We did indeed have a few rush hour injuries, and I scheduled a surgery to repair a broken femur with me and Christopher for the afternoon. “I’ll let you take the lead, Blaire,” he told me as we scrubbed up. “But I’ll be there with you the whole way. You’ve got this.”

Our surgery went well, and I was feeling pumped up by the time I finally went back into the lounge to shower and change clothes. I got my purse from my locker and checked my phone, noticing that Ax had messaged me saying that something had come up and Beau was picking Carrie up from school.

I called him immediately, concerned that maybe the flu had finally caught up with him. He only had Tuesdays off every week, and he liked to spend them with Carrie, so I knew something must be really wrong.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Ax, are you okay?” I asked quickly.

“Yeah, I’m good. Why?” He sounded fine but distracted.

“I was worried you were sick or something since you’re not with Carrie.”

“Oh, um, Milan’s stuff arrived from Boston today, so I’m helping her move into her new apartment.” Of course, you are. “I found her an apartment in our building.” Of course, you did. I was silent, unable to find the words. “I told Beau to tell Carrie I would take y’all out for Mexican food tonight.”

“I’m sure that will make up for not getting to go to the aquarium,” I finally said.

“Okay, good,” he said, either missing or ignoring my sarcasm. “I’ve gotta run, babe. See you around six thirty, okay?” I think I made a noise of agreement, but Axel didn’t hear it because he had already hung up.

I drove over to Beau’s and went inside to pick up Carrie. Everyone yelled hello from their seats around the living room. “Hey, babe,” Bode said, drawing me into a big, warm hug. I bit my lip to try and keep from crying, but a couple of tears slipped out and down my face. Bode pulled back and searched my face with a frown. “What’s wrong, Blaire?” he asked quietly, swiping my cheeks with his thumbs.

“Nothing. I’m fine. Just a long day, you know?” I said, faking a smile.

“You sure? Is something going on with Axel? Carrie said he was supposed to take her to the aquarium today.” I just shook my head, and Bode took my hand and led me into the kitchen. “Talk to me, sweetheart,” he said, leading me to a stool at the bar.

“There’s this… woman,” I started, and Bode’s jaw tightened. “She’s an old friend of Axel’s, and now she’s moving here. He decided to help her move today, and I guess it just hurt my feelings.” I didn’t mention the baby. I wasn’t ready to share that just yet.