Eric closed the front door, heading for the kitchen. He figured if his wife was anywhere, it would be there, drinking some of the chamomile tea she despised, and treating herself with a cookie or five. Claire had tried to hide her concern, but even through the phone Eric heard it, and it put him on edge. Annie didn’t need another struggle; this pregnancy had been difficult enough already. “Annie, are you here?”“Can you give me five seconds to answer before you start harping on me?” Annie stalked into the living room, her anger so palpable he could almost see it. “Damn it—can’t you all just leave me alone?”He did see the sparks flying off her wedding ring. Red sparks. He went on high alert. “You know all you have to do is ask, sweetheart.” He kept his voice quiet, neutral. “You want me to leave, I’m gone. Or I’ll stay. It’s up to you.”“You’re leaving me?!” Obviously he said the wrong thing. She pointed at him, those red sparks shooting over her hand, massing at the end of her finger.
