The smile on Jessica's face froze into a brittle mask.
"Ethan, what did you just say?"
The question came out too fast, her voice taking on a sharp, jagged edge she usually kept well-hidden.
Ethan looked at her, surprised. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Jessica replied, forcing the fire in her chest down and replacing it with her trademark watery, gentle smile. "I just thought it was a bit sudden. Why the change of heart about bringing Clara?"
"If it weren't for her, we wouldn't even be standing here talking about a trip to the Isles."
Ethan's voice was patient, his tone softening as he explained. "Jessica, she's been dedicated to us and the kids for years, and now she's saved all our lives. Going forward, we should try to live in peace with her."
The words "live in peace" stung Jessica
