My mother had tears in her eyes—happy tears, the kind she saved for Ryan’s milestones.
My father stood near the kitchen, hands in his pockets, avoiding the folder on the island like paper could accuse him.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” my mother said, grabbing my arm. “They finally have room to start over.”
I asked, “Start over where?”
She blinked like the question annoyed her.
“Here, Jenna. Obviously.”
I kept my voice soft.
“You bought this exact house?”
Kelsey laughed from the hallway.
“Technically, Harold and Diane helped us get it. Family blessing, right?”
My father cleared his throat.
“We were helping with arrangements.”
“Arrangements?” I repeated. “Did anyone close on this house?”
Ryan set the lamp down too quickly.
“Real estate has a million steps. Mom said it was handled.”
“Whose name is on the paperwork?” I asked.
Kelsey waved her hand.
“Jenna, please do not do your little document interrogation thing today. We are exhausted.”
