I had stepped backward before he saw me.
I told myself it was business.
Now, lying in the hospital, that explanation felt thin.
Who was she?
And why did Nolan leave our son’s birth to go find her?
My mother arrived just after four.
Evelyn entered carrying flowers, an overnight bag I had not asked for, and enough nervous energy for three people.
“Oh my God.”
She rushed toward me.
“You did it.”
Then she cried.
Then I cried.
Then she held the baby and cried harder.
For ten minutes, Nolan disappeared from my mind.
Then Evelyn looked around.
“Where is he?”
My face gave me away.
“Claire?”
“He left.”
“What do you mean, left?”
“He said he had to go somewhere.”
“Today?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Right after the baby was born.”
Evelyn stared.
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
My mother’s expression changed instantly.
