Page 63 of Coming Home

“I think Nat’s ready now,” Noah said, his tone was resolute.

Nat’s eyes shot over to him.

“I mean, it’s one thing if you’re not ready to retire because you enjoy the work you’re doing, but if it’s out of concern for Nat…she’s got this.”

“I second that.” Elle raised her glass.

Nat gave them both a small smile.

“That reminds me. Nat, I ran into Laura Ellis at the market last Friday. She mentioned that you and Duncan are seeing each other again.” Scott lifted his eyebrows a couple times.

Nat cringed. Scott’s waggled eyebrows when he mentioned Duncan deeply disturbed her.

“She mentioned he’s an attorney now. A doctor and a lawyer. Imagine if they got married.” Scott nudged Dad. “You’re hitting the jackpot with who your kids end up with.”

“You’re dating Duncan? From high school?” Dad blinked rapidly. “When did this start?”

What the actual fuck is happening?Nat’s heart raced. Since when had her love life become a topic for dinner conversation?

Noah’s jaw clenched. “They’re not seeing each other.”

“What?” Clayton’s head ping-ponged between Noah and Nat.

“We went on a few dates, but we ended things,” she offered.

Mom and Maura shot knowing looks between themselves. No doubt, Maura knew but hadn’t informed Scott. The dads were always the last to know.

“Aw, Nat.” Scott frowned. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have brought it up. I am so sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m totally fine with it.” She hoped her smile was reassuring.

“Duncan’s a dick,” Noah muttered.

“Language! You’re not in the Marines anymore,” Maura half-heartedly chastised her son.

“Sorry, Mom.” He flashed her an apologetic smile. “Nat’s too good for Duncan.”

“Agreed. I didn’t like it when Elle told me they went out.” Clayton picked up his beer. “How’d you know they weren’t seeing each other?”

“You told him to check in on Nat, remember?” Elle elbowed him. “Noah takes his job as the Owens family protector seriously.”

Noah nodded, his eyes lingering on Nat from across the table.

Stop looking at me like that! They’ll notice.Nat crossed and uncrossed her legs. This was far too much attention on her to be comfortable.

“Well, thanks for checking in on Nat.” Clayton picked up his fork. “I never liked Duncan.”

“You never liked any of her boyfriends,” Mom teased.

“It was more than that. There was something about the guy that Evan really disliked. He didn’t trust him. He said…” he stopped speaking, his eyes dropping on Mom.

The white of her knuckles was on full display where she gripped her fork. A tiny tremor wobbled in her hands, tears welled in her eyes, and her lips quivered.

It was like the ghost of Evan had walked into the dining room, and taken a seat at the table, to remind them that he was still there. His presence did not feel like the warmth of a remembered sunny afternoon but the chilled breath of a barren winter night.

The guilty swirl in Nat’s belly crept up her throat. Stinging bile threatened to choke her.

“Heidi.” Dad opened his mouth but closed it as Clayton started to speak.

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