From scapegoat to king

ittany and I had shared, the one I still

ger tightene

, scrolling through websites. The soft glow illuminated their faces, animated and close.

le adorable?" Brittany's voice was bright, a

is arm brushing hers. "Yeah, tha

child, the child she was supposed to b

doorway, my f

le faltering when she saw m

r, her voice a low hiss. "Aus

house, Brittany. O

said he needs a calm environment, familiar surroundings."

im to *my* home to plan yo

ile." She glanced back at Chad, who was now looking at u

I hav

ve us some space? He's really not well." She reached out, as if to touch my arm, then seemed to think better of

ed and went upstairs to the bedro

ld hear their voices, Brittany's so

! I think he likes that n

upposed to be me, feeling our baby

ars I couldn't stop. The life I'd envisioned, the family

nt, once a comfort, now a reminder of betrayal. She slid

th something that might have been regret, o

igid, u

ured into my hair. "We'll ha

uterine wall echoed in my mind.

y from the guest room

Don't touch me!" Chad's

didn't even bother with slippers, her bare feet t

, it's okay

filled with her soothing tones, his whimp