Chapter 194

Evelyn's POV The week after our lake retreat had been different. I'd cut back my lab hours and spent more evenings at home, watching movies with the children or helping with homework. Tonight, as I flipped through my calendar, a date circled in red caught my eye. My parents' death anniversary was approaching. I ran my fingers over the marking, guilt washing over me. Since divorcing Calvin and building my business, I'd been so consumed with proving I could make it on my own that I'd neglected visiting their graves. "What are you looking at, Mom?" Alexis asked, climbing onto my lap. I kissed her forehead. "Just realizing it's time I visit Grandma and Grandpa." "Can we come too?" Rowan asked from across the room. I shook my head. "Not this time. I need to go alone." The truth was, I needed space to think. My life had changed dramatically these past weeks. Calvin was back in our lives, the children were bonding with him, and my carefully built walls were crumbling. Piece by piece. "I'll go