The entire group was silent.
Mason looked straight at his father.
“You should apologize to her.”
“Mason—”
“Say sorry to Mom.”
Then Lauren spoke.
“Ryan.”
Just his name.
But the way she said it made everyone understand immediately that this wasn’t going away.
Ryan looked at her.
Lauren’s expression was serious.
“Your son is right.”
That was all she said.
Ryan turned toward me.
I was standing near the blanket, completely frozen.
“Claire.”
For once, my name sounded different in his mouth.
Not irritated.
Not dismissive.
He looked embarrassed, yes.
But underneath that was something else.
Recognition.
“I’m sorry.”
I didn’t answer.
He swallowed.
“I’ve been treating you like you only matter when I need something.”
There it was.
Out loud.
In front of everyone.
No excuses.
No accusation that I was being emotional.
No attempt to change the subject.
I simply said, “Yes.”
He nodded.
