What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 14

Saturday morning dawned after a light rain, the pale blue sky carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.

Kaia woke up early. She gently dressed her still-sleeping daughter.

She wore a lavender sweatshirt with little ducks over denim overalls, her long hair tied back in a high ponytail. She looked adorable.

Kaia herself changed into a comfortable apricot-colored long dress with a beige trench coat. She pulled her dark hair back into a low bun, trading her professional air for a softer, more relaxed look.

"Mommy, I got a birthday present for Grandpa too!" Brynlee said happily from the car, her little backpack on.

"Really? Grandpa will be so happy."

"Uh-huh!"

The car left the quiet, tree-lined streets of the estate and headed toward the university faculty housing on the other side of the city.

They rolled down the window halfway, and the cool morning air rushed in, waking them both up.

The little girl leaned against the window, watching the passing streetscape with curious and happy eyes.

About an hour later, the car stopped in front of a somewhat dated gray brick building.

Compared to the opulence and strict formality of the Sanders estate, this place had a scholarly, peaceful atmosphere.

Kaia's father was a retired physics professor, now rehired by the university. Her mother owned several pharmacies and was a small business owner.

Jane saw her daughter's car and walked over happily, ready to scoop up her granddaughter.

"Good morning, Grandma!" Brynlee greeted her politely and cheerfully.

"What a sweet little treasure," Jane said, stroking her hair lovingly as she lifted her from the car.

"Where's Finnian?" Jane noticed that it was just her daughter and granddaughter in the car.

"He... he had something to do today, so he couldn't come," Kaia couldn't bring herself to tell the truth—that Finnian hadn't come home last night.

Watching her loving parents, Kaia's mood slowly began to lift.

Brynlee pestered Warren to take her to the park to walk the birds, and of course, he was more than happy to play with his granddaughter, so they headed out again.

Kaia followed her mother into the kitchen. A helper was preparing lunch, and Jane was assisting. Kaia joined in to help.

"Are my brother and sister-in-law not here yet?"

Jane said, "When are they ever not right on time for a meal?"

Kaia smiled.

The clatter of spatulas and the sizzle of the frying pan filled the small house with a comforting, homey atmosphere.

Around ten o'clock, the sound of a car engine shutting off came from outside the small courtyard. Jane immediately said, "Who's that now?"

Kaia followed her mother out to see Finnian standing at the gate.