Will straightened, his teenage face looking so grown up in that moment. He and Caelyn both had endured way more than they should’ve had to, at way too young an age. “I’m sorry about Miss Harriet. She was a great lady.”

“She really was. Thanks, Will.”

He ducked his head and placed a hand on Ava’s shoulder. “Should we go?”

Ford glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time.”

Mia squirmed, and I gently set her down, her small hand slipping into mine. The pang that sliced through my heart wasn’t as strong as it had once been. When Bell and I returned from college to help Caelyn with her siblings, time with Mia and Ava had burned. Every giggle. Every first. It all reminded me of the things I’d never have with my little girl. But each day, it got a little easier. And now, the twinges barely registered.

We made our way across the parking lot, cars growing more tightly packed as we went. Heavier footsteps sounded as someone fell into step beside me. “How are you holding up, Brown Eyes?”

I kept my gaze straight ahead, would’ve picked up my pace if I weren’t holding Mia’s hand. “I’m fine.”

“You know,” he drawled, “I’ve always hated that word.”

Mia giggled. “Why?”

He tilted his head down, giving Mia a grin. “People use it when they don’t mean it.”

Mia’s gaze jumped to me. “You’re not fine? What’s wrong?”

I bit back a curse and scowled at Crosby. “Don’t listen to him. Crosby doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Maybe we should get him a dictionary so he can finally master the English language.”

Mia hesitated for a moment as if she weren’t sure who to believe, then she smiled. “A dictionary would be a really boring gift.”

I grinned. “Then let’s get him one for his birthday.”

“Yes, let’s! I’m gonna go tell Cae Cae.”

Mia darted off for Caelyn, and my scowl returned. I pointed it right at Crosby. “You need to watch your words around little ears. Mia’s sensitive. She picks up on everything.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I’ll be more careful next time.”

I blinked in surprise. No smart-ass retort, no biting remark. Crosby actually looked…worried. Guilty. Before I could think better of it, I reached out a hand and placed it on his forearm. The fabric of his suit was luxurious and so incredibly soft. “She’s fine. I promise.”

Crosby nodded, his eyes drifting down to where my hand lay. I snatched it back.

“Are you going to be okay with the Abbots being here?” he asked.

I straightened my spine. “I’ll be fine. This isn’t about them. It’s about Harriet. Remembering her. Honoring her.” I refused to let any other member of this family ruin today.