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Mark poured himself a drink and clinked his glass with hers. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
She shrugged and turned towards the window. She’d gone through the motions diligently, pragmatically, doing what needed to be done to win. It was like dragging herself through quicksand and sinking deeper and having to work so much harder to stay on top. She was drowning. “What is there to say?”
His footsteps were light and his arm around her comforting. She leaned into his shoulder.
“I’ve met someone,” he said.
She put her arm around his waist and held him tightly. “That’s wonderful news.” She smiled wearily and stroked his cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”
His eyes sparkled, and his grin broadened. “Her name’s Jane. We met at a running group I joined.”
His obvious pleasure touched her. “She’ll keep you on your toes.” She laughed.
“She’s bloody quick.”
He blushed, and she imagined him chasing the woman and struggling to keep up with her, and she thought about Kendra and playing poker and blushed. She eased out of his embrace and patted his chest. “She’s very lucky to have found you.”
He held her gaze. “I’ll always support you, Sarah. Nothing will stop that.”
She toasted him with her drink. Things would be different, and they both knew it, because it was the right time for change. “Shall we go and talk to the children?”
He nodded.
Sarah’s heart thundered. No matter how prepared she could be for any event, nothing could prepare her for talking honestly with her children about something she knew would, in some way, rock their worlds. She had to pray it didn’t break their hearts. “I’m freaking out,” she said.
“They’ll be fine,” he said.
How could he be so calm? Her stomach tossed the whisky, and it bit at the back of her throat. She rubbed her temples and took a deep breath. With every step, her pulse quickened. She moved her tongue around her mouth to wet it and lowered her jaw to release the tension. When they got to the living room and Abi smiled at her, she fought against the burning at the back of her eyes.
“Hey, Mum. Dad.”
Reece, sitting in the armchair with one leg crossed over another, had his attention firmly fixed on his phone. He glanced up. “All right.”
“Your mum and I have some news we want to share with you,” Mark said.
Sarah held his warm hand to hide the fact that hers trembled.
“You’re getting divorced,” Reece said without looking up and continued to tap on his phone.
Mark smiled. “Yes.”
Abi rolled her eyes at Reece. She looked at Sarah. “Is that what you both want?”
Sarah stood taller and tried to smile. “Yes, sweetheart.”
Abi shrugged. “In fairness, it’s probably about time.”
Mark’s grip tightened around Sarah’s hand. “So, you guys are okay with it?” he asked.
Reece looked up. “Sure. You’re great parents but lousy together.”
Abi shook her head. “We just want you to be happy. You’re both fantastic people and great parents, but you’re not a couple, are you? I mean, not like in the sense of being lovers.”
Sarah’s cheeks burned, and she cleared her throat. “You’ll still go to the same school and live here,” she said.
“Can I quit school?” Reece asked.
“Everything stays the same,” Mark said.
