I glance at Evie to make sure she’s still absorbed by the movie. Matilda is tucked under her arm, her eyes wide as Moana sails across the screen. Good. She doesn’t need to hear any of this.
I turn back to the girls. “He came by the house. Wanted to see Evie. Said his lawyer told him to ‘appear involved.’”
Brynn’s lips press into a thin line. “So this is why police were called out to Daniel’s house.”
I give her the side-eye. “You’re as bad as Haddie with how you stalk that Facebook page.”
She shrugs. “I just like to stay current with town events.”
Kinsey mutters something that absolutely cannot be repeated in polite company. “Please tell me you slammed the door in Daniel’s face.”
“I told him to leave,” I say quietly. “And he did. Eventually. But he…he pushed every old button. Every bruise I thought I’d healed. He made me feel so small.”
Brynn shifts closer until her knee presses against mine. “You’re not small. Ever.”
Kinsey nods, eyes sharp now. “Kate, he’s trying to intimidate you. It’s textbook. But you have something he doesn’t.”
“What? Anxiety and a mortgage?”
She flicks my knee. “Support. People who actually show up. A community that sees you as more than a last name with influence.”
My throat tightens again, but this time it’s a warm ache instead of the cold sting Daniel left behind. “I know.”
Kinsey taps her nails against her cup. “Also, for the record? Cameron Wells adores you. He’s a protector. You can see it every time he looks at you. It’s gross.”
“It is not gross,” Brynn argues.
“It’s kinda gross,” Kinsey insists. “Gross in a good way. Like I’m happy for you yet slightly nauseous because you’re that perfect together.”
I laugh, wiping at the corner of my eye. “God, I needed this.”
“You need more than this,” Brynn says gently. “You need rest. And love. And someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to Daniel when it counts.”
Kinsey points at her. “Enter: Cam Wells.”
“Kinsey,” I hiss, even as I smile.
She shrugs. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
I can’t. Because she isn’t.
I sink back into the couch, letting the warmth of them settle into my bones. “I think I’m just…still getting used to it. Letting someone be there and letting someone care for us without waiting for the catch.”
“That’s because the last guy you dated was human cardboard,” Kinsey says bluntly.
“Yeah, he wasn’t the greatest,” Brynn adds.
I choke on my coffee. “Okay, both of you stop.”
Evie looks over, curls bouncing. “Mom? Why are you laughing so loud?”
“Because Aunt Brynn and Aunt Kinsey are being silly,” I say.
Kinsey points her straw at her. “We are hilarious, thank you very much.”
Evie grins and turns back to the movie.
Brynn leans close again, voice gentle. “You’re doing the right thing, Kate. For you. For Evie.”
