Chapter 24: Ask Him

"The party is in the Garden Room," the hostess said. "Right this way."

I walked behind her in a green dress, with Otto on my hip and a ring box in my coat pocket.

Eli came behind me in a dark jacket, with the diaper bag over one shoulder.

"Your sister said it was a family dinner," he said.

"It is."

"She also said I should wear the good boots."

"They're nice boots."

"Eliza."

"Eli."

He stopped, and I turned around and looked at him.

He had his hair combed. It was the first time in months, and one piece had already given up.

I loved him so much that I had to look at the carpet.

The hostess opened the door.

The Garden Room had a glass wall, a long table, and six chairs.

There were no balloons and no cake.

My sister sat on one side with her husband.

My mother sat beside them in her good cardigan, with her purse on her lap.

A waiter was pouring water.

Behind the glass, snow was coming down on a courtyard strung with white lights.

This time the room was exactly what I'd asked for.

"Sit," I said. "Please. All of you."

They sat.

Eli sat in the chair I pointed to.

I put Otto into his high chair at the end of the table.

He banged his spoon.

"Is this because of Greer?" Eli asked, low. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened."

"Then why are your hands shaking?"

"Because the last time I was in this room, I had a box in my coat."