Dedication

For the incredible women who’ve been my biggest supporters. And for all the women out there who build other women up rather than tearing them down.

We’re better together.

Epigraph

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

Marilyn Monroe

1

Cade

Lucy Reid’s eyes flutter my way. The look in them is just a little too appreciative for my taste.

“Well, I love to do arts and crafts. I do a lot of scrapbooking in my spare time. Knitting. I bet Luke would love to do some knitting. Don’t you think, Cade?”

I almost laugh at the way she purrs my name. Also, I’d love to see someone get Luke to sit still long enough to handle two pointy sticks and create something.

She smiles over at Summer now, my little brother’s fiancée, before adding, “You know how it is. We all need some sort of feminine hobbies, don’t we?”

I hear my dad, Harvey, chuckle from where he’s seated in the room’s corner. Hiring a nanny has turned into a full-on family affair.

And a full-on nightmare.

Summer’s lips roll together, and she offers a small, fake smile. “Yes, of course.” I almost snort. Summer’s idea of feminine entertainment is squatting heavy plates at the gym and torturing grown men in the name of “personal training.” She’s lying through her fucking teeth, but it’s possible she’s still new enough in town that Lucy doesn’t know.

Or maybe Lucy is being a snarky bitch to my future sister.

“Alright.” I stand. “Well, thanks. We’ll get back to you.”

Lucy seems a little taken aback by how swiftly I’ve changed the conversation, but I’ve heard and seen all I need to.

And bedside manner isn’t my strong suit. I’m more of a rip-the-band-aid off type.

I spin on my heel, drop my chin, and walk out before it’s too obvious that I saw her outstretched hand and just didn’t care to shake it. Practically stomping to the kitchen, I prop my hands against the butcher block counter that butts up against the window and let my eyes trace out over the open range. Across the peaks of the Rockies that jut up toward the heavens.

This view, wild and craggy, is bursting with color in the early summer—grass a little too green, sky a little too blue, and sun bright enough to wash everything out a bit and make you squint.

After tossing some coffee beans into the grinder to make a fresh pot, I press down on the top to fill the house with the sound and try not to think about what I’m going to do with my kid for the next couple of months. It just leads to beating myself up. Feeling like I should do more for him. Be more present for him.