"Adam, Dean," Claire called softly through the door.
"Mama!" The two little boys had been sitting inside, bored and restless. The moment they heard her voice, they sprang to their feet and rushed to the door, their voices bubbling with joy.
"Adam, Dean, listen to me," Claire said gently. "In a little while, I want you both to apologize to your daddy. Your great-grandma sent over a lot of delicious food, and I haven't eaten either. Let's go down and have dinner together, alright?"
"Okay!" they shouted in unison.
Claire smiled, her voice warm and coaxing. "Wait for me, okay?"
She turned and made her way to Gilbert's study.
Inside, Gilbert sat with one leg crossed over the other, his face dark as he scrolled through his phone. Now and then, he picked up his teacup and took a sip, but even that seemed to irritate him. A heavy cloud of anger clung to him like a storm that refused to pass.
Claire stepped in quietly.
