Page 83 of Mended Fences

I know.

After we’d agreed on a time for lunch, I moved on to the next thread, this one from Chase’s mom.

EMMA

I’m so sorry, honey, but I accidentally spilled the beans.

ELENA

Are we talking literal beans, or…?

EMMA

Chase was adamant about paying us back for rehab…

ELENA

Ah, I see.

EMMA

I’m sorry.

There was nothing for her to apologize for. In truth, Emma Everton had been my saving grace over the last three months. With my own mother gone, she ended up being the second person I told I was pregnant, after Tessa. My best friend had been figuratively adopted by Emma before she and Elliot even got married, and she assured me that the love and support of Jay and Emma Everton could soothe even the most broken hearts.

So I’d told them everything, and they’d listened intently, crying alongside Tessa as I recounted the worst parts of my life in cold, detached detail.

After that, Emma had added me to the family group chat, issued a standing invitation to Sunday brunch, and stopped by with homemade meals at least twice a week.

She was an exceptional woman, and my mother would have loved her.

ELENA

Don’t apologize. It’s okay. I figured he’d find out eventually. I just hoped we’d have a little more time to navigate… everything else first.

EMMA

You two will figure it out. I just know it.

Call me if you need to talk.

I love you, sweetheart.

The final message was one I was even less prepared for. Our last messages were exchanged more than four months ago—before I’d asked him for time and space and to take care of himself.

CHASE

I hope you and baby slept well.

ELENA

Thanks, we did.

CHASE

What are your plans for the day?

ELENA