down beside her. “We’re thinking about a new home because Dad’s new job can give us more time together. But your school year comes first, and we’re going to plan it as a family.”
She thought about that. “Can I still play soccer at the new school?”
“Yes.”
“Can my room be green?”
Ben glanced at me.
“That’s between you and the paint aisle, honey,” I said.
She grinned and ran off to watch cartoons.
Ben waited until she’d left the room. “You’re sure, Chels?”
“Yes. Because now it’s my decision too.”
He nodded. “Then we do it together.”
A Year Later
Months later, I was answering an email in our new kitchen when Ben came home before sunset.
Olive was doing homework at the table.
“What time’s dinner?” he asked.
“Seven.”
“I can help. What should I chop?”
His phone buzzed.
My stomach tightened before I could stop it.
