“Everybody thinks about things.”
Sunday was our anniversary.
I changed my original plan and invited both families.
My parents, Sam and Jessica, arrived first. Mom took Sophie while Dad tried to steal mashed potatoes.
Then Elon’s parents, Eve and Alex, arrived with a pie and a small board book for Sophie.
The house filled with familiar, warm voices.
Nobody knew why I’d invited them.
I didn’t need anyone to fight for me.
I needed the truth outside my own head.
Before dinner, Elon stood at the kitchen counter opening wine.
“Is there anything going on that I need to know about?” I asked.
He paused.
“What do you mean?”
“Work. Us. Anything you’ve been avoiding.”
He looked straight at me.
“No.”
“You sure?”
“Of course.”
“Everything’s fine, Maddie.”
That killed the last of my hesitation.
I’d given him a clean chance.
