Chloe let out a slow breath, fingers tightening around her phone.
"Then come home, Chloe," Mikael had said.
Simple words. Steady. Undeniable.
And yet—not yet.
"I will," she said, voice quieter now. "But I have things to wrap up first."
Mikael leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping idly against the desk. "Kevin."
"And Carter," Chloe corrected. "I need to pick him up, settle a new arrangement with Kevin before I leave. I won't make it messy for our son."
His jaw tightened. "You're handling it better than Kevin deserves."
A humorless chuckle escaped her lips. "That's probably true."
Silence stretched between them—not heavy, not tense. Just understanding.
Then—Mikael sighed.
"I told you not to marry him."
Chloe inhaled, the admission sitting in her chest. "I know."
A pause. Then, gentler, warmer—
"I hope you learned your lesson."
Her throat tightened slightly. "I did."
Mikael exhaled, quiet but sure. "That's all that matters."
Another pause. Then—soft, unwavering—
"You're always welcome to come back. Your three brothers, Mom, and Dad—we're all waiting for you."
Chloe pressed her lips together, nodding even though he couldn't see her.
And for the first time in years, she let herself feel the truth in those words.
Her voice softened. "Thank you."
She swallowed, the weight of missing them hitting her fully.
"I miss you all," she admitted, blinking rapidly.
Then—quiet, sincere, full of resolution—
"See you soon."