“It’s Easton, and he wants to meet this morning. Go over everything. The condo will be ready in a few days.”

“Then meet with him.”

“I’m not ready yet. It’s not a good time.”

“It’ll never be a good time.” Juniper rolled her eyes. “Putting off this meeting isn’t going to make things easier. You’re here and committed to going through with this.”

“Regardless, he’ll want to meet the kids right away. They’re still adjusting to the move, and his appearance might set them back. I need to make a plan, figure out how to handle this for the kids’ sakes.”

“You’ve had a week to devise a plan. So far all I’ve seen is a garbage can full of half-finished lists. Quit worrying. Kids are resilient. They’ll bounce back.”

“My kids also hold grudges. They’ve been taking out their grief on me ever since their dad died. When they find out about Easton, they’ll be furious. I’m not sure how I’ll go about explaining the situation to them. They’re only six.”

“They might be six, but they’re bright kids, and they will forgive you.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

“Mom, Heath stole my candy bar!” Hailey ran into the room, tears streaking down her face and sobbing as if she’d lost something far more valuable than a candy bar. Heath stood behind her, saying nothing. His face was void of all emotion, reminding me of his father during a hockey game.

“First of all, how did you get a candy bar? You know I don’t like you eating too much candy.”

Hailey didn’t answer me.

“Regardless, stealing is never acceptable. Heath, did you steal your sister’s candy bar?”

Heath stuck out his lower lip in a show of belligerence. “No.”

My phone rang, and I reached for it. Easton. Just what I needed right now. Hailey was yelling at Heath, and Heath turned his back on her and stomped to the only bedroom with her on his heels.

I had a splitting headache.

“You have to answer him, Caro. I’ll take the kids to school.”

With a resigned sigh, I pressed the answer button. “Hi.”

“Wow. Don’t sound so happy to hear from me. What time are we meeting and where?”

“Today isn’t a good time. It’ll have to wait.”

“What? What do you mean?” Now one more person was pissed at me.

“I mean it’s not a good time.” I was reaching the end of my patience.

“What kind of game are you playing?”

I was playing a coward’s game, getting cold feet, having second thoughts. I didn’t want anyone else to have a say in my children’s lives, but it was a little late for that. “No games. I promise.”

“The condo should be ready in a day or so. As soon as I get the green light, I’ll give you a tour, and some of the guys are going to help move you in this weekend.”

“That’s not necessary. I’ll hire movers. I don’t need your help.”