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.”

There was too much shouting.

Too much panic.

Then Ethan’s mother’s voice broke through.

« Everyone stop yelling! »

The line went quiet.

« Natalie? » she asked carefully.

« I’m here. »

A long pause followed.