My planning had kept it alive.
Caleb had simply been the person standing in front of the camera.
A week later, their vacation ended.
I knew exactly when they arrived.
The message came from Marcus.
“They are approaching the house.”
I sat in the living room.
Calm.
Ready.
The SUV stopped outside.
The doors opened.
Diane stepped out first.
Then Brooke.
Then Caleb.
They walked toward the front door carrying luggage.
Then they saw the man standing there.
Marcus.
Caleb frowned.
“Who are you?”
Marcus smiled politely.
“My name is Marcus Hale.”
“I represent Claire.”
Diane laughed.
“Represent her?”
“She’s my daughter-in-law.”
Marcus looked at her.
“No.”
“She is the legal owner of this property.”
The smile disappeared.
Caleb looked confused.
“What?”
