Izzy’s face lost some color. “But I can help with the sails, and make sure Molly’s okay. She’s a little nervous around water right now—”

“She’ll be great.” He added sailing gloves and wet suit boots, zipped the bag and dropped it by the door. “We’re going to have one of our special Dad and Molly days, aren’t we, honey?” He gave Molly a quick hug and she hugged him back.

“Yay! A Dad and Molly day. Just the two of us and Chase.” She danced a little on the spot and Flora was willing to bet that each time those feet thumped the floor Izzy felt they’d landed on her chest.

She knew for sure Jack thought he was being generous to Izzy, but she could also see he was saying and doing the wrong thing.

“Okay. Sounds fun.” Izzy’s smile was almost painfully bright. “I’ll make the picnic for you.”

“No need.” Jack picked up a bag from the counter and waved it proudly. “I’ve got it.”

“Did you make ham sandwiches?”

“No, because Molly hates ham. You taught me that, and I paid attention. I made her cheese.”

Izzy swallowed. “How about her drink? You always forget to pack a drink.”

“Not today. I have learned from my mistakes and I have juice and water.” Jack produced it from the backpack with a flourish. There was a hint of the triumphant in his smile. “Are you impressed? I think I’ve officially passed the dad test. We no longer need you to run the household, Izzy.”

Izzy’s hand stilled on Chase’s belly. “Right. So—I’m not needed.” Something in her voice made Flora wish Jack would stop talking, but he didn’t.

“That’s right. You can go to college without worrying that we’re going to starve or be buried under a mountain of laundry.”

Was that what this was? Was he trying to prove that he could survive without Izzy?

Flora wondered if the mention of college would trigger an explosion, but Izzy said nothing.

She watched as Jack bundled the picnic into the bag along with all the sailing gear.

Flora had a bad feeling and couldn’t quite pinpoint why. There was no tantrum and no fiery words. Just a stillness and a sense of quiet misery that worried Flora more.

Was Izzy feeling left out? Was that what was happening?

She glanced at Jack but he was arguing with Molly over whether to pack apples or pears and didn’t seem concerned.

Maybe this was family dynamics. Something Flora knew little about.

Izzy stood up. “Have fun today.” She paused, but Jack was trying to persuade Molly to let him rub sunscreen on her neck and didn’t seem to hear.

Izzy grabbed her backpack and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.