“She’s not alone. We still have Angela and Betty. So, we might have to ask them to come in more often. No big deal. I’m getting used to their drill sergeant tendencies. Don’t tell your mother that. I don’t want her getting any ideas.”

She laughed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

“And maybe I’m being a little selfish in this request, but I want to see you thrive at work again before I go. One of the best things about being your dad is when you’d come over for dinner and update us on how the restaurants are doing. That smile would light up any room. I want to see that light again. Take on whatever Gwen needs you for.”

“Are you sure?” Reagan asked, her bottom lip quivering.

“Positive. Now come here.” He opened his arms wide and she fell into them without hesitation. She hugged and cried into his neck, taking care not to squeeze too hard and cause him any pain. The thought of how much she’d miss this when he was gone brought on a new round of tears. He squeezed her tighter, almost as if he knew this would be one of his last chances for a hug like this. She even felt tears seeping through her hair where his cheek rested on the crown of her head.

Once the tears ended, Reagan released the grip on her dad and sat back. He rubbed his hands together and a smile broke out across his face.

“Now, break out Yahtzee. I need to kick your ass again.”

Reagan laughed and rolled her eyes. “Okay, Dad.”

Chapter Five

Jill enjoyed getting shit done. The number of items on her to-do list had started at thirty-five in the morning, and now only contained seven tasks. Browsing the list, she picked the most pressing matter left and got to work. Thankfully, typing updates for her client and her team didn’t require talking to anyone, which she’d done for most of the day. The silence felt superb.

Only a moment later, murmurs outside her open office door broke the silence, and Ash let out an uncharacteristically loud laugh. Jill grated her teeth at the interruption as her best friend, Samantha, sauntered into the room and claimed a chair in front of Jill’s desk.

“Hey, stranger.”

“Sure, have a seat, Samantha.”

Sam grinned. “Don’t mind if I do.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Wow. Such a wonderful greeting. I’m great, thanks. How are you?”

Jill gestured to the papers strewn across her desk. “Busy. Now, what are you doing here?”

“I had a meeting with a client down the street and thought I’d stop by. And to tell you you’re coming out with me tonight.”

“No.”

“Yes.”