Page 116

“They’re my kids.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You said they weren’t supposed to be.”

“I know.” I let out a long breath. “But there was a connection there. It wasn’t nearly enough to be a father, but I cared about them. And now there’s no going back. A paternity test was done. No one’s fighting that.”

“You said they weren’t your kids and then you said you cared about them.” Jade elbowed me. “You’re full of conflict, Gabriel.”

The girls’ school popped into my mind again. “Yeah, I really am.”

“I can help with some of it.”

“You should hate me.”

“I do, but I also care about you. Guess I’m filled with conflict too.”

25

JADE

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Jade Clark: The shop will be closed for a few days while I watch Agnes and Beatrice.

Comments:

Kerry Winsor: Oh my God, Jade!!! Will you be okay?

Atticus Thompson: I’m available for backup. Call me in at any time.

Jackie Anne: You’re so brave.

Mark Bell: Don’t join them in throwing anything, Jade. We’re fragile. We can’t handle anything else.

Jade Clark: Fuck you all!!! I’m a great role model!!

Gabriel moved fast, and I was determined to move faster.

The day he was set to leave, I knocked on his door and took a deep breath.

“Be there in a second!” he called. I set my bag on the ground and checked my phone.

Wren

Do you want us to do wellness checks?

Grace

Bring them over if you need help!

Mollie

Do NOT show fear. Kids can smell it.

Piper

I have no idea how to manage two kids, but if anyone can, it’s you!

I could tell my friends were less than thrilled that I was diving so deep into things with Gabriel, but they were still doing their best to support me. Their texts were the first step.