My heart catches in my throat with her admission. I would give anything to be in her arms tonight. But I’m where I need to be. And I need to stay put and stay focused.

“Can we switch to FaceTime?” I ask, my voice guttural and filled with emotion I can’t hide.

She initiates the call without responding. As soon as I accept, her gorgeous, freckle-faced smile fills the screen, and something settles inside me.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” she giggles.

“You look gorgeous,” I praise as she scrunches her nose at me. “Although a little sunburned,” I observe.

“I was in the pool most of the day. That’s why—that’s why I didn’t see any of your calls. I’m so sorry I didn’t answer, Dem. I just…”

She trails off, then glances away from the phone, frustration written all over her face.

“Hey,” I reprimand. “You’re here now. And honestly, I wouldn’t have had time to talk earlier anyway.”

“I just feel bad. You’ve been through hell today, and I’ve just been sitting at home, worrying about the stupidest things…”

She trails off again, and this time a telling sniffle comes through the line.

“What’s wrong, baby girl? Talk to me,” I softly pry.

She looks like she’s about to burst into tears, and I get the distinct impression it has nothing to do with my mom. She doesn’t answer, instead drawing in a shaky breath and forcing a smile that I know isn’t real.

“I feel bad I wasn’t there for you today,” she admits, wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her Brooklyn sweatshirt. It’s hard to believe we were together in New York just one day ago. It seems like a lifetime has passed since then.

“You’re here now. Seeing your face at the end of the day is all I need to be okay.”

She nods and wipes at her eyes again. I’m frustrated by her reservedness, but I know better than to push when emotions are already so high. I’d do anything to hold her right now.

“What can I do for you? How can I make this easier?” she asks.

Now it’s my turn to smile sadly. What I want and what I need are on two opposite ends of the spectrum. I blow out a long breath before steeling the courage to reply.

“I would give anything to hold you right now, princess, but I think it’s best if I lie low and stick around at home with Fielding until the calling hours and funeral.”

“Okay, I understand,” she whispers. “Can I still call you?”