I was a fool and an idiot, and I was now deeper into this mess than I’d ever been. I was scared and fearing I’d never measure up to all those other women chasing after Easton. My insecurities ran rampant this morning, and I regretted last night, even while I had to admit I’d do it again given the opportunity.

The kids woke up shortly after Easton left to walk the dog. We’d almost gotten caught.

My phone rang, displaying Fran’s name. Oh, my God, I’d forgotten to return their call yesterday. Now I really felt like shit. In all the chaos that was Christmas and my mixed-up feelings regarding Easton, I’d completely left out two of the best people in my life on the biggest family holiday of the year.

“Fran, I’m so sorry we didn’t call you back yesterday.”

I moved out of the living room and down the hall to my bedroom. Bad idea. The bedroom reminded me of last night and Easton. I hurried back to the hallway.

“That’s not like you, Caro. It was Christmas day, for God’s sake, and we didn’t get to talk to our only grandchildren. I know they’re not blood, but they’re our grandkids. Have you already forgotten us?” Fran was understandably upset, and I deserved her anger.

“I’m so sorry.” As busy as I was, the Mills were important to my children and to me.

“How quickly you’ve moved on, Caro. It’s as if none of us ever existed. Did you take even a moment to remember Mark yesterday? Did all those wonderful Christmases we spent together as a family mean nothing to you? We loved you like the daughter we never had. We treated you well, and this is the thanks we get?”

I’d never heard Fran so upset. Guilt crushed me with the force of an elephant sitting on my chest. I was a horrible person. Really horrible.

“Fran, I know words can’t fix this, but I’m truly sorry.”

“I’m hurt, really hurt, Caro. Sorry isn’t going to fix this. I’d rather not talk to you. Please put the grandkids on the line.”

“Here’s Hailey.” I handed the phone to Hailey. “It’s your grandmother, sweetie.”

Hailey grabbed the phone and took it into her bedroom, jabbering excitedly. Heath hurried after her, patiently waiting for his turn. I trudged to the kitchen, bearing the huge weight of guilt. I’d messed up. I’d been so wrapped up in the holidays and Easton, I’d forgotten about Fran and Howard.

I heard a rap on the door and opened it for Easton and Mona to enter.

He took one look and my face and said, “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to have the kids call their grandparents yesterday.” I was miserable. I’d brought this on myself, and I had no one else to blame. My attention had been focused solely on myself, Easton, and the kids. No one else had entered my tight little world yesterday. I’d barely thought of Mark. This had been my first Christmas without him, and I’d forgotten the man I’d spent seven years with as if he’d never existed. He’d been there for me when Easton hadn’t. He’d loved my children and given me a good life. His parents had loved me as their own. They’d supported me and always been there for me, and this was how I repaid them. I was an awful person, and I’d betrayed them. I’d betrayed Mark. I’d betrayed my children.