We talked for a while about the new dog, Hailey’s pony lessons, and my classes. I avoided the subject of Easton. Gratefully, Fran didn’t bring him up either. When we finally ended the call, we both made a promise to speak tomorrow so Fran and Howard could talk to the kids.

After I ended the call, I realized Junie was sitting in the recliner. I hadn’t noticed when she’d come into the room.

“Fran?” she asked.

“Yes, everything is good.”

“I’m relieved.”

“Am I being unreasonable, Junie?” I asked, bringing up a subject that had been on my mind for a few weeks.

“About what?” She glanced up from her phone. She’d been secretively texting someone quite a bit lately. As much as I wanted to pry, I didn’t.

“Easton wanting to adopt Heath and Hailey.”

Junie blinked a few times and squinted at me. She’d expected more conversation about Fran and Howard, and I’d done an end run on her. “You’re being emotional, but changing your kids’ last name and him legally adopting them is an emotional thing. It’s permanent.”

“But am I wrong?”

“I don’t see it as right or wrong. Mark was in those kids’ lives for six years. Easton will be in their lives for the rest of his life. That’s a lot more than six years.”

“You think I should let him change their last name?”

“I think you should think long and hard about the decision. Did you talk to Fran and Howard about it?”

“Oh, God, no. Not when I’m finally in their good graces again.”

“You might want to see what they have to say about it,” Junie suggested.

“Mark wouldn’t have wanted it changed. It’d be like wiping out the last piece left of him.”

“No, it wouldn’t be. They’d still have their memories, and I know you. You’ll make sure they remember him.”

“If I changed it, then I wouldn’t have the same last name as them.”

“Is this about Mark or you?” Junie stared pointedly at me, and she might have hit the nail on the head. Was I being selfish and using Mark as an excuse?

“I don’t trust Easton. What if he’s trying to steal my children from me?”

“Are you listening to yourself?” Junie rolled her eyes and snorted. “Are you serious? I know he’s not, and I don’t know him nearly as well as you do. He’s a good person, Caro. Why would he do something so damaging to you and the kids?”

Again, she was right, and I knew it. “I do miss him.”

“I know you do.”

“These past few weeks without him have been hell, but I’ve hurt him, too.”

“Tell him you’re sorry.”

“I don’t know where to start,” I sighed.

“I know where you can start.” She beamed as if she were the brightest best friend in the world.

“And where would that be?”

“Join him at the family skate.”

“I don’t know if I should,” I hedged.

“I think you should.”