It was unusual for Jess to be alone with Alice. Usually there was someone else in the house too. Apparently, when death circled, so did people and casseroles. Karen had set up a schedule so Jess wasn’t exhausted by visitors and she checked if Jess wished to see them. She’d said yes to everyone, even Genevieve Lawry, who’d made her life hell. The woman had sobbed over her, apologizing for ostracizing her and seeking her forgiveness. Jess couldn’t help feeling Genevieve’s visit was more to do with the woman’s terror that if she didn’t apologize, Jess might haunt her.

It surprised her who chose to visit, but outside of her care team, the only person she really wanted to see was Libby. The only thing holding Jess back from asking her to visit was the dread Libby would refuse. It was one indignity she refused to suffer.

In the early afternoon sunshine, Alice looked like a big kid or a children’s entertainer. Once Jess had dismissed Alice and her signature bright clothing choices as immature, clownish and completely lacking in style. But the specter of death had given Jess new eyes. Over many days, she’d watched Leo’s wondrous delight as he hid under Alice’s rainbow print circular skirt or drew his finger over the elephants on her pants.

“I can’t play with him for long before I’m exhausted, but I love watching him with you.” Jess plucked at the light cotton blanket. “I didn’t expect you’d want to help … We’ve never been close.”

Alice made a sound that held the nub of a laugh. “That’s an understatement. When you and Libby got together, I always felt I was in the way.”

Jess felt responsible for that. “I think I was jealous of you.”

“Me? I was gangly and insecure while you and Libby owned the school.”

“You had parents and a sister who loved you.”

An odd look crossed Alice’s face. “You’re right. I got lucky.”

At least one Hunter girl realized that. Something crystalized. “I want Leo to know love like that. When I watch him with you, I know he has it. I want you to co-parent him with Nick.”

Alice stared at her, eyes wide. “But you’ve made your will …”

“I’m still breathing, Alice. I can change it.”

“Right. Of course.” Alice tugged on her hair and Jess half expected her to suck on the ends like she’d done when she was a teen. “Jess, you know I love Leo to bits just like I love the girls, but I’m not sure me co-parenting him with my brother-in-law is the best solution.”

Steel coiled in her belly. “It’s better than Libby hating him.”

“She doesn’t hate him.”

“I’m not stupid, Alice. I’m dying and I don’t have time for bullshit. Leo is my priority. Nothing else matters.”