Chapter 69

Crossroads

Warm light from the morning sun crept through the curtains and reached out to touch Isabelle as she stirred from sleep. She lay there for a few minutes longer, steeping in the peace of a new day, until feelings about the past few days crashed her back awake. She rolled over, only to find that the other side of the bed was empty, save for Carlos's shadow. On his pillow was a note in his handwriting:

"Gone for early meeting. We need to talk later. Love you."

Isabelle's gut twisted. Those four words: "We need to talk," never seemed to bring her glad tidings. She blew out a loud breath, running a hand through her tangled hair as she padded downstairs.

The kitchen was in full swing this morning. Sophia crouched over her laptop on one side of the breakfast bar while Alex rustled around in the fridge. Jack was at the stove, flipping a pancake with an impressive bit of skill.

"Morning, Mom," Alex mumbled through a mouthful of cereal.

Isabelle managed a smile, pouring herself a much