Erin shared a secret smile with Blair, and while this moment wasn’t nearly as charged as the last, it was still nice. It was as if they had their own language that only the two of them understood. Logically, she knew this wasn’t actually the case. Adults always had looks they gave other adults that kids wouldn’t notice, but with just the two of them and Nolan in the room, it really felt like it was something special just for them.

“I don’t think Blair knew she was the airplane. Which is probably why she just lost half her drink on Mommy’s shirt.” She winked at Blair, then focused her attention on Nolan. “Could you please tell Blair that you’re sorry? Mommy got her this drink to help her feel better after what I'm sure was a long day, and now she only gets a little bit of it.”

Instead of looking at either of them, Nolan stared down at his feet. “I’m sorry, Bear.”

Erin put her hand on Nolan’s head and smiled at Blair once again. “I’m sorry too. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Blair chuckled. This woman was way too nice. “Make what up to me? Half of a drink is still more than you had to give me. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Since I created the thing that caused half of your drink to end up on my shirt, I feel like I do. And I will. I promise.”

Erin wasn’t lying. A day later, when she came home from work, she not only had a new latte for Blair, but also a peanut butter crepe. When Blair insisted she didn’t have to do that, especially the crepe, Erin answered, “Consider it interest, accrued from yesterday’s mishap.”