Sadie’s POV
The knock came at seven in the morning.
I hadn't slept. After Taylor had disappeared into the tree line at dawn, I'd managed two hours of fitful rest on the couch before Lily woke up demanding pancakes. I'd made them with shaking hands, burned the first batch, and pretended everything was fine.
Lily had left for Ethan's house at nine. Sarah had offered a weekend playdate, and I had accepted with a gratitude that bordered on desperation. I needed to think. I needed to not be a mother for two hours so I could be a person falling apart in private.
The knock came again. Sharp. Impatient.
I opened the door.
Chloe Smith stood on my porch.
She was wearing riding clothes – fitted beige breeches, tall brown boots, a fitted black jacket. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail
