“Myfiancéis going on tour through Europe, and I’ve decided to join him. We’ll be gone for a year.”
My jaw dropped. “That’s awesome! It’s about time one of us started seeing the world,” I said, so proud of my little sister.
“Oh, you’re not far off.”
I made a face. “Yeah, right.”
Reed turned to Amy. “Didn’t you say we’d see Cass in—”
“Reed.” Amy whacked his arm as she rose. “Can you help me with dessert?”
“Um…sure.” He shot up and trailed after her before enduring an inaudible scolding in the kitchen.
I shook my head with a chuckle, not having a clue to what was going on. “Reed’s going to have his hands full with your Aunty,” I said to Finn, who’d grown unusually quiet. “Hey, you okay?”
He stared down at his plate. “Everything’s changing.”
I reached for his hand. “I know, but it’s all for the better this time, I promise. Aunty Amy won’t be gone forever, and I’m sure Uncle Reed will play with you online from wherever he is in the world. Just like before.”
“And Adam?” He lifted his glistening eyes to mine. “When will I see him again?”
My stomach dropped. “We’re going to be so busy when we get back to LA, it may take some time to see everyone.”
Finn’s bottom lip quivered.
“Is everything okay?” Amy asked as they all returned from the kitchen.
“I think I’ll take Finn to bed.” I motioned my son to follow. “Looks like the last few days have caught up with him.”
He wiped away his tears as he stood. “Goodnight, everyone,” he mumbled on his way out.
Once Finn brushed his teeth, I guided him into his bedroom where he threw off his clothes and climbed into bed. “Why do you hate Adam?” he asked with eyes swirling with emotion. “He’s always been so nice to us.”
My jaw slackened as I sat beside him. “I never said I hated him.”
“You don’t have to. I can feel it.”
“Oh…” I closed my eyes, wishing he didn’t have to bear the burden of my gift. “What you’re feeling isn’t hate, Finn. It’s anger.”
“What did he do?”
My mouth opened a few times before I could formulate the right words. “His company made a decision a long time ago that made our lives a lot harder than they needed to be.”
“Is he sorry?”
The devastation in Adam’s eyes when I told him about Dominic’s health insurance was seared into my memory. “Yes, I believe so.”
“So, you forgive him.”
The knot in my stomach tightened. “It’s not that simple.”
“You always told me if someone is truly sorry for their actions, you should forgive them.”
“I said that?”
“You meant it, too.”
I lay down beside him. “I guess I need a little time and space to cool off.”