After eating a few mouthfuls of his stew, Nolan scrutinizes me in silence. “Your mother and I cared about each other.”

My mouth goes dry. “Loved each other?”

He nods. “Yes.”

I don’t believe him. Although I’m sure my expression doesn’t change, one corner of his lips curls up. “You don’t believe me.”

I hesitate about how honest I can be without it coming back to bite me on the ass. Finally, I clear my throat. “You haven’t given me the impression of being a loving ...