Sadie’s POV
The question was like small talk with a scalpel. The other women didn't seem to notice, or they acted like they didn't. But I could feel the blade.
"No," I said. "He's not."
"That's too bad," Chloe said. "A child needs a father. A boy, but I guess a girl too. They need a strong role model. Someone who is there."
"Her grandfather is very involved," I said with my jaw tight.
“Yes, I see. The ranger." Chloe smiled. "I'm sure that's... grounding."
I wanted to get out. Every part of me screamed to get to my feet and find some reason to escape. But I thought about Lily, I thought about the ecosystem, and I thought about black walnuts poisoning their surroundings and preventing anything else from growing in the soil.
I stayed.
"Chloe," I said, flashing her a smile to match t
