Blair pointed in the direction of the garage. “I put my bike in the garage when we got back, because I didn’t want to deal with squeezing it back into my car while I was also watching Nolan. If you’re okay with it taking up extra space, I can just leave it here. That way we can both use it with him.”

Erin immediately shook her head at Blair’s offer. “It’s your bike. What if you decide you want to ride it and it’s over here so you can’t? I can get my own. Seriously.”

Blair knew for a fact the best bike seats weren’t cheap, and it wasn’t that she didn’t think Erin could afford it, but Erin had better things to spend her hard-earned money on. There was no reason for her to get another one when Blair had no use for that one, except with Nolan. Plus, Blair wasn’t exactly a cycling enthusiast.

She laughed as she thought about how long it had been since she last rode her bike before today. “Erin, I had to clean cobwebs off of my bike to bring it here today. Trust me when I tell you that it won’t be missed.”

Erin laughed along with her. “So, what you’re saying is that between the two of us it will get ridden about three more times this summer?”

“If we’re lucky.”

“Okay, but only if you’re sure.”

Blair was sure of anything that made Erin smile at her the way she was smiling in that moment. “I’m positive.”

“Yay! More bike rides!” Nolan shouted, which was probably for the best since Blair could feel herself slipping away into Erin’s vortex.

The rest of the dinner conversation was mostly led by Nolan. As he told his mom (for the fifth time) about what animals they saw on their bike ride, Blair cleared the dishes from the table and put the leftover pizza in the refrigerator.

“Okay, little man, it’s time to say goodbye to Blair so you can go to bed.” Erin picked Nolan up and rested him against her hip, a long yawn escaping his mouth as he leaned against her.

“But I don’t want Bear to go.”

The feeling is mutual, Blair thought to herself.

“I know, sweetie, but Bear has been here with you all day, and she’ll be back tomorrow. You have to let her go home and be with her own family.”

Nolan didn’t seem satisfied with his mom’s answer, and when he looked at Blair with wide eyes and lips dipped down into a frown, it was clear he wasn’t. “But I just want Bear to put me to bed.”