“Ivy.”
His sharp voice cuts her off mid-sentence. A moment of panic flashes across his features—clamped mouth, wide eyes. This outburst, so uncharacteristic, catches everyone off guard, and the room stills. But I know. After the past few days, after the past few years, James is done. No more pretending. No more carefully constructed façades. As much as he hates hurting people, there is no more room for indirectness.
Even if this conversation was never meant to happen tonight, it’s going to.
“Can we take a walk?”
Ivy’s face crumples. But she grabs her jacket and drags herself out the door.
We all stay frozen, processing what we witnessed. The careful politeness that’s held this family together for years is finally cracking open.
Margaret smooths her dress with trembling hands. Gary studies his whiskey as if it holds answers. Jules stares at the door they left through. Vera and Darrell shift uncomfortably.
Mason makes the first move. “We’re leaving first thing in the morning.”
I meet his gaze directly. “Do what you want. Anna and I will leave when I’m ready.”
“I’m not dumb, Sydney.” His hand reaches out, grasping my arm. His voice is low and threatening. “Don’t think I’ve missed what’s happening. I’m not going to let you tear our family apart.”
“Mason, take your hand off me right now.” I lower my voice, matching the venom in his.
My breath doesn’t catch, my fingers don’t tremble, because I’m done with letting him tell me what to do. We’ll deal with this back in D.C.
“Good night, everyone,” Vera calls, discreetly looking to exit before Ivy returns.
“Vera, can we talk about the shelter quickly?” I call after her, leaving Mason to stew.
She pauses and turns with a smile that’s gentle but knowing. “Of course.”
We walk toward the far wall. I’d rather speak in the sunroom or on the back deck, but there’s no subtle way to slip off. And this won’t take long.
“Today’s been... a lot,” I say, managing to share a small smile. “We don’t have to get into details. But I’m starting my own family law practice. I want to give as much time as I can to the shelter.” I lower my voice. “It’s time I began living the life I want.”
She doesn’t speak, only pulls me into a hug. When she steps back, her eyes glisten. “Call me when you’re ready.”
“I’ve already sent my resignation letter. I’m not waiting to get started.”
“Good. And remember this strength. Your worthiness. When you do the rest.” Her eyes flick to Mason.
“I will. I know now what I deserve. And what Anna deserves.”
“Take the time you need. Everything else will be there when you’re ready.” Her eyes hold mine, urging me to read between what she doesn’t say.
Anna pulls at my sweater to be picked up. She leans her head against my shoulder. “Bye-bye, Miss Vera.”
“I’ll see you soon.” Vera kisses Anna’s cheek, then mine, and rejoins Darrell.
“Mama, I tired.”
“Okay, Bug. Let’s get you into PJs.”
Once Anna drifts off in our quiet room, serenity settles like the first snow of winter. I lie beside her, watching the peaceful rise and fall of her breath, the smile still playing on her lips even in sleep. I trace the curve of her cheek, smoothing her hair back from her face.
While I’ve stumbled through these years, making choices that felt impossible and mistakes that felt inevitable, she’s been my constant—the North Star I kept in focus when I couldn’t see my own path. She’s happy. She’s loved. She has the childhood I dreamed of giving her—and somehow, despite everything, I kept that promise.
This next chapter, uncertain as it is, holds the promise of a new dawn.
We’ll go home in the morning.
