedbackinherchairandslippedhalfglassesfromherface.
"HowisKirkgenerally?Doesheflirtwhenhe'saroundotherwomen?Ishe
secretiveaboutwherehe'sgoingandwhathe'sdoing?Inotherwords,isthis
thingwithhisco-workeranaberration?Orisitpartofapatternofbehavior?"
"Anaberration,"Clairesaidquickly.Thenrealizedwhatthecounselorhadso
cleverlyaccomplished.Shelaugheddrylyandfinallyhadtotipherhattothe
womanacrossfromher.
"Iseewhereyou'regoingwiththis.YouthinkKirkdeservesasecondchance."
"Ican'tsaywhat'srightforanotherperson.Everyonehasherlimittowhatshe
canandcannotlivewith.Ifyou'regoingtostaymarried,youdon'thaveto
forgiveKirk,butyoudohavetogetpastthisthingwiththeco-worker.Youhave
toseeitforwhatitis.Ananomaly."
"Thatsoundssological.EspeciallywhenIthinkaboutmychildren…"Rivanodded.
"Butit'shard."ClairetoldheraboutthephonecallthemorningaftersheandKirk
hadmadelove."Idon'twanttospendmyMewonderingwhatmyhusbandis
sayinganddoingwhenI'mnotaround.Thethingis,thenexttimeIwalkinon
himtalkingonthephone,I'mnotsureIwon'thavetheexactsamereaction."
"Iunderstandcompletely,Claire.WouldithelpifItoldyouthattrustdoesreturn?
Gradually,I'lladmitAndonlyifbothpartiesareworkinghardtorepairthe
damage."
"Pleasedon'ttellmeanaffaircanmakeamarriagestronger.I'vereadthatin
someoftheliterature,andI'msorry,butIdon'tbuyit."
"Nottheaffairitself,"Rivaagreed."Buttheself-examinationthatfollowsit."She
slippedherglassesononcemore,checkedhernotes,thenlookedatClaireagain.
"Thinkbackseveralyears,Claire.Say,towhenyouryoungestdaughterwasthree
orfour.Whatwasyourmarriagelikethen?Wereyoucompletelysatisfiedwithit?
DoyouthinkKirkwas?"
Oh,thatwasatoughone.Claireleanedforward,coveringherfacewithher
hands.Twoorthreeyearsago…
"Notcompletelysatisfied,no…"sheadmitted,wishingshecouldsayotherwise.
"Kirk'slonghoursatworkwerealwaysapointofcontentionbetweenus.Often,
I…"
"Yes?"
Clairehadbeenabouttosaythatshe'dsometimeswonderedifshe'dmadea
mistakeinmarryingKirk.Anambitious,successfulbusinessmanmightseema
wonderfulcatchtomanywomen,yetoccasionallyshe'dwonderedwhatherlife
wouldhavebeenlikeifthingshadworkedoutdifferentlybetweenherandGrady.
ButwhatdidanyofthathavetodowithKirk'srelationshipwithJanice?Withher
abilitytotrusthimagain?
Clairescannedthenow-familiarroom—thecrowdedbookshelves,thetidydesk,
theopenwindow.Shethoughtofherchildren,thewaythey'dalllaughedthat
morningwhenJennahadputadollopofKirk'sshavingcreamonherhairby
mistake,thinkingitwasmousse.Shethoughtofherparents,andtheirhabitof
holdinghandswhenevertheywalkedtogether.AndshethoughtofKirk,howhe'd
caughtandheldhergazewhenhe'dsaidgoodbye.
"Youweresaying…"Rivaprompted.
Claireblinked,andlookedbackatthecounselor.Whathadtheybeentalking
about?Herthoughtstadfragmented.
"I'mnotsure,"shesaid."I'mjustnotsure."
"Howdidthingsgo?"MalloryaskedlaterintheafternoonwhenClairearrivedto
pickupthekids.Shewasstandingatthekitchentable,foldingaloadofAngel's
cleandomes.
"Notbad."Clairesetherpursedownonthecounterandwenttothetabletohelp.
ShepickedupaT-shirtandsmoothedoutthewrinkleswithherhand.
"Wetalkedabouttrust."Shesighed.ThesessionwithRivaSharphadunsettled
her,asusual,andshewasn'treadytotalkaboutit."ThenIwenttomy
appointmentwiththedoctor."
"And?Howwaseverything?Isthebabyokay?"
"Justfine.Fetalheartrateisnormal.Myweightgainiswithintheacceptedrange
—sofar—andmybloodpressureisexcellent,too."
Thedoctorhadalsopressedhertomakeanappointmentforheramnioassoonas
possible.Regardlessoftheresultsofthetriple-screenbloodtestthey'dtaken,he
wasrecommendingtheprocedure.
"Notimetolose,"hestressed."You'reinyourseventeenthweek."
ClairescribbledamentalnotetodiscusstheprocedurewithKirkwhenhecalled
herthatevening."IsawthegirlsinthebackyardasIwascomingin.Didthey
behavethemselvesforyou?"
"They'vebeenfine,keepingAngelamusedwhileIcatchuponthelaundryfrom
ourweekendinOttawa.Whydopeoplealwaysgothroughmoreclothingwhen
they'reonvacationthanwhenthey'reathome?"
"Tellmeaboutit.IdefinitelyspendmoretimeatthewashingmachinethanIdo
onthedeckwhenwe'reatthecottage.Thegirlschangeaboutthreetimesaday.
Thenthereareallthosebeachtowels…Bytheway,howwasyourholiday?"
"Lovely.I'mgladDrewdecidednottosellhisplace.It'ssobeautifulinthe
Gatineaus,Claire."
HavingfinishedthelastofAngel'sclothing,Malloryputthelaundrybasketdown
onthefloor."OnemorethingIshouldprobablymention…"
"Yes?"
"AndieaskedifDrewandIsleptinthesamebedwhenIwaspregnantwith
Angel."
"Oh?"ClairethoughtabouttheblanketsonthecouchwheneverKirkcameupfor
theweekend."Oh!"
"ItakeityouandKirk…?"
Clairerubbedherforeheadwithherpalm."Thecounselorsaidweshouldtryto
keeplifenormalforthesakeofthechildren.Butsleepingtogether…SofarI
haven'tbeenabletodoit."
ExceptforthatonenightinToronto,whichhadbeensowonderful.UntilKirk
madethatphonecall.Clairehaddonealotofthinkingaboutthat,nottomention
discussingthesituationwithRiva.
Perhapsshe'dbeentoosuspicious.Butwhenshe'dheardhisvoice,warmandlow
—andespeciallythatword,sorry—hermindhadautomaticallyjumpedtoJanice.
"WhatdidyoutellAndiewhensheaskedthequestion?"
"Thatsometimespregnantwomensleepaloneifthey'refeelinguncomfortable."
Yes,somepregnantwomendid.Sheneverhad,though.Untilnow.Andthe
reasonssheandKirksleptaparthadnothingtodowithherpregnancy.ButClaire
didn'twantherdaughtertoknowthat.
thatevening,aftertheyoungerchildrenwereinbed,ClaireaskedAndieifshe'd
liketoplayMonopoly.Andiepulledouttheoldboardgameandsetthepiecesup
onthekitchenendofthepinetable.
"Youbethebanker,"Clairesaid.
"Justtryingtogetmetodomoremath,aren'tyou?"
"Youbet."Clairegotaplateofbrowniesandtwolargeglassesofmilkforthemto
snackonastheyplayed.Thegamehadbeengoingonformorethananhour,
whenthephonerang.
Claireglancedatthecardshe'djustpulledfromthestackatthecenterofthe
board."Oh,no.Ihavetogotojailagain."Shemovedhermarkertothecorner
square,thenwenttothephone."Hello?"
"Claire."
Kirk'svoicerumbledinherear,andeventhoughshe'dbeenexpectingtohear
fromhim,shefeltherheartpoundinherchest.
"Howdidyoursessiongotoday?"
ClairereflectedonherhourwithRiva.Whydidshealwaysfeelsoambiguous
abouttheirconversations?
"Iguessitwentokay."Findingoutthatsomepeoplewereabletotrustagainafter
goingthroughexperienceslikehersandKirk'shadbeenencouraging.Nowthebig
questionwaswhethershewouldbeoneofthosepeople.
"That'sgood.Andtheappointmentwiththedoctor?"
"Thatwentwell,too."Clairethoughtabouttheamniocentesis,butshedidn'twant
todiscussitwithAndielistening.Itwouldonlygiveherdaughteronemorething
toworryabout.
"Great!IgoformyappointmentwithRivatomorrow.IfyouwantI'llcall…"
"Yes,"shesaidquickly."Thatwouldbefine,butlater."
"Whenthekidsareinbed?Sowecantalk?"
"Exactly."
"Speakingofwhich,howaretheydoing?DidtheyhaveafundayatMallory's?"
"Yes.TheyplayedsohardtheywereexhaustedwhenIgotthemhome.Jennafell
asleepatthedinnertableandDaisywasn'tfarbehindher.Andie'sstillup,
whippingmeatMonopoly.Doyouwanttospeakwithher?"
Andietookthephone."Hi,Daddy.She'slettingmewin,asusual."
Clairepretendedtolooksurprised.Who?Me?shemouthed,whichmadeAndie
smile.
Clairesmiledback,butinrealityshefeltalittlesad.When,exactly,hadher
daughterlearnedtoseethroughhersoeasily?
thenextmorning,Kirkstrodeofftheelevatortowardthecurvedcherry-wood
deskwhereTara,thereceptionist,wasspeakingonthephone.Shesmiledand
heldouthiscopyoftheNationalPost."Thanks,Tara."Heglancedattheheadline.
Badnewsabouttheunemploymentrate.Withatwistofhishand,heopenedthe
doortothesecuredarea,walkedpastthecagewheretraderswouldbeprocessing
markettransactionsinaboutanhour,thenfollowedthecorridortohislarge
comeroffice.
Thetrappingsofsuccess.Hispersonalassistant,Greer,who'dbebringinginhis
coffeeanymoment;anexpensivelyappointedoffice,withsofa,chairsandcoffee
tableforentertainingclientsandahellofaviewofLakeOntario—ifyou
overlookedtheseaofofficetowersthatcamebeforeit.
True,merewasthatemptyspaceonthewalloppositehim—theabstracthe'd
boughtafewmonthsagohadn'tsuitedhimafterall—buthe'dfillthegapsoon.
Hewasthinkingofhavingafamilyphotographtakenafterthebabywasborn.
Assumingtheywerestillafamilythen…
KirkturnedonhiscomputerandwasjustloggingonwhenGreercameinwithhis
coffee.
"Goodmorning."
"Thanks,Greer."Shewhiskedinandoutsofastallhecaughtwasabluroffloral
fabricandawhiffofherperfume.Buttherewashismug,ontheceramiccoaster
AndiehadmadeforFather'sDaywhenshewasingradeone.Hereachedforthe
handleautomaticallyastheStarquotesfromtheTorontoStockExchangecameup
onhisscreen.
Hesippedthecoffee.Hot,strong,freshlybrewed.FullpointstoGreer,asusual.
FirstKirkcheckedthecurrentbidandaskpricesonastockhe'dpurchasedfor
severalofhisclientsyesterday.Uptencents.Well,thatwasagoodsigntheprice
wouldclimb,eventhoughthemarketwouldn'tbeopenuntilnine-thirty.He
glancedathiswatch.Inanotherforty-fiveminutes.
Afterremovinghisreadingglassesfromhisbreastpocket,heslippedthemon,
thenbreezedthroughthepaperwhilehefinishedhiscoffee.Fifteenminuteslater,
helistenedtohisvoice-mailmessages.
Generally,helovedthisfirsthouroftheday,beforethemarketsopenedandthe
floodofclientphonecallsbegan.Heneededthetimetoclearhismind,tofocus
ontheprioritiesoftheday.Moreandmore,administrativemattersandoffice
politicswereintrudingonhiswork.Naturalfalloutfromthekindofsuccesshe'd
earnedhihismanyyearswiththefirm.
Here,everyonevaluedhisopinion;hisbusinessacumenhadwonhimrespectand
admiration.Awareofthenaturalpitfallsofbeingastockbroker,he'dconsciously
steeredclearoftroubleinhiscareer,oftenwalkingawayfromsituationsoffering
aquickprofitwhenhesensedtheunderlyingeconomicsweresuspect.
Theresultwasareputationforintegrityandacumen.He'dworkedhardtoearnit.
HejustwishedthatitmeantadamntoClaire.
Sheseemedtotaketheirhealthyincome,theirsubstantialinvestmentportfolio
forgranted.Asfortheworkhedid,sherarelyaskedquestionsandneverfocused
longwhenhebroughtthesubjectup.Ifhetoldheraboutagreatdealhe'd
closed,sheusuallysaidsomethinglike"That'sgreat,Kirk.Doyouthinkyoucould
comebyDaisy'sschoolforherdancerecitaltomorrowatthree?"
Inhereyeshewasafailure.Becausehecouldn'talwaysmakeitforthose
recitals,parent-teacherinterviewsandstudentperformances,whichshe
structuredherMearound.
KirkpickedupaframedphotoofthethreegirlsshotlastChristmas.Lord,howhe
missedthem.Hecouldn'trememberfeelingthislonelyothersummers.Maybe
becauseotheryearshehadn'tbeenfacingthepossibilityoflosingthemforever.
Exceptforeveryotherweekendandacoupleweeks'holidayeachyear.
Itwouldn'tbeenough.Evenonthosenightsthathecamehometoolatetotuck
themin,hesleptbetterknowingtheywereallunderthesameroof.Theywerea
family.And,byGod,hewantedtodoeverythinginhispowertokeepthemthat
way.
"Kirk?"
Startled,heproppedthephotobackonhisdeskandlookedup.Janice.Oh,hell.
"Howareyoudoing?"sheasked,closingthedoorandleaningbackagainstit.
Shewastannedfromherholidayandhadonanavydresswithadeepveeneck,
andimpossiblyhighheels.ThekindClaireclaimedhadbeeninventedtohobble
womensotheycouldn'trunawayfromthementheyattractedbywearingthose
shoes.
"I'mfine,Janice.You?"Theyhadn'tspokensinceshe'dcomebacktowork.He
stoodandwenttoopenthedoor.
Shelookedathimquestioningly,andhethoughtaboutwhatheandthemarriage
counselorhadtalkedaboutyesterday.
"Doyouloveyourwife,Kirk?"she'daskedhim.
Noquestionhedid.
"Thenyou'vegottoearnbackhertrust."
"Yes.Buthow?"
She'dnailednunwiththatlevelheadedlookofhers."Bybeingtrustworthy."
Yes.Itwasthatsimple.Andthatcomplicated.
"Idon'tthinkClairewouldappreciateustalkinginherewiththedoorclosed,"he
saidnow,explaininghisactiontoJanice.
"Idon'tgetthis,"shesaidinahushedvoice,hereyesloweringdefensively."I
knowyousaidthingshadtochangebetweenus.Butwhataboutourfriendship?
I'vecometoreallycountonyou,Kirk.AndImissourtimetogether."
"Wecan'tbefriendsanymore,Janice.Itwouldn'tberight."
"Butwhy?"
Didshereallynotgetit?"Clairehastocomefirst.She'smywife,afterall.I
wouldn'tblameherforbeingangryatseeingustogether."Hesteppedbacktohis
desk."Ithinkyououghttogobacktowork,Janice."
"Youareaheartlessbastard."
Thefeelingbehindthewordsgavehimaquiverofconscience.Hehadn'tmeantto
hurtJanice.Perhapshecouldhavebeenkinder.Perhapshecouldhavesoftened
theblow.Butinstincttoldhimblunthonestywastheonlyway.Andthesoundof
Claire'ssobswasnowindeliblyetchedinhisconscience.
"I'msorryifyou'reunhappy.ButthemistakeImade,themistakewebothmade,
wasinlettingourfriendshipgetoutofhandinthefirstplace.Callingitquitsnow
istheonlyrightthingtodo.Forbothofus.Youneedtomeetamanwhocangive
youhiswholeheart.That'swhatyoudeserve,Janice.AndIneedtothinkofmy
wife."
Janiceflinchedatthewordwife,thensteppedforwarduntilshewascloseenough
thathecouldhearherwhisper."Ican'tkeepworkingatthisfirmifwearen't
together."
Helookeddownathisdesk,attheblotterthatprotectedthesmooth,polished
wood.Janiceleavingwasthebestthinghecouldhopefor.Itwouldhelpgive
Clairepeaceofmindthattheaffairwastrulyover.Still,hecouldn'taskherto
quit.
"That'syourdecision,"hesaidfinally.Janiceleanedincloser."Isthatallyouhave
tosay?"
Hedidn'tevenhavetothink."Absolutely."
CHAPTERNINETEEN
“Justaworn-outwasher,”Gradysaid,leaningoverClaire'skitchensink.
Theconstantplip-plopfromthefaucethadbeendrivinghercrazyallweek,but
she'dbeenwaitingforKirktocomehometofixit.Shewasreallyanxiousforhim
toarrive—hadbeensincethephonecallthisafternoonwiththeresultsofher
bloodtest.
Butofcoursehewouldn'tbehereforhours.AndbythenGradywouldhavethe
faucetrepaired.
"Inoticedthisdrippingduringlunchlastweekend,"hesaid,unscrewingthetop.
"Itwilltakeonlyaminutetoreplace."Hekneltbyhistoolbox,searchedforafew
moments,thenstood,shakinghishead."Musthaveleftthosewashersinthe
Jeep.I'lljustbeasec."
ClairegotacoldbeeroutofthefridgeandopeneditforGrady.Shepausedwhen
shecaughtAndiestaringupfromhermathworkbook.She'dbeenonhersecond
pageforthedaybuthaddroppedherpenciltheminuteGradywalkedtothedoor.
Sofarshehadn'tpickeditupagain,eventhoughGradyhadtriedtoteaseher
intoit.
"WhattimewillDaddybehere?"
Clairedidn'tneedtochecktheclock."Youknowheusuallydoesn'tarriveuntil
afterdark,hon.Whenyouandyoursistersarealreadyasleep."
Andiescowled,butbeforeClairecouldaskwhatwaswrong,Gradyhadreturned.
Sheheardhimstompontheoutsidethat,thenhepushedthedooropen.
"FoundjustwhatIneed.And,Andie?"Hegrinnedatthegirlwhohadn'tspared
himsomuchasasmilesincehe'dwalkedinfifteenminutesago."IthinkIhear
yourdad'scardrivingdownthelane."
"Really?"Andiepushedbackherchairandrushedout.DaisyandJenna,who'd
beenplayingwithBarbiedollsbythepatiodoors,wererightbehindher.
ClaireshruggedapologeticallyatGradyforherdaughter'srudeness,thenlooked
atherwrist.Onlyfive-thirty.Kirkmusthaveleftworkveryearly.Sheglanced
intothemirroronthewallbythedoorandnotedthepinkhihercheeks.Her
heartwaspoundingridiculouslyfastforawomanabouttogreetamanshe'dbeen
marriedtoforoveradecade.Whatwasthebigdeal?
ButhavinghimhomesoearlyonaFridaywassuchatreat.Hemusthavemissed
them.Ormaybejustthegirls…
"Goon,"Gradyteased."Runoutthedoorandsayhello.Icanseeyou'redying
to."
"I'llletthegirlshavethefirstchance.Hopefully,he'llstillbestandingonce
they'vefinishedthen-ambush."Clairepushedherhairbehindherears,then
peeredovertheledgethatactedasaminibacksplashtothesinkandinspected
hiswork.
"Isthattheoldscreen?"sheasked,spyingaflatcirculardiskonthecounter.
"Yeah.Allpluggedup.Youdefinitelyneededanewone,soIreplacedbothitand
thewasher."Withnimblefingers,Gradybegantoscrewthetapbacktogetherjust
asthefrontdoorwasflungopen.
Kirkstoodaloneinthedoorway,stillwearinghissuitfromtheoffice.Heleveled
hiseyesatClaire,andrightawaysheknewsomethingwaswrong.
Clairestraightenedandlookedbehindhim."Wherearethegirls?"
TherewasadangerousstillnesstoKirk'sexpressionasheclosedthedoor
deliberatelybehindhim.Notjustthescreendoorbutthewoodenone,too.
Hedidn'tanswerherquestion,justdroppedhisweekendbag,thentookafew
stepsforward.
Claire'sfeelingofuneaseescalated.WhywasheignoringGrady?Hemusthave
seentheJeepoutfront,andbynowhewouldhavenoticedGradystandingbythe
sinkinthekitchen.
Buthisgazefocusedonherasthoughsheweretheonlyoneintheroom.And
stillhedidn'ttalk.
Feelingawkward,Clairebegantochatter."Gradystoppedonhiswayhomefrom
worktofixthefaucet.Won'titbenicenottohavetolistentothatstupiddripping
allthetime?"
"Icouldhavefixedit,"Kirksaidfinally,takinganothercoupleofsteps.Allofa
suddenClairewasgladthecounterseparatedthetwomen.Sherecognizedthe
graniteedgetoKirk'sdarkgrayeyesnow.Hewasabouttolosehiscool.Itdidn't
happenoften,butwhenitdid…
"Hey,"Gradysaid,flashingasmile."I'msureyoucould,Kirk.Butitwasno
troubleformetocomeouthere.Afterall,it'sonlyafewmiles."
"True,"Kirksaid."Makesmewonder,though.Howmanytimesaweekdoyou
generallydropintovisitmywife?"
Claire'smouthwentslack.Nowshewastheonewhocouldn'tfindwords.DidKirk
realizewhathewasimplying?
"Comeon,Kirk."TherewasacautiousnotebehindGrady'sgood-humoredtone.
"What'sgottenintoyou?"
AsGradysteppedoutfrombehindthekitchencounter,Clairemovedforward
quickly.Shehadafeelingshe'dbetterkeepthesetwoapart.SheturnedtoKirk,
hopinghe'drealizehowridiculouslyhewasbehaving.
"Grady'sagoodfriend.Heandhissonsarewelcomehereanytime.Right?"
ShelookedatKirk,waitingforhimtoconfirmtheinvitation.Whateverweirdness
hadgottenintohimtoday,heneededtogetitundercontrol.Andquick.
Butshewasn'tencouragedbythesardonicexpressionthatglimmeredinhiseyes
ashespoke."Oh,sure,Claire.Grady'ssogoodwithkids,sohandywithrepairs.I
seewhyyou'dwanttohavehimaround.Maybeevenmorethanyourhusband."
"What?"She'dneverheardKirktalkthiswaybefore.Itwascrazy,and
embarrassing…SheeyedGrady,shakingherheadapologetically.
"Idon'tknowwhat'sup,Kirk,"hesaid."YouknowIthinktheworldofClaire,but
youcan'tseriouslybelievethere'sanythinggoingon…"
"Oh?"Kirksteppedsideways,blockingGrady'spath."Can'tI?"
"Hell."GradyglancedbackatClaire,whowastoooverwhelmedtospeak,then
sworeagain,moresoftly."Maybethings'dbealotclearerifImadealittle
confession."
Kirk'schinroseanotch."Thatsoundslikeagoodidea."
"Iaminlove,Kirk.SomuchthatIcanhardlythinkstraight.AndIsureashell
can'tsleepatnight.ButI'mnotinlovewithClaire.It'sTerese."
Forthefirsttime,hesitationsparkedinKirk'seyes,andGradypushedhis
advantage.
"Couldn'tyoutellhowIfeltaboutherlastweekend?Itwasprettyobvious."
Kirkregardedthetwoofthem,measuring,calculating.Afteramoment,thehard
setofhismoutheasedandhebackedawayfromthedoor.
"Yeah.Inoticed."HemetGrady'sgaze."IguessIwasoutofline."
"That'sokay.You'vebeenunderpressure.Believeme,Iunderstand."Grady
pattedKirkontheshoulderasheheadedforthedoor.Beforeleaving,helooked
backatClaire.
“Thanksforthebeer.''
Clairewassoembarrassedshecouldhardlymeethiseyes."Thanksf-forthe
faucet…"
Whenthedoorhadclosed,Claireturnedtoherhusband,herembarrassment
flaringintoanger.Gradywasagoodguy;heprobablywouldn'tholdthisagainst
Kirk.Butshewasn'tasforgiving.Herhandstightenedintofists,andshetooka
deepbreath,hardlyknowingwheretostart.
"Thatwasinsane,Kirk."
Tohergreatconsternation,Kirkdidn'tlooktheslightestbitabashed.Hethrewhis
overnightbagonthecouch,thenfacedher,handsonhiships,feetplanted
shoulder-widthapart.
"Wasit?"hesaid,histoneashardastheexpressiononhisface.
Clairehadneverfeltfrightenedofherhusbandbefore.Now,forthefirsttime,she
did,andtheemotionhadabitter,uglytang."WhywouldyouthinkGradyandI—"
"Why?"ThewordblastedfromKirk'smouth."Haveyoueveraskedyourselfhow
youfeelaboutGrady?Howyoureallyfeel.'CausefromwhereIstandyou
practicallyworshiptheguy.Ifyouhadhalftheadmirationformethatyouhave
forhim…"
Kirkstrodetothefireplace,wherehepickedupthepokerandslashedatthecold
ashes."Grady'ssuchawonderfulfather,suchamodelhusband.Alwayshomefor
dinner,alwaystheretohelpwiththekids.Isn'tthatwhatyoureallywant,Claire?
Isn'tittruethatI'vebeenabigdisappointmenttoyou?"
Shewasblownawaybytheruthlessnessofhisconclusion."That'snotafair
comparison."
"Maybenot."Kirkwithdrewthepoker,allowedittohangbyhisside."Butyou're
theonewho'salwaysmakingit.Whydidyoumarrymeinthefirstplace?You
knewIwasambitious.YouknewwhatIwanted."
Yes,she'dknown,andadmiredhimforit.
"Iwassecondchoice,wasn'tI?YoureallywantedGrady,buthewasalready
marriedtoBess.Isn'tthatafact,Claire?"
"Thisisridiculous."Clairewantedtoputherhandsoverherears."Ifyouthink
youcandeflectattentionfromyouraffairbypointingafingeratme…"
Shewhirledaroundandheadedforthebedroom,butpausedattheendofthe
hall."Ihaveneverbeenunfaithfultoyou."
"Isthatright?"Kirkthrewdownthepoker,andClairewincedasitthuddedonthe
pinefloor."Maybenotindeed,"hesaid.
AngerbuzzedinClaire'shead.Shecouldn'tthinkanymoreshewassofurious.
"Don'ttrytotwistthisonme.You'retheonewhohadanaffair.You'retheone
whobrokeourweddingvows.Youfellinlovewithher."
"Andaren'tyoustillinlovewithGrady?Evenjustalittle?"
"No."Sheturnedherback.Hecouldn'ttalktoherthisway.Shedidn'tdeserve—
"IadmitwhatIdidwaswrong,"Kirksaid,hisvoicequieter,butsomehowcolder
forit."ButatleastI'vemadeanefforttobehonest.Maybeit'stimeyoudidthe
same."
Kirkwaswrong,wrong,wrong!Shewasn'tinlovewithGrady.Sure,shehada
softspotforhim.
Wasn'tthatnormal?Didn'tmostwomenfeelthatwayabouttheirfirstlove?
Clairepacedthelengthofherbedroom,pausingtopunchsomeairinherpillows,
beforepacingsomemore.Tenminuteslatersheheardatentativeknock.
"Leaveyourmotheralone.She'sresting."Kirk'svoicegrowledfromsomewherein
themainlivingareaofthecottage.Whoeverwasatthedoorretreated.
Afterhalfanhour,Clairewasbeginningtofeellikeacagedanimal.Butshe
couldn'tgoout;shewastooafraidofstartingasceneinfrontoftheirdaughters.
Eventually,sheheardsomesoundsinthekitchen,thenthesmellofcooking.
Eggs,maybe?Andsomethingelse…
Therewasasecondknockonherdoor.ClaireopeneditandfoundAndiewitha
trayoffood:creamedeggsonwaffles;acupoftea,withaslicedlemononme
saucer.
"You'dbettereatthis,"Andieordered."Dadwenttoalotoftroubleforyou."
Clairecouldn'tmeetherdaughter'seyes."Thankyou,Andie."
Afterthedoorclosed,Clairesatontheedgeofherbedwiththetrayonher
knees.Hergutwasstillburningwithangerandpain;eatingseemedimpossible.
Yetshedidn'tdarereturnthetraywiththefooduntouched.
Thefirstbitewasastruggle,butthemealwentdownmoreeasilythanshewould
havethoughtThisbabywantedtobefed,shedecided,regardlessofthestateof
itsmother'smentalhealth.Claireshookoffthethoughtofthosedamnblood
tests.Herbabywasnormal.Shejustknewit.
Theteawassoothingagainsttherawnessofherthroat.Clairecuppedthemug
withbothhandsandtriedtofocusonpleasant,calmingthings.Sheimaginedshe
wasfloatingonthelake,risingandfallingwiththegentleswellofthewaves.
Soon,hertremblingstoppedandheranxietyeased.Bythetimeshe'dfinished
thetea,ameasureofequanimityhadreturned.Shecrawledunderthecoversand
sleepcamequickly.
Whensheawoke,itwasmorning.Theroomwashot,theairstill,andherhead
feltlikeastone.Sheglancedaround,noticedthetrayfromlastnighthadbeen
removed,thenclosedhereyestorestforanotherminute—andfellbackasleep.
Aboutanhourlatershewokeagain,thistimewithherheadfeelingalittlelighter.
Shepulledonmaternityshortsandanewhand-paintedT-shirtfromMallory's
shop.Whensheopenedthebedroomdooritwastoaquiet,desertedhouse.A
notewasproppedupagainstthefaucet.
Thenon-drippingfaucet.
Claire,we'vegonewaterskiingwiththeHogans.Andiewantstotrydroppingaski
again.Don'tworryaboutdinner.I'llmakeitwhenIgethome.
Kirk
Clairestaredatherhusband'ssignature,thenrereadthenote.Therewas
certainlynosignofanyregretinthosebriefsentencesforthepreviousday's
argument.ButhewasgoingoutontheboatwithGrady.Thatmeanthemust
havecalledandapologizedforyesterday'sscene.Sheintendedtoaddherown
apologyinshortorder.
However,therewassomeoneelsesheneededtoseefirst.
Clairebakedadoublebatchofherfamily'sfavoritecookies,thenhadtwo,plus
somefruitsaladandaglassofmilk,forbreakfast.Whenshewasfinishedandthe
kitchentidyoncemore,shepackagedupthecookies,mengrabbedthekeysto
thevan.
Somuchhadgonehaywirethissummeritseemedanimpossibletasktosort
everythingout.ButifhermarriagetoKirkwasgoingdownthedrain,shewasn't
abouttopullanyotherhappyrelationshipsalongwithit.
Drivingdownthetree-linedlane,shethoughtofthedesperatesincerityin
Grady'svoicewhenhe'dsaid/loveTerese.
She'dbeensuchabloodyfoolaboutthatrelationship.Thiswasnotransitional
affair,andGradywasn'tsimplyactingthepartofherototherescue.Hetruly
caredaboutthepetitewoman,andClairewascertainthatTereselovedhim
equallyinreturn.
IntwelveminutesshewasinPortCarlingandparkedoutfrontoftheConroys'
prettyVictorian-stylehouse.TereseandLisawerestilllivinginthebasement
apartment;shehopedshe'dfindthemathome.
ThemidmorningsunwaswarmonherbackandherheadasClairewalkedalong
thestonestepsthatledtothebackyard.Woollythymegrewwildinthedirt
spacesbetweenthestones,andwitheachstepshereleasedsomeofthefamiliar
scentintotheair.
ShefoundTeresesittingonthedeck,sketchingsomethinginthegrassbyher
feet.Oneofthestrapsfromherbaggyoverallshadfallenoffhershoulder,and
herbangswereclippedbackfromherface,revealingasmooth,slightlyrounded
forehead.
Terese'sconcentrationwassointenseClairehesitatedtointrude.Thenabruptly
Tereselookedup,onedarkeyebrowrisinginadramaticarch."Hello,Claire."
Clairesteppedcloser,thenbenttoexaminethefragileblue,bell-shaped
wildflowerthatTeresewasreplicatingonpaper."Ididn'tmeantointerrupt.
Where'sLisa?"
"Playingatafriend's."Tereseaddedalinetoherdrawing,thensnappedthepad
closed."I'mgladyoustoppedby.Ineededabreak.Whydon'tyousitdown."She
indicatedasecondchair,whichsharedtheshadeofanoldmaple."CouldIoffer
youacooldrink?"
Clairerelaxeddeepintotheseatandletoutasigh."Thatwouldbenice."
Teresedisappearedinsideandcameoutwithtwoglassesoflemonade.Clairehad
alongswallowoftherefreshinglycoldbeverageandsmiledherthanks."Kirk's
takenthegirlsoutfortheday.Ifeelalittleatlooseends."
"Still,it'snicetohaveabreak,isn'tit?Much'asIadoreLisa,theconstantstream
ofconversationgetstomesometimes.EspeciallywhenI'mtryingtodrawor
paint."
"It'stheage,"Claireassuredher."Five-year-oldswillrecounttheirlifestorytoa
parkingattendantifhestandsstilllongenough.It'sacutestage,really.Justwait
untilsheturnstenandwon'ttellyouwhatshe'sthinkinganymore."
Andie.Thataccusinglookfromyesterdaywasfreshinhermemory,andstillhad
thepowertowound.ForsomereasonAndieseemedtoblameherbecauseKirk
wasn'taroundasmuchasAndiewouldlike.Ifyouwerenicertohim…Her
daughter'swordscamebacktoClaire,alongwithKirk'saccusationoftheprevious
day:Aren'tyoustillinlovewithGrady?
"It'sgoodtoberemindedhowquicklytheygrowup.Ican'tbelieveLisastarts
schoolfull-timethisSeptember."
"AndJennanextyear."
"Isn'tlettinggohard?"Teresesaid.Shesettledherheadagainstthebackofthe
chairandstaredupintothecanopyofmapleleaves."JustthinkhowGradymust
feelwiththetwinsabouttostarttheirlastyearofhighschool."
"SpeakingofGrady…"Claireleanedforwardinherchair.Thiswas,afterall,why
shehadcome."Haveyouseenhimlately?"
Teresesighed."Notsincelunchatyourplacethelongweekend."
AlightbreezecarriedperfumefromPatConroy'srosegarden.Claireheardthe
leaveswhisperaroundher."Maybeyoushould.Seehim,Imean."
Terese'seyesopenedwide."Whenwetalkedtheotherday,Igotthedistinct
impressionyouagreedwithmethatitwasn'tagoodideatodraghimandhis
boysintomy—mysituation."
Claireshookherhead."Thatwassowrongofme.Iwasjustbeing—oh,Idon't
know.Overprotective?I'vealwayshadasoftspotforGrady,andIwanthimtobe
happy."
"Me,too,"Teresesaidquietly.
"Beingwithyoumakeshimhappy,Terese."
Thepetitewomansmileduncertainly."Butmyex-husband—"
"Howlongsinceyoulefthim?"
"Almostthreeyears."
"Thenisn'tittimehestoppedcontrollingyourlife?Youdeservehappiness,Terese.
SodoesGrady."AndwhatifEdturnedouttobeoneofthosepsychoswhoshowed
uponenightwithahatchetandanintenttokill?
Okay,notalikelyscenario.ButthefactthatthemanwasLisa'sfathermeanthe
wouldalwaysbeapartofTerese'slife.Andeveryoneagreedhehadthepotential
forviolence.YetthatwashardlyTerese'sfault.Besides,GradylovedTerese.
"Ijustdon'tknowwhatEdiscapableof,"Teresesaid."That'swhatreallyscares
me."
"Understandably.Butyoucan'tlethimblockthehappinessyousoobviouslyfind
withGrady."
Tereseranherhandsthroughherthickdarkhair,herexpressionanagonyof
indecision."Don'tyouthinkthatwouldbeselfishofme?Puttingmyown
happinessabovethesafetyofGradyandhisboys?"
ForClairetoadmitwhatsheknewwastruewashard."Gradyandtheboyscan
lookafterthemselves."
Tereselaughedwithouthumor."That'swhatGradysays."
"Thenbelievehim."Claireleanedforwardtotouchthelittlewildflowerpokingup
fromthegrass."Andlovehim.That'swhatI'ddo."
CHAPTERTWENTY
Drew'sexplorer,aswellasKirk'ssedan,wereparkedoutsideGrady'shome.Claire
wasn'tsurprised.MalloryworkedatherboutiqueonSaturdays,soitmadesense
thatDrewwouldbringAngeltohangoutatGrady's.
Nopointinknockingatthefrontdoor;theywouldn'tbeinsideonagreatdaylike
this.Shepickeduptheboxofcookiesfromthefloorofthevan,thenheaded
aroundthehousetothegraydeckthatconnectedhousetoboathouse.Athirty-
footpierranperpendiculartothedeck,branchingoutintoaTattheend.That
waswhereshesawGrady,hisattentiononthelake.
BoardscreakedandClaire'sthongssnappedagainstthewoodasshewalkedout
tomeethim.Hewassittingonadeckchair,hiswethairplasteredagainsthis
head,dropletsofwaterstillclingingtohispowerfulbackandshoulders.Tumbled
athisfeetwasacollectionofbeachtowels,twobottlesofsunscreenandasingle
waterski.
Hetwistedaroundwhenheheardherapproachandraisedahandinfriendly
salute."Claire.Perfecttiming.Daisy'sskiingrightnow,andwhenshe'sdone,
Andie'sgoingtotrydroppingherski."
Claire'sgazeshotouttothewater.Shecouldjustmakeoutthered-and-whiteof
Grady'smotor-boatandthesmalldotthatwasherdaughter,beingpulledbehind.
"Who'sdriving?"
"Drew.Kirk'sintheboat,too,alongwithallthekids."
Atthementionofherhusband'sname,hereyescaughtGrady'sandheldthemfor
afewmoments."Aboutlastnight—"
Gradyshookhishead."Don'tsayaword.Wemenhavesortedeverythingout."
"Areyousure?Ican'ttellyouhowmortifiedIfeel…Istillcan'tbelievehesaid
thosethings."
"You'vegottocuttheguysomeslack.He'sbeenunderalotofpressure."Grady's
usuallygood-humoredfacesetintobleaklines."It'sascarythingforamanto
facetheprospectofhisfamilybreakingup.Believeme,Iknow.""Still.Itwaskind
ofridiculous.''"Ridiculous?"Grady'seyebrowsrose."KirkknowsyouandIhavea
history.Icouldseehowamanmightbethreatenedbyourfriendship."
Clairesatinthechairnexttohim,feelingthedockswayunderher.Theboatwas
outofsightnowandshefocusedonthemanbesideher."Yes,butourhistorylies
almosttwentyyearsinthepast.Wewerejustkids."
Yetevenasshespokethewords,hermindwastellingheradifferentstory.Come
on,Claire.MaybeyourfeelingsforGradyaren'ttrulyinthepast.
Sheshuthermouthandlookedouttothewater.Whatwereherfeelingsforthe
manbesideher?IfshewasgoingtobehonestwithKirk,sheneededtostartby
beingtruthfulwithherself.
Thememoryofherlastcounselingsessionloomed,inparticularthemomentRiva
hadaskedaboutClaireandKirk'smarriageintheyearsbeforeJanice.
She'dadmittedtoRivathateventhentherehadbeenproblems,andrightafter
admittingthatshe'dthoughtofGrady,althoughshehadn'tsaidanything.What
didthatindicateabouthercommitmenttoKirkandtotheirmarriage?She
couldn'tblameKirkforaccusingherofcomparinghimwithGradyandfindinghim
shortofthemark,whenitwastrue.AndnotjustsincetheaffairwithJanice,but
yearsbefore.
Beginning,sheacknowledged,whenthedemandsoffamilylifehadstartedto
impingeonKirk'scareer.Thatwaswhenshe'dbeguntosuffertheoccasionalstab
ofdoubt.Hadshemarriedtherightman?
"Yeah,it'sbeenalotofyears,"Gradyconceded."Butyouhavetoknowtheway
themalemindoperates.Thisisgoingtosoundarrogant,butamanlikestofeel
thatasfarashiswomanisconcerned,he'stheoneandonly."
"Aninterestingpoint.Howdoyouthinkwomenwanttofeel?Thatthey'reoneout
offive?"
Gradylaughed."Hell,Claire,youdon'tgiveaninch,doyou?ThepointI'mtrying
tomakeisthatthemaleegoisfragile.Andbelieveme,aftermydivorce,Iknow
ofwhatIspeak."
"Oh,Grady."Shereachedouttotouchhisarm."Youaresuchagreatguy."
"Iappreciatethesentiment.Butyourhusbandneedstohearthosewordsfrom
you."Clairesatbackinherchair,stung."Hey.Ididn'tintendtosoundungracious.
Yourfriendshipmeansalottome,Claire.Andit'sexactlywhyI'mbeingsoblunt.
Whateverproblemsyoutwoarefacingrightnow,sortthemout.YouandKirk
don'twanttoenduplikemeandBess.Andthere'snoreasonyoushould.You
guysaregreattogether,andyou'vemanufacturedthreesuperkids."Heglanced
atherbelly.
Sheknewwhathewasthinking.Soontobefour.Protectively,shewrappedher
armsaroundhermiddle.She'dstartedfeelingthebaby'smovementsacoupleof
weeksago.Andthosefirstfluttershadawokenhermaternalinstinctswitha
vengeance.
Shelovedthisbaby.Shewantedthisbaby.Regardlessofwhathappenedbetween
Kirkandher.
"Ihearyou,Grady.ButIstillhaveahardtimetakingKirk'sinsecuritiesseriously.
Afterall,I'mobviouslypregnant.Asifanymanwouldbeinterestedinmenow."
"IguessI'dhavetodisagreewithyouonthatone.Butthepointis,youandKirk
belongtogether.AndI'm…well,youknowhowIfeelaboutTerese.I'dmarryher
inaflashifshe'dhaveme.Butshe'ssospookedbyherex-husband…",Guilt
forcedClaire'sgazedowntotheboardsofthedock.Onlytoorecentlyshe'd
thoughtthesameway."Ishedangerous,Grady?Reallydangerous?"
"Idon'tknow.Butthefactthathe'soutthereonlymakesmeloveTeresemore.
MaybebecauseIfeelsheneedsme."
"Thatfragile-male-egothingagain?"
Gradygaveherchairakick."Offerawomanalittleinsideinformation,andshe
turnsonyou."
Clairesmiled."I'mnotturningonyou,Grady.IreallydohopeyouandTerese
workthingsout"
"Hereconiestheboat."Gradypointedtoaspeckinthedistance.
Astheywatched,thespeckgrewbigger,andeventuallytookonshapeandcolor.
WithinaminuteClairecouldmakeoutDrewatthewheelandKirkbehind.
"Canyouseewho'sskiing?"
"Ithinkit'sAndie."
AfewsecondslaterClairecoulddiscerntheredofherdaughter'shair.Theboat
wasstillcomingintheirdirection;inaboutoneminuteitwouldbeparalleltothe
dock.WhichwaswhenAndiewouldslipherleftfootoutofherskiandtrytokeep
herbalanceontheremainingone.
Gradystoodandstartedshoutinginstructions."Notyet,Andie."Afewseconds
passed."Okay,benddown,getready…"
Then,justasplitsecondbeforetheboatwhizzedby,Gradyraisedhishand.
"Now!"
Oncue,Andiekickedoffherleftski,wobbledtotheright,straightened,then
wobbledtotheleft—
"Comeon,Andie!"Clairecheered.—thenstabilizedinthecenter."She'sdoingit,
Grady!She'sactuallydoingit!"Clairewassogladforherdaughter.She'dhad
suchatoughsummer.Atleastthisonethinghadgoneright.
"Suresheis.She'sonedeterminedkid."Theywatcheduntiltheboathadcircled
outofsight,withAndiestillbalancingonhersingleski.ThenGradysatbackin
hischairandglancedatthepackageClairehadstowedunderherchair.
"Now,tellmewhat'sinthatcontainer,orI'mgoingtohavetothrowyouintothe
lake."Clairepulledhersunglassesfromthetopofherheadtothebridgeofher
nose.Smiling,shejustshookherhead."Bepatient."
Gradygroaned."Youcanbecruel,youknowthat?I'll,betthey'rethoseTriple
TemptationCookies,aren'tthey?"
"You'lljusthavetowaitandsee."
AfterAndie'ssuccessfulcircuitononeski,theboatheadedforhome.
"Hey,Claire!"Drewwavedfromthefrontseataftercuttingthethrottle."Didyou
seeyourdaughter?"
"Isuredid.Thatwasterrific,hon!"ShewavedatAndie,whowasbreast-stroking
towardtheotherendofthepier.
Gradygrabbedforthesideoftheboatasitcamenearandpulleditingentlyto
restalongsidethewoodenplatform.Withpracticedeasehesecuredtheboat
whileClairehelpedKirkunloadthechildrenandAndiehauledherselfoutofthe
lake.
"Thatwasfantastic,kiddo,"Kirksaid,wrappingabigtowelaroundAndie'sbody.
Shewasshiveringlikecrazy,butherlipswerestretchedintothebiggestsmile.
"Itwassomuchfun,Daddy!Didyouseeme,Mom?"
"I.suredid."ClaireturnedandgavethetowelaroundAndieabriskrub."Youhad
greatbalanceoutthere,hon."SheglancedupatKirkandfelthersmilestiffen.
Whenhelookedathertherewerequestionsinhiseyesshewasn'tsurehowto
answer.
Maybeshe'dmadesomemistakesinthepast.Maybeshe'ddonetoomuch
comparing,andmaybeithadn'tbeenfair.Butthatdidn'tjustifywhatKirkhad
done.Nomatterwhatherdissatisfactionswiththemarriage,she'dnevergone
behindKirk'sbacktofindherpleasureelsewhere.
"Didyouseemeski,Mommy?"Daisyasked.
ClairebenttokissthetipofthenosevisiblefrombehindDaisy'sflower-shaped
sunglasses."Isawalittle.Didyouhavetroublegettingup?"
"Nope.Gotupfirsttime."Daisy'schestexpandedproudly.
"Goodwork.Now,couldyoucarrythesunscreenbacktothehouse?I'lltakethe
towels.IthinkDaddy'sgoingtohavetocarryJenna.Shefellasleepintheboat."
"Sure."DaisyskippedaheadwithAndieandDrew,whowascarryingasleeping
Angelinhisarms.
"Toomuchexcitementforthelittleones,Iguess,"Kirksaid,pluckingJennafrom
thebottomoftheboat.
"Wecanputthemdownonmybed,"Gradysuggested."Thenlet'sorganize
somethingtoeat.I'mstarved,andIminkClairehassomethingdecadentinthat
containerofhers."
Atthementionoffood,AndieandDaisylookedbackfromwheretheywere
walkingwithDrew.Bothspottedtheplasticcontainerintheirmother'shandsand
calledoutsimultaneously,"TripleTemptationCookies?"
Clairejustsmiledandpickedupthebox.
FollowingbehindGrady.andKirk,alongthedeckthatledtothebackpatiodoor,
shecouldn'thelpbutvisuallycomparethetwomen.Theywereclosehiheight,
butsodifferentincharacterandinbuild.Gradywaslarger—broaderacrossthe
shouldersandruggedinform—whereasKirk'smusclesweremoresharplydefined,
hishipsslimmer,hisbodymovementsalmostgraceful.
Twosuchdifferentmen.Onedark,onefair;oneacraftsman,theothera
businessman.
Ifshehaditalltodooveragain,ifthechoicerestedentirelyinherhands,which
wouldshewanttomarry?
Kirkhadsaidshecouldn'tanswerthequestion.Andhewasright.
Butnotbecausetheanswerwassodifficult.Becausethequestionwaswrong.
Second-guessingpastchoiceswasafool'sgame.Thethoughthitherafew
minuteslater,oncetheyoungerchildrenweretuckedundercoversandGradyhad
foundeveryonesomethingtodrink.Shewassittingatthepatiotableacrossfrom
Kirk,whowascheckingAndiecarefullyforsignsofsunburn.
"Seemsokay,kiddo,"hesaid."Guessthatsunlotionreallywaswaterprooflikeit
said."
AndieslidontoKirk'sknee,wrappinganarmaroundhisneck.Withthen:heads
soclosetogether,Clairecouldseearesemblanceintheshapeoftheirchinsand
thedeepsetoftheireyes.Andiewasadoll,andherhusbandwasgorgeous.With
hisnow-bronzedskinandsun-bleachedhair,heremindedherofhowhe'dlooked
thatfirstsummerthey'dgoneout.
He'dbeenplayingbaseball,andshe'dattendedallhisgamestocheerhimon.
He'dbeenanawesomeshortstop,andafabuloussightinhisuniform.Claire
recollectedonegameinparticular,whenshe'dsatbehindtwoyoungwomenwho
spentthewholegamelistingKirk'sobviousphysicalcharmsandscreamingevery
timehemadeagoodplay.Afterthegame,theirwhispershadbecomehushed
whenheheadedtheirway,thentheirmouthshaddroppedopentoseehimwalk
uptoClaireandthrowhisarmsaroundher.
She'dfeltsoproudofhimthen,andproudofherself,too—thathe'dchosenheras
hisgirl.Clairesmiled,remembering,thensuddenlyfeltmoresomber.Whenhad
shelostthefeelingthatshewasthechosenone?ThatforKirkthesunroseand
fellaroundherandthethingsshesaidanddid?
"Okay,Claire,"Gradysaid,breakingintoherthoughts."Enoughwiththemystery.
Showusthegoods."
"Aw,it'snothing,"Clairesaid,removingthelidslowly."Justadoublebatchof
thosecookiesnobodyeverseemstolikeverymuch."
Threeheadscrashedastheybentinsimultaneously.
"Ow!"Daisycomplained.Butacheerfollowedimmediately."Yeah!Triple
TemptationCookies!"
Theypassedtheboxaround,once,twiceandagain,untilthecookieswerealmost
allgone.Madewithachocolate-dropcookiebaseandgenerousscoopsof
semisweetchocolatechips,white-chocolatechipsandchoppedalmonds,theywere
atriple-chocolatedelightandafavoriteofadultsandkidsalike.
Afitting"endoftheseason''contributiontoher"CottageCooking"column?Claire
shiedfromthethought,shockedtorealizehowquicklythesummerhadpassed.
She'dplannedonhavinghermarriageproblemssortedoutbeforethekidswere
backhischool.Butaftertwomonthsofcounseling,talking,arguingand
discussing,shefelttheywerenofurtheraheadthanwhenthey'dstarted.She
castalookatKirk,wonderingifhefeltequallydiscouraged.
Kirkbitintothecookiehiswifehadbaked,barelytastingtherich,fudgeyflavor.
HewascaptivatedbythepictureClavemade,withherflaxenhairmussedfrom
thewindandherskinflushedfromadayintheheat.She'dtakenoffher
sunglassesintheshadeoftheawningoverGrady'sdeck,andtheblueofhereyes
appearedevenmoreintensethanusual.
You'dthinkthatafteralltheseyearshe'dbeaccustomedtoherbeauty.True,
weekscouldgobywithouthimreallynoticingher.Butthentherewouldbea
momentwhenthesunhitheracertainwayorshepausedwithherheadtiltedat
justtherightangle.
Andwham,itwouldhithim,justliketheveryfirsttimehe'dmether—atthe
firm'sChristmasparty.Shewasworkingatthehotelandthemomentshestepped
intotheballroom—tomakesuretheeventwasproceedingasplanned—theworld
hadstoppedrotating,he'dceasedbreathing,thelightshaddimmed.Exceptfor
onehotspotlighttraineddirectlyonherface.Thewondergirlwhocouldhave
broughthimtohiskneesonthestrengthofherwarm,huskylaughalone.
Fromthatfirstmoment,he'ddeterminedtomeether,todateher,tomarryher.
He'dneverfeltamoment'sdoubtthatshewasthewomanforhim,andthemore
he'dgottentoknowher,themorecertainhe'dgrowninhisfeelings.
Thiswasthewomanhewanted.
Hadsheeverfeltthatwayabouthim?Hadsheeverfeltanythingevenclosetoit?
Watchinghernow,Kirkrealizedhiswifewasasmuchofanenigmatohimas
ever.
"Wantanothercookie,Daddy?"Andieheldtheboxinfrontofhim."It'sthevery
lastone."
"That'sgenerousofyou.Thanks,kiddo."Hetookthecookie,brokeitinhalfand
offeredthelargerpiecetohisdaughter.
Daisy,herdelicatemouthnowedgedinchocolate,lookedattheemptyboxand
sighed."Arethereanymoreathome?"
"Afraidnot,hon."Claireliftedherontoherlap,andDaisysnuggledherhead
againsthermother'sshoulder.
They'reapicture,thosetwo.Samecoloring,samevividblueeyes.Hewantedto
reachforthecamera,whichhe'dbroughtwithhimontheboat,buthewasso
comfortablewithAndiesprawledagainstbun.
"Well,nowthatwe'vehaddessert,howaboutamaincourse?"Gradyasked."I
knowtheboyswillbehomesoon,starvingasusual.Burgersokaywith
everyone?"
"Weshouldbegoing,"Claireprotested."Don'tyoudare."Gradyplacedahand
againstheremptyshoulder,theonewithoutDaisysnuggledintoit,toforceher
backinthechair."Jenna'ssoundasleep,andbesides,it'smyturntoentertain.
WhydoeseveryoneassumethatsinceBethleftI'mnotcapableofscrapingameal
together?Whodoyouthinkdidmostofthecookingwhenshelivedhere,
anyway?"
"Itmusthavebeenyou,"Drewsaid."Orthoseboyswouldneverhavegrownas
tallastheyare.RememberthatsauceBessmadeforClaire'sChristmaspuddinga
fewyearsago?"
Drewpushedhischairback."I'llgiveyouahand,Grady.Let'scallMalloryandask
hertobringatubofcoleslawfromMarg'sonherwayhomefromwork."
''I'llhelp,too,"Clairevolunteered,butGradystuckhisheadoutthedoorto
refuseheroffer.
"Youcan'tcook.You'realivingloungechair."HisgazedroppedtoDaisy,whose
eyelidsweredrooping."Relaxforachangeandletsomeoneelsetakecareofthe
grub."
Kirkhadbeenabouttovolunteer,aswell,butAndiewasfallingasleepagainst
him."Thesekidsaren'tsomuchhungryasexhausted."
Clairenodded.ShewasgazingatDaisy'sface,andherdreamyexpression
remindedhimofthewayshelookedwhenshewasnursinganinfant.
Kirkchokedup,wonderingifhewouldhavetheprivilegeofwatchingwhileshe
nursedthisnewbaby.Rightnowtheoddsweren'tgood.
He'dreallyhopedcounselingwouldbetheanswer,butasfarashecouldtellthey
hadn'tmademuchprogress.Histiradelastnighthadn'thelped.Whyhadhelost
hiscoolthatway?Hehadn'tseriouslythoughttherewasanythinggoingon
betweenGradyandClaire.
Buthewasjealous.NotjustoftheclosefriendshiporthehighregardthatClaire
hadforGrady,butofthetimeGradyhadalwaysbeenabletospendwithhis
family.
DidClairethinkhewantedtomissdinnerswiththefamily,thechildren'slittle
performances,timetogetherontheweekend?Longofficehours,aforty-five-
minutecommute,extensivetraveldemands—theseweretherealitiesofthejob
hehadchosen.AndKirklovedhisjob.
Buthealsolovedhiswife.
Ifonlyshecouldlovehimback.Forthemanhewas,notthehusbandandfather
shewantedhimtobe.
Wasthataskingtoomuch?
"There'ssomethingweneedtotalkabout."
FromClaire'stoneofvoice,itwasn'tanythinggood.Feelingasuddenpanic,Kirk
checkedtomakesureAndiewassleeping,beforeasking,"Whatisit?"
"IgottheresultsfromthatbloodtestItookinBarrie."
Kirk'sthoughtsshiftedfromtherelationshipbetweenhimandClairetotheir
unbornchild."And?"
"Thealpha-somethingorotherlevelswerealittlehigh.Thedoctoris
recommendingIhaveanamniocentesissotheycantestthebaby'scellsinthe
amnioticfluid."
Kirkwasatalossforamoment."But—"Hepaused,thinkingthingsthrough.
"Whatwilltheybecheckingfor?"
Clairesighed."Well,oneoftheirconcernsisneuraltubedefects."
"Youmeanlikespinabifida?"
Shenodded."It'sapossibility.Ofcourse,iftheydotheamnio,they'lltestfor
otherthings,too.LikeDown'ssyndrome."
Kirksuckedinadeepbreath.
"Thistestisjustaprecaution.Chancesarethebabyisfine."
"Ofcoursesheis.''Butthen,whyhadthebloodtestcomebackabnormal?Kirk
feltarisingpanic;heknewwomenoveragethirty-fivewereatincreasedriskfor
fetalanomalies.
Hetriednottolettheworrysoundinhisvoice."Howsooncanyouhavethe
amnio?"
"I'vegotanappointmentbookedforMondaymorning.Iwasn'tsureifIwasgoing
tokeepit.ButIguessIshould,huh?"
"Ithinkso,Claire.Evenjustforthepeaceofmind."
"Theamniohasrisks,too,youknow."Clairepushedherhairbackfromher
forehead."There'saoneintwohundredpossibilityofmiscarriage."
Damn.Thoseoddsweren'tassmallashe'dlike.However,theyweretalkingabout
seriousdefectshere."Idon'tknow,Claire.Whatdoyouthink?"
"I'msurethebabyisfine.Still…"
"Maybeweoughttobecertain."
"Yes."Shesighed."IguessI'llkeepthatappointment."
"Mondaymorning,right?I'llcallinlatetotheofficeandcomewithyou."
Theamniocentesiswasn'tsomuchpainfulasitwasuncomfortable.Clairehadto
drinkeightglassesofwaterbeforehand,whichputarealstrainonherbladder.
First,thedoctorlocatedthebaby'spositionbyultrasound,thensheswabbed
Claire'sbellywithsepia-coloredantiseptic.
"Topreventinfection,"sheexplained,takingoutahypodermicneedlethatlooked
frighteninglylong.
ClairesqueezedKirk'sfingersandforcedhergazeawayfromtheneedle.
"You'llfeelapinprickastheneedlegoesin,"thedoctortoldher,"thenpressureas
wedrawoutacoupleoftablespoonsofamnioticfluid.Hopefully,we'llgathersome
ofthebaby'sshedskincellswiththefluid."
ClaireclosedhereyesandsqueezedKirk'shandtighter.
Hebentlowandkissedthetopofherhead."You'rebeingverybrave."
Asshefelttheneedlejabherskin,Clairefocusedonthebaby.You'regoingtobe
okay.Don'tstandoingcartwheelsnow,whateveryoudo.Thepressingdeepinside
herwaslikenothingshe'deverexperienced.Thenitwasover,andthedoctorwas
remindingherofthingstowatchoutfor,
"Leakagefromthevagina,abdominalcrampsorfever.Ifyouhaveanyofthese
symptoms,callusimmediately."
"Wewill,"Kirkpromised.Heappearedcalmandconfidentinhissuitandtie,but
behindhistan,hisskinwasalmostaspaleashisstarchedwhiteshirt."Areyou
okay,Claire?"
Shenodded,feelingunaccountablyteary.Theyhadtowaitthreetofourweeksfor
theresultsofthistest.Aninterminableperiodoftime.Notthatshewasgoingto
worry.Herbabywasokay.Shejustknewit.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Clairefeltasifshe'dblinkedtwiceandthesummerhadgone.Fruitstandswere
loadedwithfresh,locallygrowncom,apples,potatoesandsquash;stores
everywhereofferedback-to-schoolspecials;dressesthathadfallentohergirls'
kneesinJunewerenowtooshort.
TheSeptemberlongweekendwashotandglorious.Itseemedatravestytopack
upandreturntothecity.Kirkcameuptohelpherorganizebelongings,cleanout
thefridge,loadupthevan.
"Idon'twanttogotothecity,"Daisycomplained,hangingontothetireswing
Saturdayafterlunch.
Clairesympathized.Shewasn'treadytogohomeyet,either.Herlifewasstilla
shambles;shehadnoclearideaabouttherightthingtodo.Andyet,thetime
hadarrivedtomakeadecision.Startingtonight,sheandKirkwouldbeliving
underthesameroofsevendaysaweek.Giventhereluctanttrucethey'dreached
sinceKirk'sblowupaboutGrady,shewasn'tsureeitherofthemcouldbearthe
strain.
"We'llbebackforThanksgiving,"Kirksaidashepassedwithtwoofthesuitcases.
Butwouldthey?
Clairefelthotjustwatchinghimwork.She'dchangedintoherdenimjumperafter
lunchdishesweredone,andalreadyherlegswerestickyunderthelongfabric.
Shewasexhausted,andnotanticipatingthethree-hourdrivewithmuch
enthusiasm.
"Comeon,Daisy.Getintothevan,please."Jennawasalreadybuckledintothe
backseatoftheVolvo,andAndiehadclaimedthefrontseatnexttoherdad.
"IwanttoridewithDaddy."
"ButI'mgoingwithDaddy,"Andieobjected.
"There'sroomforallthreeofyou,"Kirkpointedout.
"Idon'tcare."Andiecrossedherarmsandleanedagainstthedoor."I'mnotriding
withher.''
Daisy'sfacewasredasshegaveinquietlyandclimbedintothevan.
ClairetampeddownanimpulsetoscreamatAndieandlookedmutely,instead,at
Kirk.Heshookhishead,nothavingtospeakforhertoknowwhathewas
thinking.Whatshouldwedo?
Clairewastootiredtoforceaconfrontation.Withasighsheclimbedintothe
driver'sseat,whileKirkwentbackinsideforthefinalload.Hecameoutcarrying
aboxofperishablefood.
"That'sthelastofit."Kirkshutthebackdoortothevanfirmly,thenwalked
aroundthedriver'sside.HestuckahandintheopenwindowandruffledDaisy's
hair."Areyousureyoudon'twanttocomeinthecar?Andiedoesn'tsettherules
aroundhere,youknow."
Daisyshookherhead,herbottomlipfull,hereyesshinywithtears."I'mgoing
withMommy."
Claireglancedbackatthecottage,alllockedup,blindspulledoverthewindows.
Onceagainsheacknowledgedthatshewasn'treadytoleave.Butshehadno
choice.Herkidshadtogotoschool.Onceagain,too,sheacknowledgedthatshe
hadtostartlivingwithherhusbandagain.That,orgetupthecouragetotellhim
toleave.
Whichwasittobe?
Stomachburning,shesecuredherseatbelt,slippedonhersunglasses.
"Ready?"Kirkasked.
Shenodded,thentwistedthekey.Asshedroveoffwithoutlookingback,the
knowledgethatthey'dreturnforThanksgivingprovidedcoldcomfort.
Thanksgivingwasalmosttwomonthsaway.Andalotcouldhappenintwo
months.
Theymadegoodtimeonthetrip,andClairepulledthevanintothegaragejust
beforefouro'clock,Kirk'sVolvorightbehindher.Shegotoutandstretched,
easingthekinksfromhershouldersandback.
"Excuseme,Mom."Andietriedtopushpastintherestrictedspaceofthegarage.
"Letmeshutmydoor.What'stherush?"
"IwanttoputupthatpostcardMalloryandDrewsentmefromtheGatineauHills.
AndIwanttoseeallmystuffedanimalsagain."
ClaireopenedthepassengerdoorforDaisy,thenwentroundtheback,whereKirk
wasalreadyremovingluggage.
"I'lldotheunloading,"hesaid."AndIwasthinkingweshouldorderinpizzafor
dinnertonight.Soundokay?"
"Goodidea."They'dhaveenoughworktodogettingunpackedandsettledwithout
preparingameal,aswell.
"Yougoinsideandrestforaminute,"Kirksaid,luggingtwosuitcasesandDaisy's
backpack."It'salongdriveinthehotsun."
Claireshepherdedintheyoungergirls,thenfixedthemasmallsnackbefore
collapsingonthesofa.Andiewasstillinherroom,andfrankly,Clairehopedshe
wouldstaythereawhile.ThatcrackaboutnotdrivingwithDaisyhadn'tbeendie
firstmeanthingAndiehadsaidtoheryoungersistertoday,andClairehadjust
abouthadit.
Kirkdumpedthesuitcasesofdirtyclothesinthelaundryroomandplacedthe
perishablesinthefridge.Bythen,Clairewasrefreshedenoughtosupervisebaths
forthechildren,whileKirkphonedintheirpizzaorder.
"Bathtime,"shesaid,shooingthemupthestairs.
"ButIdon'twantone,"Daisygrumbled.
"Pretendit'sthelake,"Clairesuggested.
"ThenIwanttowearmybathingsuit."
"Willweneedtowearlifejackets?"Jennawondered.
Clairerolledhereyes."WhathaveIstarted?"
"Don'tworry."Kirkwascomingupthestairsbehindher."Icanhandlethis.Yougo
haveabathofyourown."
"Areyousure?"AtKirk'snod,sheleftthemtoitandheadedforthemaster
bathroom.AsshepassedAndie'sroom,shenoticedherdaughterreadingas
usual.
"Youneedtohaveabath,too,Andie."
"I'mnotababy.I'llhaveashowerwhenthey'redone."
"Fine."Claireretreatedtothemastersuiteandturnedonthewaterinhersunken
tubandaddedahandfulofbathsalts.Agoodlongsoakwastheonethingshe
missedwhenshewenttothecottageforthesummer,sincetheyhadonlytheone
shower.
Thedenimjumpercameoffinonelongtug;herT-shirtandunderwearfollowed
quickly.ShesearchedoneofthebagsKirkhadbroughtupearlierandfoundher
latestmysterynovel.Readyatlast,shesteppeddownintothetub.
Scentedwaterengulfedhernakedbody,andshesighedwiththephysical
pleasureofwarmthandthetangoflavender.Shestretchedoutherlegsand
cuppedherhandsoverhermoundedtummy.
Fortwochapters,shewaslosttotheworld.Thenextthingsheknew,thedoorbell
wasringingandthewaterfeltlukewarm.
"Pizza!Pizza!"Jenna'svoicereverberatedthroughoutthehouse.
Clairewrappedherselfinaterryrobe,thenhurrieddownstairstosetplates
aroundthetableandpourglassesofmilk.Kirkplacedthecardboardpizzaboxes
inthecenterofthetable,hiswethairclingingtohishead.Whenhadhefound
timetotakeashower?
"Twopieces,please,"Daisysaid."I'mstarving."
Kirkopenedtheboxandthesmelloftomatosauceandwarmbreadhadeveryone
leaningforward.
EveryoneexceptAndie.
"Idon'tlikethatkind."
"There'splaincheeseandtomato,"Kirkpointedout.
"Idon'twantthat,either."
Clairesighedandhopedthegirlswouldgotosleepafterdinner.Shewassotired
shewouldgotobedrightafterthem.
Whichwouldconvenientlyfinessethebedroomissue.Clairehadnoideawhether
Kirkexpectedtosleepinthesamebedashernowthattheywerehome.She
knewsheoughttohavebroachedthetopicwithhimearlier;shecouldn'taskhim
tosleeponthecouchsevendaysaweek.Butwhatalternativesdidtheyhave?
Shecouldn'timaginesleepingawinkifhewasbesideher.
"Mom,tellDaisytoeatwithhermouthclosed,"Andiecomplained.
Daisyseemedstartled."Iam."
"No,you'renot.You'remakingtoomuchnoise,andyou'redisgustingtowatch."
DaisystartedtocryandClairelookedatAndie,atalosstounderstandthese
recentoutbursts;"Don'ttalktoyoursisterthatway,Andie."
"Whynot?Ihateher!She'sstupidanduglyandIwishshe'dneverbeenborn!"
Andiejumpedupfromherchairandranforherroom.Daisystartedcryingallthe
harder.
"Oh,myLord."Clairepushedahandthroughherdamphairandwonderedifthey
couldinstallalockontheoutsideofAndie'sdoor.Athisendofthetable,Kirk
appearedasfedupasshefelt.
"Ican'tbelieveAndiewouldtalkthatway."
Claireshookherhead,thenreachedoverto
Daisy."Don'tcry,hon.Yoursisterdidn'tmeanthosethingsshesaid."
ThelegsofKirk'schairscrapedagainstthefloor."I'mgoingtospeakwithher."
Clairenodded,tryingtotampdowntheangershecouldn'thelpbutfeeltoward
hereldestdaughter.TheattackonDaisyhadbeencompletelyunprovoked,at
leastasfarasshecouldtell.
Daisyhadpushedherplateaside,andnowsheturnedtohermother."Why
doesn'tAndielikemeanymore?"
ThequestionwrenchedClaire'sheart."Yoursisterlovesyou,Daisy.She'sjust
feelingunhappy,and…"
Andtakingitoutonheryoungersister.Butwhy?Wassheworriedaboutschool
startingagain?She'dmanagedtocompletethemathworkbookthissummer
withoutanydifficulty.WhichmadeClairewonderallthemoreaboutthosepoor
grades.Andiecouldhandlethework.Lastyear,she'djustchosennotto.
ClairepickedupDaisyandpulledherontoherlap.Orwhatwasleftofit.
"Idon'tthinkshedoeslikeme."DaisypushedherfaceintoClaire'sshoulder."She
neverwantstoplayanymore.AllshedoesisreadandcomplainabouthownoisyI
am."
Clairehuggedhertighter,thankfulthatatleastJennawasn'tlettingthescene
upsether.She'dfinishedherfirstsliceofpizza,havingeatendowntothehard
edgeofthecrust.NowshelookedatClairetoseeifitwasokayforhertohave
seconds.
ClairesettledDaisybackinherchair,thenplacedafreshsliceonbothDaisy'sand
Jenna'splates."Trytoeatalittlemore,hon,"shesaidtoDaisy."Anddon'tworry
aboutyoursister.She'llcomearound.I'msure."
OnceDaisywascalm,Claireleftthetwogirlsatthetableandfollowedthesound
ofAndie'ssobsupthestairs.KirkhadtakenAndieintotheirbedroom.Looking
intoAndie'sroomandseeingthestuffedanimalsandthepostcardstheireldest
hadthrownaroundinarage,Claireunderstoodwhy.Shereturnedtothedoorof
themastersuite,pausingatthesoundofherhusband'svoice.
"Sh,sweetie,sh,"KirkwassayingbetweenAndie'ssobs."Sh,sweetie."
Peeringintotheroom,ClairesawhimholdingAndieagainsthischest,stroking
herhairwithonehand.Gradually,Andie'scriessubsided.
"Youmustbefeelingawfulinsidetohavesaidthosetilingstoyoursister.What's
wrong,Andie?"
Thecommentwasastute,andasAndiebegansobbingagain,Claireputahandto
herforehead.Thepoorkid.Shesoundedasifherheartwasbreaking.
Oh,Andie.Andie.
Whyhadn'tsheherselfbeenasinsightfulas
Kirk?OfcourseAndiehadtobehurtingtohavesaidthosethings.Only,whywas
Andiesounhappy?Clairehadtriedhardtogiveherextraattentionthissummer.
"Daddy,areyouandMomgoingtogetadivorce?"
Clairecoveredhermouthandsanktothecarpet.Kirkwasquietforseveral
momentsbeforehespoke.
"Whydoyouaskthat?"
"BecausemyfriendErin'sparentsgotadivorce.Andshegavemealistofthings
towatchoutfor.And,Daddy—everyoneofthemishappeningtoyouandMom—
exceptfortheyelling."
"Oh,myLord,Andie.WhendidEringiveyouthislist?"
"TheweekafterChristmas."
Whichwaswhenhermarkshadbeguntodrop,andherinterestinfriendshad
declined.AllthistimeClairehadthoughtAndiewashavingaproblemwithher
friends,buttheproblemwasherparents.
"Youwereonabusinesstrip,"Andiecontinued,"andMomsaidIcouldhaveErin
forasleep-over.Wetalkedallnight.Shesaidthatoneofthesignsiswhenthe
dadishardlyeverhome."
"But,Andie,I'vealwaystakenbusinesstrips."
"Notasmanyasthisyear.Yousentmesevenpostcards.LastyearIonlygot
three.Daddy,Ifeelsosickwheneveryougoaway."
Clairebitherlip,rememberingAndie'sconstant,anxiousqueriesaboutherfather.
WhenisDaddycoming?They'dtriedsohardtoprotectthechildrenfromthen-
troubles.Butthey'dforgottenAndiewasgrowingup…
"Iknowyousleptonthecoucheverynightatthecottage,Daddy.Thatwas
anothersign."
"Oh,sweetheart."
ClairecouldheartherustleofclothandassumedKirkwasgivingAndieanother
hug.Shewantedtorushinandhugherdaughter,too,buttheinterruptionmight
stopAndiefromtalking,andshe'dbeenbottlingallthisinsideforfartoolong
already.
"Marriagesareveryprivatethings,"Kirkbegan."Butyou'vegottotrustyour
momandmetodothebestwecan.Iknowit'shard,butyouknowwe'llalways
lookafteryouandloveyou.Right?"
Andiesniffled."But,Daddy.Iwantustoallstaytogether."
"We'retogethernow,aren'twe?"
"Yes,but—"
"NevermindErin'slist,okay?LetmetellyousomethingthatIknowistrue."
"What?"
"Thosethingsonthatlistalsohappentodadsandmomswhostaytogether."
"Theydo?"
"Askanycouple."
"EvenMalloryandDrew?"
Kirklaughed."Yes.Eventhem."
"ButGradyandBessgotdivorced,Daddy.Itdoeshappen."
ClairecouldhearKirk'ssighasclearlyasifhewererightbesideher.
"Yes.You'reright,"hereplied."Sometimesdivorcedoeshappen."
Claireeasedherselfbackuptoherfeetandwentdownstairs.She'dfailedher
eldestdaughter.Howcouldshehavebeensoinsensitive?Forthepastsixmonths
Andiehadbeenworryingaboutthefamilyfallingapartsomuchthatshe'dlost
interestinherschoolworkandherfriends.Itwassoobviousnow.
Clairewentthroughthemotionsofcleaningupfromdinner,thenputtheyounger
girlstobed.Fortunately,theywerebothexhausted,soitdidn'ttakemucheffort.
Whentheywereasleep,shefinallydaredtogobackupstairs.ShefoundAndie
curledupinherfather'sarms,bothAndieandKirkasleepontheking-sizebedin
themasterbedroom.
Clairestoodwatchingthemforalongtime,alltooawarethatasolutiontothe
troubleintheirfamilywasn'tgoingtodropoutoftheskyhikealuckylottoticket
andquicklyfixtheirproblems.
ShereachedahandtoAndie'sforeheadtobrushbackastrandofhairandinthat
momentfelttheabsolutesimplicityofthesolution.Itcouldcomefromherandit
couldcomefromKirk.Andallitwouldtaketomakeitworkwasafirm
commitment.
Whatif,shewonderedwithanalmostdizzyingperceptionofhowmarriagecould
be,whatifsheandKirklovedeachotherwiththesameboundless,unconditional
lovetheyshoweredontheirchildren?WhatifshecouldmakeKirkfeelhewas
"theoneandonly"?Ifhecouldmakeherfeelshewasthemostpreciouswoman
onearth?
Clairelookeddownonherhusband'sface,seeingavulnerabilitythatwasn't
visiblewhenhewasawake.Shethoughtoftheboyshe'dmarried—thehandsome,
blondbaseballchamp;thekeenyoungstockbrokerwithmoreplansthanclients,
moreenergythancash.Kirk'sspecialtywasinvestments.Well,wasthereany
greaterthantheonethey'dmadeineachother?
"Iloveyou."AsshemurmuredthewordsClairetouchedhischeeklightly,then
Andie's.Herfamily.Herheartachedwiththeneedtoholdthemclose,toprotect
them.
"Comehere."Kirkwhisperedthewords,extendinghisonefreearm.
"Ididn'tknowyouwereawake."
"I'mnot.JustdreamingI'minthiswonderfulplacewhereI'mhuggingmywife
andmydaughtersotightlyI'llneverloseeitherofthem."
Kirk'shandfoundhers,andhepulledherdown."Come,Claire…"
Hetuckedherinnexttohim,herfaceonhischest,hisarmcirclinghershoulder.
Shecouldsmellthesoaphe'dusedintheshower,thefabricsofteneronhisclean
T-shirt.ShecurledherlegsupoverhisandfeltherfootagainstAndie'sleg.Her
daughtersighedandsnuggledinclosertoherdad.
"Iloveyou,Claire.Iloveyou."Thewordssettledlikeawarmblanketaroundher
heartSheputahandtoherhusband'scheekandallowedhereyestorelaxand
close.
"Iloveyou,too."
Shehadn'tfeltthissafehialongtime.
inthemiddleofthenight,Clairefeltsomethingonhercheek.Shereachedto
smoothitaway,thinkingitwasastrandofherhair.Butitwasn't.Itwasahand.
ClaireopenedhereyesandsawAndie,stilllyingnexttoKirk,watchingher.She
reachedup,squeezedAndie'shandandsmiled.
"Mommy."
"I'mhere,honey."
Andiesighed,closedhereyes,andfellbackasleep.
sometimeinthenightJennaandDaisymusthavehadanightmare.Ormaybe
they'djustwokenupandfeltstrangenotbeingatthecottage.Atanyrate,when
morningcameKirksawthatDaisywaslyingnexttoClaire,whileJennawas
partlyontopofhim.
"Daddy?"Jennarolledalittlesotheirfaceswerepracticallytouching."Ifeel
funny."
"Funnyinwhatway?"
"Mytooth."Jennawiggleditwithhertongue,causingtheskinunderherbottom
liptobulge."Checkit,Daddy."
Obligingly,KirkdislodgedhishandfromunderAndie'sshoulders,andreachedhi
totakeatug."Oh."
"Whatisit,Daddy?"Jennaasked,unawarethatshenowhadasmallgapinher
bottomfrontteeth.
"GuesswhatIfound."Heputthetoothinherhand.
"Mytooth!Ilostmytooth!"Jennaboundedupanddownonhischest."Daisy,I
lostatooth,too!"
"Letmesee."DaisyleanedoverClairetogetabetterlook.
"FirstMommysees.''
Clairewasjustwaking,hereyelidsheavyasshebrushedherhairbackfromher
foreheadtopeeratthetreasure."Wow,hon—yourfirsttooth!"
"Kindofnice,isn'tit?"KirkmurmuredinClaire'sear."Havingthemallinbedwith
us."
Itwastheuspartthatwasthebest.HerememberedClairelyingdownwithhim
andAndieearlier.Thatshe'dfallenasleep,stayedthenight,hadtobeagood
sign.
"Alittlecrowded.Butverynice."Clairesmiledathimwithdrowsywarmth."Good
thingwehaveaking-sizebed."
KirkshiftedhislonglegstomakeroomforJennaandDaisy,whowerenow
tumblingatthefootofthebed,ticklingeachotherandgiggling.WhileAndiestill
slept…
"It'sonlygoingtogetmorecrowded.Soonwe'llbesix."
Kirkfocusedonhiswife,wonderingifshe'dconsideredtheimportofthewords
she'djustspoken.
Hethoughtprobablyshehad,judgingbythewayshewaslookingathimright
now,hereyessofullof…
"Iprobablydon'ttellyouthisenough,Kirk,butIthinkyou'reafantasticsuccess.
I'vealwaysbeenproudtobeyourwife."
Love.Herlookwassofulloflove,anditwasdirectedathim.
"Iwanttobeagoodhusbandandfather,Claire."
"Youare."
"IthinkIcouldbebetter."Thissummerhe'dtakenoffeveryweekend.Andit
hadn'tbeenthathard.Surely,ifhewasorganizedanddeterminedandmaybe
sacrificedjustalittleofhisambitionatwork…
Shekissedhimthen,andhepulledherclose,wakingAndiewiththemovement.
Shegroaned,thenturnedover,finallyopeninghereyes.
"We'reallinthesamebed!"Andielookedamazed,andhappierthanKirkcould
remember.
Clairereachedouttoherdaughterinthesameinstantthathedid."Youknow,"
shesaid."Iwanttogatheryouallintheworld'sbiggest,tightesthug.Comehere,
JennaandDaisy."
Theycollapsedinapile,together,andKirksawthetear,justbeforeitfelloff
Claire'scheekontothepillow.Herubbedherskinwithhisfinger,thenkissedthe
spotgently.Hefeltthesamebittersweethappinessthatheknewshewas
experiencing.Howclosethey'dcometolosingallthis.
"Andie?HowaboutfixingyoursisterssomebreakfastsoyourmotherandIcan
getafewmoreminutes'sleep?"
"Daddy,I'mtired,"Andiemoaned.Thenquicklyshesatup."YouandMomare
goingtosleeptogether,right?"
"That'sright."
"Okay.Comeon,kids.I'lltoastyousomefrozenwaffles.Isawtheminthefreezer
lastnight."
"Yay!Frozenwaffles!"JennaandDaisyscootedoutofbed.
Andiehungbackatthedoor."Okay,youguys.Youcangoaheadandsleepnow."
Shesmiledatthem,thenshutthedoorfirmlybehindher.
ClairelookedatKirk."Youdon'tthinkshesuspects…"
"Ofcourseshedoes."Kirkslidhishandinsideherrobeandpulledhertohim
tightly."We'retheoneswhoexplainedittoher,remember?"
"Yes,but…"Sheclosedhereyesinpleasureashebeganmassaginghershoulder.
"HaveItoldyouyetthismorninghowmuchIloveyou?"heasked."Imissedyou
andthegirlssomuchthissummer.Butitdidgivemetimetothinkthingsover.
I'lldowhateverittakestoearnyourtrustagain.Claire,itmayhelpyoutoknow
thatJanicehasleftthefirm."
"Oh?"Hiswifewentstill."Becauseofyou?"
Henodded."Ididn'taskhertoleave,butIwasgladwhenshecametothe
decisionherself."
Claireremainedstiff,andforamomenthefeltahintofpanic.Heshouldn'thave
mentionedthenameofthewomanwho'dalmostcomebetweenthem.
"Isitbecauseyoustillcare…?"
"God,no."Hecoveredhermouthwithakiss."Ijustthoughtitwouldmakeit
easierforyouifshewasn'taround.Nottohavetowonder…"
"Yes.Itprobablywill.ButIdotrustyou,Kirk."
"Claire,thosewordsmeansomuchtome.I'mnotgoingtoletyoudownagain."
"Iknow."Sheranherhandlovinglydownmesideofhisface."Andfortherecord,
there'ssomethingyouneedtobesureof."
"Yeah?"Hecaughtherhandandpressedherfingerstohislips.
"You'rethemanIlove,theonlymanI'dever"choosetomarry."
Kirkbelievedher.Therewasalightinhereyesasshelookedathimthathe
couldn'trememberseeingbefore.Ormaybeithadbeenthereonce,in-the
beginning…
"Kirk,IknowI'veheldbacktoomuchfortoolong.I'mnotgoingtodothat
anymore."
Insideherrobe,hishandfollowedthecurveofherback,downoverherbottom,
thenupthefrontofherthigh.
Thesmallmoanshegavewasencouraging.Hecontinuedthecaress,uptothe
moundofherbelly.
"I'msoexcitedaboutthisbaby,Claire."Heignoredatwingeofanxietyaboutthe
amniotestresults,dueanyday."Canyoubelievewe'regoingtohaveafourth
child?"
"Well,that'swhathappens,youknow."Sheslippedherhanddowntheelastic
waistbandofhissweatpants,drawinginherbreathatfindinghimhardandready.
"Showmeagainhowwedidit,"heurged.
Andshedid.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
CottageCooking,byClaireRidgewayTheimportantthingaboutcookingforthe
holidaysismakingitfun.Ifyouhavetospendthedayinthekitchen—andyoudo
—arrangeforeveryoneelsetobeintherewithyou.Crankupyourfavorite
music.Pouryourselfaglassofsomethingbubblyandlight.Getthekidsshelling
thenutswhileyourhubbychopsveggies.You'retheboss.Letthemgettheir
handsdirty.You'vegotamanicuretoprotect.
Soundlikeapipedream?Well,itprobablyis,unlessyou'vegotcableTVhooked
upwherehubbycanseeitfromthesink,andyou'repreparedtobribeyour
childrenwithlotsoftreatsthatwillspoiltheirappetitefordinner.
Ifnot,fallonthebackupplan,whichistomakethisdressingafewdaysaheadof
time.ServeitwithfreshroastedturkeyandIguaranteeitwillbeahit.Every
yearmyfriendsbegmefortherecipe.Thisyearthey'regettingit"Claire's
HazelnutDressingwithCranberriesandBrandy''…
"Ican'tbelievethesecretisfinallyout."Malloryhelduptheclippingfromthe
previousweek'sissueoftheGazette."Areyousureyoudidn'tleavesomething
out?Somecrucialingredientsonomatterhowmanypeopletrytherecipeit'll
neverbeasgoodasyours?"
"Youareasuspiciousperson,doyouknowthat?"Clairewalkedoutfrombehind
thekitchensink,onlyitfeltmorelikewaddling.Atoversevenmonthsshewas
biggerthanshe'dbeenforanyofherotherchildrenatthisstage.Kirkpulledout
herchair,thenjoggedtotheotherendoftheirmassivepinetable.
Thereweretwenty-oneofthemforThanksgivingthisyear,andshestillcouldn't
believethey'dmanagedtofitaroundonetable.Oneverylongtable,thankstoa
littlequickconstructionworkonGrady'spart.
Claireliftedherglassofnonalcoholicwineandlookedaroundateveryone.
"Toasts?"Sheknewwhatshewoulddrinkto,laterwhenjustsheandKirkwereon
theirown.Toreconciliationsandfamiliesandmakingthewordcommitmentreally
meansomething.
NowGradyhadsomethingtosay.Hewasstanding,holdinghisglassinonehand
andTerese'shandintheother."I'mfeelingprettygoodtoday,andnotjust
becausewe'realltogetherforanotheryear.Shefinallysaidyes,guys.Teresehas
agreedtomarryme!"Gradyraisedhisglasshigh,andacheerbrokeoutaround
thetable.
Clairesmiled,feelingtruehappinessforherfriendandhisfuturebride.She
wasn'tsoconceitedastothinkhertalkwithTeresehadprecipitatedtheyoung
woman'schangeofheart,butshedidhopeithadhelpedjustalittle.Fromthe
wayTeresehadsmiledatherwhenshe'dwalkedintothecottagewithGrady,
Clairewasinclinedtothinkthatithad.
Attheotherendofthetable,shesawthatKirksharedherpleasureatGrady's
announcementand,moreimportant,thatnotraceoftheoldjealousywasleft
betweenthem.
NextPatriciaConroygotuptotoastBuddy'sfirstyearofsemiretirement,then
Drewmadeatoasttooldfriends.Finally,Kirkrose,hiseyesonClaireashelifted
hisglass.
"ClaireandIgottheresultsfromtheamnio-centesisafewweeksago.Wewaited
untilwewerealltogethertoletyouknowthatthebabyisfine—"hepausedfor
cheers,thencontinued"—andtoannouncethatwe'reexpectingaboy."He
blinkedrapidly,thenshrugged."Andjustasweweregettingkindofgoodatgirls,
too."
PoorKirkhadbeeninsuchshockwhenthey'dfirstheardthenews.He'dkept
askingiftherecouldbesomemistake.Somehowthey'dbothexpectedanother
girl.Butitseemedfittingtheyweresteppingoutofthegroove,sincethey'd
changedsomanythingsintheirlifetogether.Smallthings—likethetwoofthem
goingouteveryFridaynight,andKirkreservingSundaysforfamilytime—but
importantthings.Theirrenewedloveandcommitment,Clairewascertain,would
seethemthroughthechallengesthatlayahead.
Afterdinner,andasliceofMallory'spumpkinpiefordessert,eachofClaire'sgirls
cameuptotheirmotherwithquestionsaboutthebaby.
"DoesthismeanI'mgoingtohaveabrother?"Jennaasked.
"Yes,itdoes."
"WillIhavetosharemyroomwithaboy?"Daisyasked.
"WouldyourathersharewithJenna?"
"Oh,yes."
"Thenthat'swhatwe'lldo."
Andiewonderedifyoucouldcuddleaboybabyasmuchasagirl.
"Definitely.Littleboysneedlotsofloving,justlikelittlegirls."
AsGrady'ssonsclearedthetableandTeresefilledthesinkwithwatertodothe
dishes,KirkpulledClaireontohislap."Nocleanupdutiesforyou,chef.Youneed
totakeabreak."
Clairewasn'tabouttoargue.Herfeetwerekillingher.Sheslippedoffhershoes,
andKirkreacheddowntogiveheraquickmassage.
Claireclosedhereyesandpurred."HaveItoldyoulatelyhowwonderfulyou
are?"Allaroundsheheardthesoundsofherfamilyandfriends.Thegirlswere
playingTwisterontheoldpinefloor,andmostoftheadultswerehelpinginthe
kitchen,laughingandjokingasusual.
"Excuseme,youlovebirds,"Gradysaid,walkingpastthem."I'mgoingtolighta
fire.It'sgettingalittlechilly."
"Speakforyourself,"Kirksaid,nuzzlinghisfaceagainstClaire'sneck.
Oncethefirewasgoing,Kirkwhisperedintoherear,"Youknow,Ithinkwecould
slipoutforhalfanhourandnotevenbemissed."
Claireproppedherselfuponherelbows."Whatareyouthinking?"
Kirknoddedoutthewindow.Duskhadsettled;itwasalmostdark."Couldbea
niceeveningforacanoeride."
"Acanoeride?"Clairelaughed,knowingwherethiswasleading.Sheglanced
aroundtheroom.Itwastrue;everyonewasbusy.Noonewasevenlookingtheir
way."Okay."
"Grabacoatonthewayout,"Kirksaid."I'llgetablanket.Meetyouatthepier."
Feelingdeliciouslynaughty,Clairenonchalantlyheadedforthedoor,grabbingat
herfleecejacket,whichhungfromthewall.Makingloveinacanoehadbeena
challengeattheageoftwenty-four.Nowshewastwelveyearsolderandalmost
sevenandahalfmonthspregnant.Thetwoofthemhadtobecrazy.
Justasshewasabouttoslipoutthedoor,shenoticedMallorystandingatthe
counter,watchinghereverymove.
"Sh."Claireputherfingertohermouth.
Mallorygaveaslysmile."Watchoutforowls."
Claireshutthedoor,tryingnottolaugh.Sometimesyourfriendscouldknowyou
toowell.