It rang once before he picked up.
His voice came through low, steady, like it always did. “Hello.”
My throat tightened. “Hey… um, I came to the States. I just arrived. I came for my mum’s anniversary.”
“Really?” His tone shifted, lighter. “Where are you? Daisy’s there, right?”
I glanced over at Daisy. She sat cross-legged on the bed, her small hands wrapped around her iPad while she showed something to Jake. “Yes, she’s here,” I said quietly.
“Okay, great. Where are you guys?”
“A hotel,” I said, adjusting the hem of my shirt. “I just wanted to let you know we’re around. We’ll see you tomorrow after visiting my mum’s grave.”
The line went silent for a beat too long. I could almost picture him, lips pressed together, deciding how much to say.
“Okay then,” he finally replied. “Is ther
