has a bow or something cute in her hair. We need nice pictures.”

There had been no Christmas greeting.

No question about whether Lily had slept well.

No mention of how much she had grown since the last time my mother saw her.

Just another instruction.

I showed Evan the message.

He shook his head.

“Your daughter could arrive wearing a diamond crown, and your mother would probably complain that it didn’t match the curtains.”

Despite myself, I laughed.

Then my expression changed.

“What if today really is different?”

Evan