“Did you know he proposed to her? That they were together?” I asked, because that’s what was killing me to know.

Her face fell, and she looked horrified. “Jane, are you serious?”

“I found a phone he had hidden away, full of texts saying he loved them both, and pictures that also showed that he had a relationship with Victoria.”

Madie was in shock, and it really looked like she didn’t know.

“Mommy! Are we going to get ice cream?” Cyrus was pulling her skirt, trying to get her attention. It took a moment for her to look at him, and I was positive she didn’t know.

“Yes, honey, but I have to talk to Jane really quickly,” she patted his head. “Jane, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know. I saw them at a park one time, but I didn’t even see if they were together. I just saw Evelyn, and I knew it was his kid.”

I pursed my lips to keep from crying. “She looks so much like him.”

“How much is she asking for, and are you going to offer her something?” she asked.

I knew I should trust her, but I wasn’t ready to do that. “I’m on my way to finish a couple of errands and talk to George. We haven’t decided what we want to do.”

She nodded her head. “I’m sorry you found out like this. I honestly didn’t even think about them until you left, and I ran into her.”

It was my turn to nod my head. “I heard she came to the wedding, and I’m disappointed no one said anything about her enormous belly. Apparently, that’s when he found out.”

“Mommy!” Cyrus was pulling her skirt again.

“Come have ice cream with us?” she asked me, and I looked at the kids who had eager faces, hoping that I would say yes.

“Yes! Come with us please!” Jeanie pleaded.

“I can’t, I have a lot of stuff I have to do, and I still have to go see George,” I said, glad I had an excuse because saying no to her kids was brutal.

“What about dinner?” she asked, looking hopeful.

“Madie, I’m just not ready. I understand they put you in a bad position, but I—”

“I know,” she interrupted me. “I just … I just miss you, and I know I fucked up royally.”

I nodded, feeling like I wanted to say more, but I knew it might be too much for me right now. “I have to finish my errands before I meet George. So, I’ll see you guys later. Congrats, Madie, she’s beautiful.”

“Bye, Janie!” The kids gave me a hug, and Madie made an attempt, but she stopped herself. I loved her but I wasn’t ready for the familiarity we had before, no matter how much I wished it would go back to normal.