I PACKED MY BAGS WHEN MY HUSBAND LOOKED ME IN THE EYE AND SAID, “TAKE THE GUEST ROOM.” THEN HIS PREGNANT SISTER SMIRKED, “OR BETTER YET, MOVE OUT—HOPE YOU’RE GONE BY THE WEEKEND.”

Then I heard Rebecca again.

« She’s lying, Mom. She has to be lying. »

I leaned back against Ava’s kitchen counter.

For the first time in days, I felt calm.

Because I knew exactly why they were panicking.

And they knew it too.

Ethan’s mother cleared her throat.

« Natalie… is it true? »

« Depends what you’re asking. »

Another silence.