My chest tightened.
“They’re 16,” she added. “They’ll want more than this shack, Helen. After all… I’m their mother.”
“And what about me?” I asked quietly.
She waved a dismissive hand.
“Oh, you won’t be part of it. My husband can’t know there’s a grandmother involved—especially not one with your… limitations.”
Then she looked me up and down and smiled coldly.
“And let’s be honest. How much longer do you plan to be around anyway?”
Before I could answer, she raised her voice.
“Jacob! Lily! Come out here, please!”
The Twins’ Response
Footsteps creaked on the stairs.
Lily appeared first, Jacob close behind her. They both stopped when they saw Maribelle.
“Darlings!” she exclaimed, spreading her arms. “My Goodness, look at you.”
Neither of them moved.
