“Thanks.” Amber kept a tight hold on Hunter as she dropped his diaper bag on the floor. They both looked as tired as Bea felt.

Bea shut the door. “What are you guys up to?”

Amber looked a little nervous. “I was hoping you’d be able to watch Hunter again.”

Bea raised her eyebrows. She’d been counting on getting some rest. And she was all alone. “Um . . .”

“I know I should’ve texted first. I’m sorry.” Amber moved Hunter to the other side of her body. “Man, he’s getting heavy.”

“Is it Axel again?”

Amber nodded. “He says he’s got some money for me.”

Bea squirmed. That should be good news, right? Then why did it make her cringe inside? “Are you sure about this, Amber?”

“I need the money.”

“No, I know.” Bea spit out the words before she lost her nerve. “But I don’t want you to get hurt again. I just wonder if he’s really changed.”

Amber glanced at Hunter, and a flash of uncertainty pinched her face before she gave Bea a big smile. “It’s going to be fine. He wants to take me to breakfast. Just the two of us.”

Bea eyed the baby warily. Despite her reservations about Axel, she did want to help her friend. Amber was the only person she’d connected with since coming back home. But after last time . . .

“When would you be back? I have to work at one.”

Amber shifted on her feet. “Two hours, tops. I promise. It wasn’t right for me to leave you hanging like that before.”

Bea hesitated a moment more. Then her eyes landed on Hunter’s newly trimmed head and an idea formed. “Okay.” She forced some enthusiasm into her voice and reached for the baby. “But you owe me a favor in return.”

Hunter whimpered as Amber released him. “Of course. Anything.”

“Do you think you could cut my grandma’s hair?”

Amber’s face lit up. “Sure. I’d love to do that.”

Hunter started to cry, and Bea frowned.

“I better go. He’ll be fine.” Amber opened the door. “He’ll forget all about me in five minutes.”

Bea did not feel as confident about that as Amber sounded. She nodded. “See you in two hours.”

She took Hunter into the living room, where they watched out the window as Amber drove away.

“Mama,” Hunter cried. He reached out and touched the glass. “Mama.”

“It’s okay, buddy.” Bea massaged his back. “She’ll be back soon.”

Soon. Yep. Only one hour and fifty-nine minutes to go.

Bea had tried everything. She had rocked him. Offered him snacks. Checked his diaper. She’d even sung a dozen songs. But Hunter was having none of it.

“What do you need, buddy?” She tousled his hair like she’d seen Amber do. “Do you miss your mom?”

He jerked around in her arms and wailed, “Mama! Mamaaaaaa . . .”