Chapter 4The Unwelcome Surprise

His answer didn't matter anymore.

I handed his phone back, walked out of the bedroom, and said to our daughter, "Angela, sweetie, we have to go home now."

Angela looked up, confused. "Mommy, why are we leaving so soon? You said we were staying with Daddy all weekend."

"Mommy has something urgent to take care of back home. We'll come visit Daddy another time."

As I carried her out the door, she was still bewildered, but she could see the look on my face and knew not to ask any more questions.

Ross ran after us, grabbing my arm. "You just got here. At least stay for the weekend."

"No."

He and Amber had plans to go camping this weekend. I wouldn't want to get in their way.

"Come home on Monday," I said, my voice flat. "We have things to take care of."

I didn't say the word "divorce" in front of Angela, but Ross understood.

He tightened his grip. "You just drove five hours to get here. You can't drive another five hours back. It's too much for you."

Did he really care about that?

In that first, shocking moment when he saw us, was he worried about my long drive, or was he terrified Amber would see us?

As we stood there in a silent standoff, I heard the click of the apartment door opening.

It was Amber. She had used her fingerprint to unlock the door.

"Ross, I..."

She trailed off when she saw me.