Gwen said I was an empath. I could connect with these strangers and give them what they needed, comfort and forgiveness.

  Lost. Alone. Broken.

  I could forgive them; can I forgive the people I know?

  The fist in my chest loosens a notch. “I want to forgive her. I’m not sure I can, but I want to.”

  Both of them.

  “That’s good.” Her eyes are distant. “They say time heals. They just don’t say how much time.”

  She’s pulling away again. I can see her doing it in front of me, back to that place of distance and hiding. She starts to rise, but I catch her hand.

  “Thank you.”

  She nods. “Your mom asked me to look out for you, so I tried. I think Alex Stone is a good man.”

  “I love him…” It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud to another human. “And it scares me to death.”

  “Why?”

  I think about everything she just told me. “I was afraid I was like her.”

  “You have dreams, but you’re not selfish. You take care of the ones you love.” Sliding her hand over my cheek. “You’re not her.”

  CHAPTER 29

  ALEX

  “On Sundays we have penny cakes with maple syrup and powdered sugar!” My little princess is arguing in the kitchen when I open the door from the garage.

  “That’s too much sugar.” Jessica’s voice starts to rise. “Your father isn’t here, so we’ll have our own tradition. Apples and peanut butter!”

  “Eww!” Pinky’s arms are crossed, and her eyes are squeezed shut when she turns around. She’s dressed in a pink tutu with her Have you seen my dad? shirt and a crown on her head. “You can’t make me eat that!”

  I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my smile. The noise of the door closing breaks the impasse. My daughter’s eyes fly open, and her entire demeanor changes.

  “Daddy!” she yells, running to me as fast as her legs will move. “Jessica’s trying to feed me dog food for breakfast!”

  “I am not!” Jessica’s eyes are wide, and her hair is a mess.

  She looks like she’s been on the battlefield.

  Lifting my little terror onto my hip, I narrow my eyes. “I doubt that, honey. We don’t even have a dog.”

  “She’s trying to make me the dog!”

  “I’m trying to make you healthy.” Jessica’s tone is sharp. “Your father spoils you.”

  “You’re a banana!”

  I swallow my laugh, forcing a frown. It’s possible I’m still basking in the afterglow of last night. It’s going to take a lot to get me down after what Cass and I shared.

  “Why did you call Jessica a banana?”

  “One of the bananas at Uncle Aiden’s house was all black and had little flies on it and Owen said it was spoiled. Jessica said I’m a bad banana, but she’s the banana!”

  “I’m done.” Jessica throws up her hands, storming out of the kitchen. “Eat all the sugar in the house. Get a swimming pool and roll around in it.”

  She stomps up the stairs, and my mood deflates slightly. This isn’t how I want my daughter to act.

  Carrying Pinky to the kitchen, I sit her on the bar in front of me. She crosses her arms, and her fingers pick the skin near her elbows.

  “I think we can include apples with our special breakfast.”

  Her blue eyes flash to mine. “It’s not what we do, Daddy.”

  “Jessica has a point about eating too much sugar. It’s not good for you.”

  Her little lips twist, and she doesn’t answer me.

  “Also, I want you to be nicer to Jessica. She wasn’t trying to feed you dog food, and she didn’t call you a bad banana.” Hooking my finger under her chin, I lift her face to look at me. “I want you to say you’re sorry and invite her to breakfast.”

  “She doesn’t do it right.” Her little voice is quietly firm.

  “She hasn’t been here very long.”

  “Mama Cass hasn’t been here very long, and she does everything right.”

  Exhaling slowly, I can’t argue with that.

  Still, “Jessica and Cass are different people, and I know Cass would want you to be nice to Jessica. She’d definitely want you to treat adults with respect. I want you to treat adults with respect.”

  “Daddy…” She exhales a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know what that is!”

  “It means being considerate of other people.” She still looks confused. “It means to be polite. Remember how Gran taught you to ask nicely? That’s using good manners. Now come with me.”

  I lift her off the bar, and holding her hand, we climb the stairs to the room Jessica occupies. Allowing her to take the lead, I hang back as she knocks, and when Jessica says we can enter, I’m surprised to see her duffel bag is on the bed.

  She’s sitting at the computer, and her lips are set. I’m not sure what to make of this, but I give my daughter a nudge.

  Her little shoulders drop. “I’m sorry I called your special dish dog food.” Jessica’s eyebrow arches, and she leans back, crossing her arms as she studies Penelope. “Would you like to have breakfast with Daddy and me?”

  “I accept your apology.” Jessica’s tone makes me wince, but I hold back. “I can’t join you for breakfast, but I appreciate the invitation.”

  My stomach is tight, and while I know Pinky can be a bit much, I had hoped Jessica might be a little warmer.

  Penelope doesn’t seem to mind at all. “Okay!” She looks up at me with a smile, which I return.

  Leaning down, I pat her back. “Head on down. I’ll be there in just a minute.”

  She turns on her heel and skips out the door singing a little song. Hesitating, I glance to where Jessica’s eyes have returned to her computer screen.

  “It’s possible I do spoil her.”

  “You think?” She doesn’t look at me, and I let the sarcasm in her tone pass.

  “Everything okay with you?”

  “It takes a lot more than a rambunctious five-year-old to upset me, Alex.”

  “I’m sure you’ve seen a lot worse.” I motion to the bed. “Your bag is out.”

  She stands, walking to the dresser and opening it. “Yes, I got an email from a friend… He’s working on a documentary about the plight of women in Afghanistan and wants me to join the team.”

  It’s the announcement I’ve been waiting for since the day she showed up here. “Sounds right up your alley.”

  “We have a Zoom chat in ten minutes.” She meets my eyes for the first time since I entered her room. “I was on the fence about even talking to him, but it’s a compelling story. The Taliban has practically erased women from society there.”

  “I see.”

  “Did you know about the situation?” Her voice takes on that impassioned tone I know so well.

  “I can’t say that I did.”

  “That’s the problem. No one does. Someone has to shine a light on what’s happening.”

  “I’m sure it’s very important.”

  “It’s a way to make a difference in the world.”

  Nodding, I have no response to her. I’m only glad I trusted my instincts and didn’t make a big deal out of Jessica returning to be a part of her daughter’s life.

  “Are you mad at me?” Her voice changes, and it reminds me of when I watched her packing for Africa, when my daughter was only six weeks old.

  Now, my only concern is protecting that little human. “I never expected you to stay.”

  “I’m sorry, Alex. I’ve seen too much to sit in one place and let atrocities go unreported.”

  “Of course.” Straightening, I go to her door. “I’d like to draw up papers. I want to have full custody of Penelope.”

  Silence fills the space between us, and she looks at the computer a moment, nodding her head slowly. “What will you say to her?”

  “I’ll think of something.”

  “I trust you.” Blue eyes meet mine, and she knows I would never let Pinky think her mother was a bad person. “Send me whatever you need, and I’ll sign it.”

  “Take care of yourself.”

  “It’s a good thing I came back early!” My mother’s eyes shine as she sits at the picnic table on the deck at Aiden’s house while the grandkids surround her with hugs.

  “You were gone a long, long time Gran.” Pinky informs her. “I learned to play baseball, and I hit a homer, and Owen says I can’t do it again, but I bet I can.”

  “Take a breath, Sweet P,” I chuckle, watching her crawl into her grandmother’s lap.

  Owen lets out a groan. “It was beginner’s luck.”

  “Was not!” Pinky argues. “I hit a stinker before that. Uncle Adam said so!”

  Mom squeezes my daughter, laughing. “I have to see my Pinky hit a baseball!”

  “I’ll show you after dinner!” Penelope’s so happy, surrounded by the kind of love I want in her life—unconditional, constant.

  Cass stands beside me watching them, and my hand rests comfortably on her waist. When I picked her up at her apartment this afternoon, something had changed in her eyes. It was subtle, but I’ve watched her so long, it was unmistakable. It’s a sense of calm, like a problem has been solved or a decision made.

  I’d like to think it’s because we defined our relationship and set it in stone. Finally. But we’ll talk more tonight. In the meantime, my mother’s eyes catch mine.

  “I see something else happened while I was gone.”

  Adam takes a seat across from her, shaking his head. “I swear, I’m getting whiplash. Eureka’s supposed to be a quiet little town where nothing ever happens.”

  Mom shakes her head. “It’s never been that.”

  After everything that happened last year with Britt and Aiden, I have to agree with her. This year hasn’t been as tumultuous, but a lot has happened—some more monumental than others.

  “Piper told me you got your acceptance letter!” Britt walks out to where Cass stands, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so happy!” Her green eyes slide between the two of us. “And I’m glad to see this is all sorted. Are we allowed to talk about it now?”

  Cass glances up at me, and I give her a wink. “Give us a few more days. We haven’t discussed it with the little princess yet.”

  “I think she’s a few steps ahead of you, with all that Mama Cass business.” Aiden passes us on his way to fire up the grill.

  “She always is.”

  “Has Edna told you about Redford Park?” Piper takes a seat at the table beside Adam, and I notice my brother making room for her. Interesting.

  “She did.” They launch into that annoying discussion, and Owen jumps up to go play with Ryan.

  Pinky chases right behind them as usual, and Mom gestures for the girls to join her at the table. Britt grabs Cass’s hand, and the two of them walk over to where she sits.

  Taking my beer, I walk over to where my brother is loading everyone’s personal pizzas onto the large grill. Before we walked out, we each topped small, round flatbreads with different fixings for him to grill.

  “So it’s official?” Aiden arches an eyebrow at me, and I laugh.

  “It always was. She just didn’t know it.” My eyes drift to where Mom holds Cass’s hand, inspecting the ring. “Pinky loves her, and that was pretty much the last thing I needed to know.”

  “It’s like you’ve been planning it for years. Like one of your special bourbons.” He’s teasing, but he has no idea.

  Soft squeals from the table draw our attention, and I see Mom and Cass hugging Britt. Mom’s eyes shine with what looks like tears, and Cass is beaming, touching her friend’s stomach.

  “Does that mean what I think it does?”

  “Yeah, Britt’s expecting.”

  “Didn’t waste any time did you?” I pull my brother in for a bro-hug. “Congrats.”

  “We weren’t really trying, but we weren’t really not trying.” His blue eyes shine like they always do when he talks about his wife.

  “That’s fucking awesome, Aiden.” Adam walks up to where we’re talking.

  “Yeah, Britt wanted a baby, and we didn’t want Owen to be too much older than his siblings, provided we were lucky enough to get pregnant.”

  “I’m really happy for you.” My eyes travel from him to Britt to Cass, who is watching me with a dreamy look.

  Images of her pregnant with my baby fill my mind, and the pull of desire is in my chest. I hadn’t thought about it until now, but I want the same thing.

  Adam grips my shoulder. “What’s the latest with your baby mama drama?”

  I put aside my visions of impregnating Cass for later. “Jessica’s leaving again, as expected.”

  “Seriously?” Adam’s brow lowers.

  “She actually stayed longer than I thought she would. Pinky put her through the wringer.”

  Aiden chuckles. “That little girl is a pistol. I can’t imagine what she’ll be like all grown up.”

  “Yeah, good luck with kindergarten,” Adam teases.

  Rolling my eyes, I groan. “We’re lucky to live in a small town where everybody knows everybody.”

  “Mrs. Priddy knows how to handle kids like her.” Aiden pulls the pizzas off the grill and arranges them on the platter. “She handled Adam, after all.”

  “Hey!” He tries to act offended, but he knows it’s the truth.

  We gather around the table, and I take in my oldest brother with his arm around his glowing wife. Adam is across from me making sure Ryan has everything he needs, as always, only this time I also notice him subtly making sure Piper is taken care of as well. Cass is beside me, tucking a napkin into my daughter’s shirt. When she sits up, I slide my arm around her waist, kissing her temple.

  This is what I want. It’s where I want to be, and I can’t imagine making a choice that would take me away from it.

  Pinky’s asleep when I carry her to her booster seat. She did her best to hit another homer for her grandmother after dinner, but Owen was determined it was not going to happen. Several rounds later, we finally called it a night.

  It wasn’t long before my princess was asleep in Cass’s lap.

  Closing the door, I pull my lady into my arms. “Are you staying with me or…”

  “I’ll stay at Britt’s old place tonight. Jessica needs a chance—”

  “She’s leaving.”

  I don’t mean to say it so bluntly, but it’s the first time we’ve had a chance to talk when Pinky wasn’t listening.

  Cass’s brow furrows. “Did something happen?”

  “I don’t know.” I open her door for her. “I don’t know what provoked her to come here in the first place, but I’ve been waiting for this since the first night in El Rio.”

  When I climb in on my side, she’s looking back at Pinky with a worried expression. I close the door quietly and start the short drive to town.

  “Honestly, I don’t think she’ll be upset about it.”

  “You know her better than I do.” Cass turns to face front. “Still, I’ll give her these final days with her daughter.”

  “My daughter misses you.” Placing my hand over hers, I lift it to my lips. “So do I.”

  Her pretty blue eyes meet mine, and she smiles sweetly. “I miss you both, too, but it won’t be long before we’re together always.”

  “It’s already too long.”

  CHAPTER 30

  CASS

  Do you follow Jesus this close?

  The bumper sticker glares at me from my back window, white lettering on a bright red background, and I snort a laugh.

  “Alex!” I call out in the empty parking lot.

  Last night he called to ask if I’d help them shop for kindergarten supplies today. Of course, I couldn’t wait to help. Looking at all the school supplies is the best part of fall, and kindergarten has the cutest stuff.

  Piper and Britt do not share my enthusiasm for back-to-school shopping, but I’m already planning to have feathers and sparkles and Miss Piggy everything for our little Sweet P starting kindergarten.

  I do not expect to bump into Jessica loading her white Camry in the driveway. Pulling my car to the side, I walk up slowly, stopping when she slams the trunk and starts for the driver’s side door.

  “Are you leaving?” I’m guessing she already told Alex and Penelope goodbye.

  “Oh! Cass.” She puts a hand on her chest. “You startled me.”

  “Sorry. Looks like I got here just in time to say goodbye.”

  “Yeah, I’m headed to the airport.” She shrugs. “I can honestly say I tried.”

  I’m not sure how to respond to that. “Alex mentioned you were headed to Afghanistan? It sounds like really important work.”

  “I didn’t think he approved of my decision.”

  “I think he doesn’t understand your decision.” I’m doing my best to be diplomatic.

  “I’m sure he’s never had to try.” She exhales a disgusted laugh. “No one makes a big deal when a man pursues his dreams, but let a woman do it and no one understands.”

  Chewing my lip, I carefully reply, “I think it’s more about having a daughter and being a part of her life.”

  She crosses her arms, leaning against the car to face me. “When I was pregnant, Alex and I had this conversation. The world is on fire, hatred is out of control, society is breaking down. Bringing a child into this mess is selfish, but that’s just my opinion.”

  “Yes, it is.” An edge is in my tone, but I’m doing my best to stay cordial.

  I don’t want a combative relationship with Pinky’s mom, but broken world or not, I wouldn’t trade that little girl for anything.

  “Well, those problems still exist, and I can’t live with myself if I sit at home and do nothing about them.” She pushes off the car. “I have to shine a light.”

  “I think raising an honest, responsible, kind human is another way to shine a light.”