AUTHORS POV

Clarissa reached across and hugged her. It was so soothing for Tessa as she eased in and simmered in the emotional moment. They sat like that for a long moment, two women bound by shared grief and shared resolve.

Tessa drew back, wiping her eyes. “Okay,” she whispered. “Your turn.”

Clarissa’s face tightened.

Then it dawned on her that she had said she had something to say.

A few moments of tears and sobs had washed her memories away.

She glanced toward the closed door, hearing the faint rustle of leaves and the children’s laughter drifting in. “Actually… I’m not sure I want to say it now.”

Tessa’s...