“Mommy said this was going to be our forever house.”
I looked at him carefully.
“When did she tell you that?”
“In the car yesterday. She said I could have the room with the big window when we got everything settled.”
The bedroom with the big window was mine.
I swallowed.
“Well, sweetheart, your parents may have misunderstood what staying here would mean.”
He frowned.
“Where will you go?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“Can I visit you?”
“Of course.”
“Even if you sell this house?”
I put an arm around his shoulders.
“Wherever I live, I’ll make sure you know how to find me.”
He leaned against me.
For a few minutes, we watched a squirrel climb the pear tree.
Then Noah asked whether he could take Tilly for a walk around the garden.
I handed him her leash.
He was halfway down the path when Michael stepped outside.
He’d clearly heard the last part of our conversation.
“Mom, he shouldn’t have to worry about moving.”
I stood.
“Then you and Vanessa need to stop making promises about houses you don’t own.”
He winced.
“I’m trying to sort it out.”
“Good. I hope you do.”
He watched Noah walking Tilly beneath the tree.
Then he said quietly, “Vanessa’s frightened.”
“Of what?”
