Page 25 of Open Secrets
“They’re in the backyard,” answers the bug I didn’t ask.
“Playing?” I ask Lyle, not her.
He hands me a glass of water, stepping between us like he knows I’m close to losing it. “Yeah. We stopped at the grocery store, and they had these glow-in-the-dark lightsabres. I bought a bunch.”
I blink, caught off guard. “And they’re actually playing. Together?”
Lyle’s smile is tired but real. “I was as shocked as you.”
Anna jumps in, too loud, too eager. “Lyle and I had our own rare truces too.”
He turns to her, smirking despite himself. “Which you always broke.”
Before they can head down memory lane, I cut in. “I’m gonna check on them.”
I don’t wait for an answer. Just head for the back door, glass in hand, and step out into the cool evening air.
The sight stops me for a second.
Remi, fourteen and too cool for most things these days, is lying flat in the grass, clutching his chest like Rain’s glowing plastic sabre has run him clean through. Taylor, twelve, collapses dramatically at her little brother’s feet, rolling her eyes before sticking her tongue out in mock death.
Rain—nine years old, fierce as ever—twirls her sabre like it’s Excalibur. She crows in victory, wild curls bouncing, while August, seven, races around her in circles, chanting her name like she’s the hero of the galaxy.
My kids. My chaos.
Don’t get me wrong, they usually get along, but not like this. Not without someone sulking, someone storming off, or a fight breaking out over who gets the last juice box. Tonight, though? They’ve all agreed to let the youngest win.
I stand there smiling, heart tugging tight, watching my teenagers bend just enough to let their little siblings shine.
And for a fleeting second, the noises inside don’t matter.
That is, until the door opens. I don’t even have to look back to know it won’t be fun.
“Hey,” Anna says, stepping out beside me. She stops shoulder to shoulder, watching as the kids split into boys versus girls. Taylorhoists Rain onto her back and takes off toward the far end of the yard, both of them squealing.
Anna laughs, genuine. “You know, I always wanted a sister.”
I don’t look away from the kids. “And you got Bethany.”
She sighs, almost fond. “Don’t get me wrong, I love her. But if history’s anything to go by… she’s not maid-of-honour material.”
That makes me turn. “Excuse me?”
Anna flashes her left hand, a diamond catching the light. “Clay proposed.”
I blink, caught off guard. “Wow. Congrats.”
“Thanks.” Her smile softens, nervous, then she meets my eyes. “The reason I’m here… I was hoping—you’d be my maid of honour.”
My mouth opens, closes. “Why?” The word comes out blubbery, confused.
She looks just as confused. “You’re my sister-in-law. You’re family.”
I laugh without humour, glance away. “You don’t even like me.”
“What?” she blurts, startled. “Maria… you’re my hero. You got the guy, the career, the kids. You’re like—the strongest person I know.”
My gaze snaps back to her, sharp enough to cut. “And you know what I gave up for it.”
