Andrew called us into the sitting room on Thursday evening.
"I've booked the lake house for the weekend. All of us. Friday through Sunday. No work calls, no distractions. Just family."
My mom looked at him. "This weekend?"
"Yes. The weather's supposed to clear by Saturday. I already arranged the boat. We'll have the place to ourselves."
Julian gave a short laugh. "A family getaway. How thoughtful."
Andrew didn't react. "It's been a long few months. Pack light. We leave at nine tomorrow."
No one argued.
The white gravel crunched under the tires the next afternoon as Andrew pulled into the long driveway. The house sat at the end dark timber and glass, right on the edge of the lake.
Andrew cut the engine.
"It really is beautiful out here," my mom said, leaning forward. "So peaceful."
