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Just as I’m preparing to explain subtraction for the tenth time, someone knocks on the front door.

“I’ll get it!” Aspen announces, hopping off her chair and racing away before I can stop her.

The door swings open.

“Hi, Mommy!”

Fuck.

Courtney and I haven’t been alone together since the day she walked into The Breakwater.

“Hey,” I say, giving her an awkward wave.

Why am I so fucking awkward?

Aspen turns toward me, practically bouncing on her toes. “Mommy and Nana are taking me for afternoon tea.”

“Trudy is picking us up in a few minutes,” Courtney explains. “I texted Dean, and he said it was okay. He was going to let you know.”

“Oh, I haven’t checked my phone. Sorry.” I glance at Aspen, who is still wearing the shirt she got syrup all over at breakfast. “I would’ve had her ready.”

Courtney smiles slightly. “It’s fine. Pen, go grab your things. I’ll wait here.”

Aspen races upstairs, leaving Courtney and me standing in Dean’s kitchen.

Alone.

Great.

“Coffee?” I offer.

Courtney glances toward the machine. “Sure. We’ve got a few minutes.”

Of course. Now I have to make coffee while pretending I haven’t spent the last week actively avoiding being alone with her.

I turn toward the counter, mostly so I have something to do with my hands. “I hope you know I’m not trying to—”

“Blair.”

I stop and look over my shoulder.

Courtney leans against the counter. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Act like you need my permission to be here.”

I release a slow breath before turning back to face her. “I just don’t want you thinking I’m trying to take your place.”

“I don’t think that,” she says quietly. “I know what my absence left behind. I’m not going to hold it against you for being there when I wasn’t.”

The honesty in her voice catches me off guard.

“For what it’s worth, I would’ve given anything for my mom to make the effort you’re making now,” I tell her. “Aspen loves having you around.”

Courtney gives me a small, almost uncertain smile. “I’m trying.”

“I know.”