“I know he did. He knows he did. Let him explain. Even if you don’t want him back, you should at least talk to him, for Dylan’s sake.”

I took the sponge and spray bottle from her and moved out from behind the counter to help. “I will, eventually.”

“You’ll never get over it if you don’t hear him out. You only have one life, and you’re putting it in park.”

I looked out the window at Luke’s office building. I just couldn’t bring myself to go over there. Maybe tomorrow.

I ended up not seeing Luke all day—again. Now it was early evening and I was getting ready to leave for Violet’s book club.

I carefully lowered Calla into her crib, then headed downstairs.

Dylan was on the couch with my dad, eating popcorn and watching Finding Dory. “Are you sure you’ll be okay with them?” I asked him again.

Dad sighed with annoyance. “Lily, I have eight kids. You’re all still alive, aren’t you? I think I can manage to take care of yours while you go to Violet’s.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Give me a kiss goodbye, Dylan, I’ll see you later.” He stood up on the couch, and I hugged him and kissed his soft cheek. “I’ll be back when you’re asleep. Have sweet dreams.”

“Bye, Mommy,” he said and sat back down and cuddled up to my dad.

“Later, Dad.”

I stepped onto the porch just as Cade pulled up in his old Ford Bronco. He beeped the horn, and I rushed to get in. “Jeez, you saw me on the porch. No need to honk at me, butthead.” Sometimes our kid-speak came out, it was unavoidable.

“You were walking too slowly,” he shouted out his window. “Mom made her buffalo chicken dip, and I want to get some before Rose eats it all. And now you’re here, so I have to get to it before you do too.”

My mouth started to water at the thought of the buffalo chicken dip. I hurriedly climbed inside and buckled up. “So, what’s the book?” I asked him. I wasn’t worried, I read everything; there was a reason I’d become a librarian. Cade and I geeked out over books all the time.

“Storm of Swords. I can’t wait.” He turned down the street to Violet’s shop and pulled in.

I got excited and smacked his arm. “That’s my favorite one of the series! Does Luke ever go to book club?” I was trying to be nonchalant. But I failed. I was totally chalant.