hoed in the quiet air. I felt a chill spread through me, colder than any winter

, to defend my honor against a malicious rumor. Now, his formidable lega

rs, the sacrifices, the love. Everything was

llison? I've confirmed with the county clerk. The divorce papers you signed, base

love. A signed, sealed, and effective divorce agreement, tucked away in a safe d

rning with possessiveness. My face, I knew, was a mask of calm.

strangely light. Every ste

going?" he asked, his voice laced wit

hing the faint red line where the arrow ha

itantly tugged on Brennan' s shirt. "Da

n you still order Cheri's birthday cake? The

y heart was a barren landscape, i

through a few minutes later, a curt, 'Are y

uiet, clean break. The weight that had suffocated me for

A few laser treatments, and there would be no permanent damage. I felt

u really going through with the divorce?" His voice was

I said, my voice

ld have found a way to make it work. She endured far wo

dead, Barclay. And I am not." The words were sharp,

from the background.

"No one important," I mumbled to Bren

d in a defiant pout. "Mom, you're not hurt! You were j

d. I opened my mouth to speak, but no sound came out

d at Bird. "Bird William! Apolo

stubbornly shaking his

at. "If you don't apologize, you can't go to Cher

rry, Mom." The apology was forced, the fear of losin

ng. "Dad, can I go to Cheri's this weekend

calm settling over me. "Yes, Bird,

d. He hadn't expected

t, Mom! Not having you around!" His words, sharp as shards of ice, sliced thro