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“Everyone knew what Edward was doing. David, Theo, Linda, and Serine were well aware as children what Edward was putting you through by being away all the time—and with God knows who. It’s amazing he didn’t give you some kind of disease.”
    “That’s enough.” Anna whipped around.
    “It was one thing for Edward to have all those affairs. Quite an other for you to try and pretend he wasn’t.” Elise heaved a sigh. “If what you say is true, that Edward is truly dying, then you’d better toughen up, because you are all the children have ever really had.” She softened her voice. “Stop chasing a dream that’ll never materialize. The children need you. You need you. Go through with the divorce, sell the house, take Inman, and leave for France the way you planned.”
    A knock sounded at the front door. Then it opened. Supported by his cane, Inman stepped in.
    “What a pleasant surprise.” Elise plastered a smile on her face. Anna took a deep breath and gathered herself. “I can’t believe you’re still using that thing.” Elise greeted Inman with a light peck on the cheek.
    “It’s what keeps Anna around, and me in her good graces.” He approached Anna.
    “I was telling Anna—” Elise started.
    “She was just leaving.” Anna eyed her friend sternly.
    “Fill that pool and—” Elise gave a crumpled smile. The house grew silent. Elise broke the stillness by glancing at her watch. “I do have to meet another client.” She kissed Anna’s cheek, and whispered, “Call me.”
    “And send me that bill,” Anna said.
    “Like I said ... “ Elise nodded her head, shook her forefinger at Anna, and left.
    Anna walked through the open sliding glass door and to In man who was leaning upon his cane as he studied the empty pool. “Seems Elise has better plans for the house,” Inman said.
    “She wants to make a sale.”
    He brushed his cane beside the pool. “And you don’t?”
    “Not right this minute.” Anna walked further onto the patio that was bathed in late afternoon sunlight and lowered herself into one of the chairs. Joining her, Inman laid his cane aside. Anna took in his smooth cinnamon face. His thick eyebrows and long lashes underscored his childlike eagerness to trust and attempt things new. Yet, Inman was no pushover. Nor was he naïve.
    “You know how when you’ve always wanted something,” Anna started, “and you were certain that if you got it, it would set you free? Everything would be right in the world, no more mistakes, no more wrong turns. You’d have figured out everything you needed to know, what you missed as a child. Then, you could live your life.”
    Inman smiled. His beige sweater swathed his chest and complemented his warm brown eyes. Anna’s heart pounded. His easy manner and methodical caring always calmed Anna and left her feeling safe. She grew warm.
    Inman said, “What is it you’ve figured out?”
    Anna turned toward the pool. “I’ve never understood why I was so unhappy, what kept me from being like everyone else, forceful, ambitious, out in life accomplishing something instead of standing on the sidelines, deliberating, and fearful of making the wrong move.”
    Inman’s smile remained.
    “I’m still on the sidelines,” Anna said. “I’ve yet to figure out what will make me happy.”
    Inman tugged at his chin, surveyed the grounds and then looked back to Anna. “How did the meeting go today with Edward and Bryce?”
    Anna took in a breath and swallowed. “Edward agreed to the divorce. He deeded me the house. I also discovered he has cancer. He has six, maybe only three months to live.”
    Inman cast his attention downward.
    “I want to bring him home, let him live out his time in the house.”
    “Has he agreed?”
    “I haven’t told him,” Anna conceded.
    “Do you still love him?” Inman turned to her.
    “I don’t know. Truly, I don’t.” Anna appreciated Inman and wanted all she could have of him, but she couldn’t lie to him. She