“A child is never baggage!” Flora gripped the edge of the counter. Her heart was racing and she felt a little breathless. How could that one word produce such an intense response? “His girls are adorable, and an important part of his life.” She wouldn’t, couldn’t, think of them as baggage.

“Sorry.” Julia put her hand on Flora’s arm. “I hit a nerve.”

Flora opened her mouth to change the subject, but in the end all that left her mouth was the truth.

“I was baggage. I heard my aunt say it once. ‘My sister left me her baggage.’”

“Oh Flora—” Julia’s eyes were warm with sympathy. “You weren’t baggage. You were a gift, but your aunt was too blind to see it.”

“An unwanted gift. Believe me, there is no worse feeling for a child than knowing you’re unwanted.” And it was different, of course, because Molly and Izzy had Jack, but Flora didn’t want to cause them a moment of insecurity. That was more important to her even than her feelings for Jack.

And what were her feelings for Jack?

Was it love? Maybe. Or maybe she was simply enjoying the novelty of being with someone who seemed to be genuinely interested in her.

Flora walked, or rather limped, the twenty paces to the coffee shop. Every step was agony, her muscles screaming in protest as she moved.

If Izzy suggested running again tomorrow, she’d be in trouble.

Jack was sitting at a table by the window, and there was a coffee and her favorite chicken salad waiting.

“Do you want something stronger than coffee and water?”

“This is great, thank you.” She sat down and took a sip. “So why the surprise visit?”

“I wanted to spend time with you.”

“I’m living in your house.”

“I’m not sure if that makes our relationship more, or less, frustrating. We haven’t exactly had much alone time.” He moved his chair closer to hers and leaned forward. “I’ve been thinking about the summer. You can’t stay on your own in the house.”

Her heart plunged like an express elevator. “I understand.” She was going to have to find somewhere new to rent, and she’d have to do it quickly. “I’ve already started looking for somewhere to live.”

“You’re looking for apartments? Why?”

“Because I can’t face going back to the old one even if he manages to fix it. Even without the water disaster, there wasn’t much to be excited about.” It was unsettling to realize how much she was enjoying living as part of his family. Even the situation with Izzy couldn’t tarnish the shiny feeling she had when she woke up in the mornings. “But I understand that I can’t stay in the house, so don’t worry. I’m already working on a solution.”