“You told me he wasn’t mine!” he shouted at Heather.

Her smile cracked. “So what if he is? What are you gonna do about it?”

Then came the truth, sharp and ugly: Noah wasn’t Ethan’s son.

He was Ethan’s brother’s son.

“Trent?” Ethan gasped.

Heather smirked. “He pays me every month. So his wife doesn’t find out.”

Ethan stared at her like she was a stranger. “You used me.”

Heather crossed her arms. “You were just a bonus.”

I stood quietly, letting them unravel. When the shouting reached a pitch, I turned to the hallway. Noah and his sister, Lily, were peeking out with frightened eyes.

I knelt down and smiled. “Come on, kids. Let’s go get ice cream.”

“But… Mom?” Lily whispered.

“She needs a minute,” I said gently. “Uncle Ethan too.”

We walked out into the evening sun. Their small hands wrapped around mine.

“Chocolate or strawberry?” I asked.

“Both!” they shouted.

Good. I wanted sweet that day.