When our parents broke up, it was just us keeping the house from feeling super cold.

When Mom married Vance barely six months after the divorce was done, we were already doubting the timing. Jasper said she wasn’t loyal.

“I’m not saying I’m sure,” he said one night. “But the timing’s weird, Sage. It just doesn’t fit.”

I couldn’t disagree. The whole thing felt off from the start.

“Maybe we’re thinking too much,” I said. “Let’s just let it go.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s focus on our own stuff,” Jasper said, letting out a breath.