The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

always meant for you.”

Claire shook her head.

“I took them because I wanted you to see me as Mom’s daughter.”

“I do.”

Her chin trembled.

“Not tonight. Tonight I saw myself.”

I closed my hand around the pearls.

“Then maybe tomorrow you can wear them differently.”

She cried harder.

Diane sat down as if her knees had weakened.

Mark paced to the window.

The lake continue reading …