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For the next hour we play happy family, with chaos and laughter echoing through the house. Ava’s covered in the flour we used to stop the cookies from sticking to the counter. Beckett’s face is split into a huge grin. And I’ve never felt more love in this house than I do at this moment.

But it’s fleeting.

While Ava’s distracted, Beckett glances at his watch and stiffens, schooling his features as he lifts his gaze to mine.

I grab the tray of cookies and smile at the two of them. “These would have to be the best cookies we’ve made. Don’t you think, Ava?”

“Maybe.” She shrugs, making Beckett chuckle as he leans closer to whisper in my ear.

“I tried.”

I shake my head as I turn back to Ava. “Do you want to watch a movie while the cookies bake?” I offer, completely out of character for me. I usually ask her to help me clean up. And with the way her eyes light up, she knows she’s had a win.

“Can I?”

“Of course, just make sure you wash your hands first. And your arms. And face.”

“I need to do that too,” Beckett whispers again, and I playfully bump his shoulder with mine. He’s as clean as he was when he first walked in.

“I’m going to watch The Little Mermaid,” Ava announces as she rushes off, and I blow out a breath.

“Yay,” I cheer, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in my tone since she can no longer hear me. “That’ll be number eleven.”

“Eleven?”

“Yep. I blame you.”

“Me?”

“She’s had a princess fixation since you walked her down the aisle.” I raise a brow and he bites his lip, a guilty expression flashing across his face.

“Henley may have mentioned something about that. Whoops.”

“Whoops indeed.”

Beckett chuckles, but the amusement doesn’t reach his eyes, and I recall his expression from when he first arrived.

“Not to ruin a nice afternoon, but… You came back?” My question earns me a wince and I instantly know what’s coming.

“Will you walk me out?” he asks, confirming my suspicion.

I take off my apron and nod, unable to look his way in case my stupid eyes start to water.

Beckett and Ava say their goodbyes like they’ll be seeing each other tomorrow, while emotion clogs my throat.

The air makes me involuntarily shiver as I step outside, and yet I can’t feel a thing.

We’re both quiet until the door shuts behind us and Beckett sighs.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispers, his voice fracturing as though he’s being forced to say the words against his will. “I like you, Lily, and I wish things were different but⁠—”

“You don’t have to explain,” I don’t let him finish, shrugging with nonchalance, protecting my heart more than anything else. And he sees right through my veiled attempt.

“I’m hurting you already.”

“No. Well, yes. But it’s not your fault. There are so many things playing against us. I never expected more than what we had. Even just seeing you now is a bonus.”

This is for the best.