She had avoided him since his release from the hospital, knowing that his devastating guilt would heal faster if he wasn’t forced to face her and be reminded of Jake. She also found it harder to hide her unending grief from Ben than from any other person. He knew her too well. He would see through her facade. She greeted his unexpected visit with strained laughter and a hug. “You named that poor baby Mordecai? What on earth were you thinking, Ben!” He didn’t return her smile. “It was my father’s name.” “Well, I know it was, but honestly, Benjamin! What a thing to do to a helpless child.” “You’re too thin,” he said. “You should talk! How much weight have you lost—twenty, thirty pounds? As the proud papa of six kids, you could afford a little paunch, you know. You’ve earned it.” He was much too serious. Hannah wondered if he was still on medication, if he had fully recovered from his shock.
