Seb grins. “That’s true.”
I move further into the kitchen, loosening my cuffs. “What are you making?”
“Brownies,” Sebastian says proudly. “Jessica says mine are nearly as good as hers now.”
“Nearly,” Jessica repeats firmly.
I huff out a quiet laugh before I can stop myself and move beside the counter. Somehow, within minutes, I’m helping melt chocolate while Seb argues passionately about the correct number of marshmallows.
And it’s . . .
Easy.
There’s no tension, no feeling like I’m constantly saying the wrong thing.
I lean back against the counter, watching Jessica wipe flour from Seb’s cheek while he complains dramatically, and a thought hits me unexpectedly hard.
Why was it never this easy with Wynter?
The answer comes instantly.Because Wynter isn’t easy.
She’s emotion and chaos and unpredictability wrapped up in one tiny, stubborn woman.
And somehow . . .
I still wouldn’t trade her for this calm. The thought unsettles me.
Sebastian heads out the kitchen once the brownies go into the oven. “I’m gonna clean up before homework.”
Jessica points after him. “And wash your hands properly this time.”
He rolls his eyes dramatically before disappearing. Silence settles once he’s gone.
Jessica keeps wiping down the counter for another few seconds before glancing at me sideways. “Alright,” she says casually. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Ray.”
I sigh heavily, scrubbing a hand over my jaw. “She walked out of Harrods today.”
Jessica stills slightly. “Wynter?”
“Who else?” I mutter.
I push away from the counter and pour myself a drink before explaining everything. The personal shopper. The argument. Wynter disappearing without a word.
By the end of it, Jessica’s expression has shifted from curiosity to understanding.
“What?” I ask flatly.
She leans against the counter. “I think maybe you overwhelmed her.”
I bark out a humourless laugh. “By buying things for the baby?”
“No,” she says patiently. “By taking over.”
I frown.
