Sarah whispered, “Grant.”
Eliza made a soft, broken sound. Caleb just stared.
Grant lifted both hands as if he were walking into a storm. “Okay. Before anyone murders me. Happy birthday, Mom.”
My mouth finally worked.
“What are you wearing?” I demanded.
“Are you out of your mind?”
He swallowed. “A uniform.”
Mark choked out, “You’re a cop.”
“Yeah.”
Sarah exploded. “Are you out of your mind? She thought you were dead.”
Grant flinched.
His gaze snapped to mine. “Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I just wanted to surprise you by showing up here in my uniform. I thought it would be funny.”
“You’re the only one who didn’t.”
“You didn’t think,” I repeated, and it came out like a slap.
He nodded, shame all over his face. “I thought it would be a quick scare. Then surprise. I didn’t know you were sitting at home for hours.”
“I was. I was sitting at the table.”
That landed like a dropped weight. Mark looked down. Eliza started crying quietly.
“I didn’t tell you about the academy because I didn’t want people to treat me like I was going to fail.”
My laugh came out bitter. “And you thought I would.”
“I didn’t want you to end up like your father.”
“No,” he said fast. “You’re the only one who didn’t.”
