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Understanding finally replaces the frustration on her face. "You're not going to miss everything."

"I already am."

"No, you aren't."

I scoff. "Easy for you to say. You're the one holding all the reins. And I'll tell you something else. I'm scared you're gonna leave."

Her anger vanishes. "Jagger⁠—"

"No. You don't understand. Our night together actually meant something to me. I spent eleven months wondering why you never called. Then you showed up with my daughter. So yeah, I'm probably holding on too tight. I'm probably pushing too hard. But every time you walk away with Charlie, some fucked-up part of my brain wonders if this is the time you don't come back."

More tears fall down her cheek. She brushes them away. "Is that why you wanted to drive me tonight?"

I shrug. "Maybe. Part of it. But I wanted you safe. I'm always going to want you safe. Sue me."

She puts her hand on my cheek. "I'm not leaving you. And I wouldn't leave Charlie and skip town."

"I know. I wasn't implying that. There's no way you would leave her. You're a great mom," I tell her.

She smiles and adds, "And I'm sorry, but I'm going back to the Butterfly House tonight."

My anger resurfaces.

She adds, "Tomorrow, we can talk about Charlie staying with you."

I freeze. "Really?"

"Yes. Staying with you. Not moving in."

"I heard you."

"Did you?"

"Yes."

She studies me suspiciously.

I declare, "I can compromise."

"Since when?"

"About thirty seconds ago."

She laughs softly.

I put my arms around her and pull her closer. "I'm sorry."

"For which part?"

"Dealer's choice."

She looks up. "That's not how apologies work."

"Then I'm sorry for pushing you. I'm sorry for the Charlie comment. And I'm sorry I acted like offering you a ride meant you weren't allowed to say no," I state.

She stares at me, her lips twitching. "That was good. Anything else?"

"I'm sorry I fucked Megan."