Chapter 64

• Melanie quickly tucked the framed photo into the nearest drawer of Alex’s reading desk, pushing it far back like she could hide the emotions it stirred in her chest. She shut the drawer quietly, pressing her palm against the cool surface for a second to calm her racing heart.
• She couldn’t let Mia see that picture, not yet. The truth had to come from her, gently and at the right time, not by accident. She took a deep breath, fixing a polite smile on her face before she turned and headed back toward the sitting room.
• As she stepped quietly into the doorway, her hand resting lightly on the frame, she saw them. Alex and Mia, sitting side by side on the floor, both gripping video game pads tightly, both giggling like two little kids. Mia was laughing so hard her small body shook with each peal of happiness, and it made Melanie’s heart ache in a way she couldn’t explain.