you.”
“Tell him it’s from Mason.”
“I will.”
He paused.
“Don’t tell him I’m his brother yet.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“I won’t.”
“I think somebody should know if they have a brother before everybody else does.”
I looked away before he could see my face.
Vanessa crouched.
“You’re very smart.”
Mason shrugged.
“My mom says I ask too many questions.”
“I think questions might be important in this family.”
That got the smallest smile from him.
Then Vanessa stood and looked at me.
“Claire.”
I waited.
“I am sorry.”
I believed her.
“I know.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I know that too.”
“And if you want me to stay away from Mason, I will.”
I looked at my son.
Then at the hospital photograph still tucked under her arm.
“I don’t know what I want yet.”
She nodded.
“That’s fair.”
“But don’t disappear.”
Her eyes met mine.
“Why?”
“Because Tyler told both
