I promised.
I didn’t realize how soon that promise would matter.
Now Fabian was standing in front of me.
He looked surprised to see the phone against my ear.
“Margaret. I thought you’d still be out front.”
His tone was almost friendly.
I tightened my grip on the phone.
“What are you doing here?”
“Collecting some things.”
He lifted Noah’s backpack.
“These belong to my children.”
I glanced toward the hooks by the front door.
All three jackets were missing.
“What have you done with their coats?”
“They’re in the car.”
“Why?”
Fabian sighed.
“Because I’m taking them to my parents’ place.”
His parents lived in Indiana, several hours away.
“Emily hasn’t agreed to that.”
“Emily doesn’t agree to anything anymore.”
He looked past me. “Kids, get your shoes.”
Noah started forward.
I gently put my hand on his shoulder.
“Stay with Grandma.”
Fabian’s expression hardened. “Don’t do that, Margaret. I’m their father.”
