Chapter 18

Emma shouldered her way through the growing crowd, her camera clutched tight against her chest to protect it from an accidental jab from someone's elbow. She caught her mother's eye and offered a slight smile, as though to say, what can you expect?

The smile faltered when Steve moved up behind her mother, tapping her shoulder to let her know he was there. Of all the school programs he had ever made it to since Seth had started school, he had to make it to this one. She wanted to scream with frustration. The last thing she needed today was Steve.

But he was their father.

Emma found a blank spot against a far wall. She lifted the camera to her eye, focusing the lens on the stage where Justin's class would soon appear. They had worked on this play for weeks. Emma knew Justin's part better than she suspected he knew it. He was so nervous this morning that he almost talked her into letting him stay home. She hoped he was better now that he was around his friends. But she suspected not.