The Husbands: A Novel

The wives plan a celebratory dinner when Penny is released from the psychiatric facility. Nora and Hayden are on the way when Nora realizes she’s gotten two more calls from the wrong number; she calls back and gets Devin’s voicemail. Leaving a message, she encourages him to call any time. Because Hayden arranged for the babysitter and made Liv dinner before they left, Nora understands how the little things can make one happy. Cornelia knows her biggest secret, but Cornelia’s a therapist who knows lots of secrets. Nora is just grateful that Hayden is taking responsibility for their life though she hasn’t been able to shake her nagging concern for Penny. She is shocked when Penny arrives with Trevor. Hayden tells Roman he checked out that home organization website and rearranged their entire pantry. The men discuss end-of-year teachers’ gifts, and Nora notes again the new texture of her life. In the restroom, Nora tells Penny that a candle caused the fire, but Penny knows. Penny tells her Francine apologized to her, thinking she might have seen something if she wasn’t distracted by Devin. Penny is okay, so Nora tells herself to let go of anything she doesn’t already know.