I went to pick up my daughter’s designer bag—and the repairman grabbed my wrist, whispering, “Get the kids out of town tonight,” before he showed me what was sewn inside.

Always.

Then trust me now.

The taxi pulled away at 6:20. Grace pressed her face to the window, watching familiar streets slide past.

I’m going to miss my room, she said quietly.

My throat closed. She might never see it again.

At the airport, Ryan checked in one-way tickets. At security, the TSA agent smiled at Liam.

Nice bear. What’s his name?

Captain Courage. He protects me from bad guys.

If only he knew how true that was.

Grace took the window seat. Liam between Ryan and me, surrounded, protected. Liam fell asleep before takeoff. Grace stared out the window as the plane taxied. When the plane left the ground, I watched Fairview disappear below.

Halfway through the flight, Grace turned from the window.

Grandma, when we go back, will everything be different?

She knew. On some level, she knew.

Yes, sweetheart. Everything will be different.

Will mommy be different?

I couldn’t lie.

I don’t know.

My phone buzzed. A text from Tamson.

Hi, Mom. Change of plans. Conference ended early. Catching earlier flight home. We’ll be there at 200 p.m. instead of 6. Can’t wait to see my babies. Have them ready for me. Love you. XO.

My entire body went rigid. I showed Ryan the phone, his face drained of color.

200 p.m., he whispered. We don’t land until 12:45. By the time she gets home, sees the note, realizes they’re gone. We’ll still be at Paul’s unpacking.