Her eyes were rimmed with red as she flung her arms around Lyman. “But I’m his mother! Why doesn’t he like me, after all these years?”

Grace had intended to hug Lyman, but he edged away almost imperceptibly, leaving her arms empty. She gave a small, embarrassed laugh and let her hands fall, making no further attempt.

A wave of sourness washed over Grace. Back when they were kids, a hug like this would’ve been nothing. Now, things were different.

Lyman said, “He’s still so young. You were busy finishing your thesis and juggling internships right after he was born-you just didn’t have time for him. It makes sense that he’s more attached to Clay.”

Grace nodded, looking miserable.

“I want to be a good mom, too. I wish he’d depend on me, listen to me. But he just doesn’t feel close to me. His dad’s been away on business for weeks, and he’s been crying nonstop. I didn’t know what else to do, so I took him to see his father. That helped a bit, but as soon as we came back, he started acting up again.”

Lyman offered a gentle smile. “Give it time. These things can’t be rushed.”

Grace nodded. “I guess there’s nothing else I can do.”

“So what brings you here? Are you moving back into the old house?” Lyman asked.

Grace nodded. “I’m working at Cedarbridge General now, and the house is close to the hospital, so I thought it’d make sense to move back.”

“Will you have help here?” Lyman asked. “I can ask Mom and Dad to send a couple of housekeepers over, at least to get things cleaned up for you.”

Grace nodded again. Lyman had always taken care of her, and by now she was used to it; it never felt odd.

“Thanks, Lyman,” she said.

He smiled. “No need for thanks—we’re family.”

Grace nodded, then turned to Effie. “Effie, I’m Lyman’s sister. Not by blood, but we’re very close, so I don’t want you to misunderstand.”

Effie met her eyes. “Misunderstand what, exactly?”

Grace hesitated. “Well… I mean, about me and Lyman.”

For some reason, even though Annabel and Grace were sisters, Effie always felt completely different around them. Annabel was bright open, and easy to be around. Grace, though-whether she meant to or not always seemed a little affected, as if she were performing, trying too hard.

Maybe Grace was just trying to assert her presence, Effie thought.

Effie smiled and deliberately said, “What’s there to misunderstand? It’s just the usual sibling bond.”

Grace’s smile froze, her explanation dying on her lips.

“Yeah… I’m glad you understand,” she managed.

“Andie, let’s go home.”

But Andie stayed firmly nestled against Effie’s shoulder, refusing to budge.

Lyman chuckled. “It’s only been a while, but Andie’s changed so much I almost didn’t recognize her.”

Grace grinned. “Sure, kids grow fast, almost a new face every day. But you, as her uncle, not recognizing your own niece? Isn’t that a bit much?”

She shot him a teasing glance. “Or maybe you got married and just forgot all about us?”

Lyman laughed. “Not quite that dramatic. But it has been a year, hasn’t it? How’s Clay? When will he be back?”

Grace turned to him. “I finished my

degree abroad, so now there’s a good chance I’ll get promoted. The chief said I might become the youngest attending physician at the hospital.”