"Emma, are you really planning to go?"
When Grace showed up at the door, Emma was honestly a bit surprised.
"M—Mrs. Brooks, I..." She almost slipped out a "Mom" before pulling it back and putting on a helpless smile. "I’m just going abroad for a while to clear my head. It’s not like I’m disappearing for good."
"You’re too sensible for your own good." Grace let out a heavy sigh. "People always say women who know how to act a little spoiled have it easiest—just look at that Clara girl, little fox if I ever saw one. The way she talks could melt a man’s bones. And here you are leaving? You might as well be handing Ethan over to her on a silver platter."
Emma knew Grace had always been on her side. Her words, though down-to-earth and casual, carried a real truth. But Emma had long
