Chapter 59

• For two weeks, Nick had been lost in thought, spending hours staring out the kitchen window. His loyal dog, Old Yeller, nestled at his feet, while a mug of hot coffee steamed beside him. His days passed like a dream, his existence almost ghost-like. He threw himself into his work, channeling all his energy into his designs, only to spend restless nights in bed, haunted by thoughts of Alexa and their unborn child.
• One day, the doorbell rang. Shaking himself from his reverie, he moved to answer it. On his doorstep stood Jim and Maria McKenzie, a sight that sent a pang of grief through him. He quickly pushed the feeling aside and greeted them. "Jim, Maria, what brings you here?" he asked, assuming their visit was meant to confront him. He steeled himself for Maria's tearful pleas and Jim's anger, expecting to be berated for hurting their daughter. He was surprised they had waited this long. He braced for their fury; he needed to feel something, even if it was pain.
• "May we come in?" Maria asked. "Of course," he replied, leading them into the kitchen. Old Yeller retreated behind the curtain, still unaccustomed to strangers. Nick absentmindedly patted his head before fetching two mugs. "Would you like some coffee or tea?" he offered.