I pulled back slightly when I heard his door open and close, knowing Finley would follow. “I’ll tell you about Will, if you want to know more than what the articles said. You just have to be patient. I have this thing—it’s called complicated grief—and it makes it really hard to talk about him. But it’s getting better.”

His eyes widened, and he nodded quickly. “I want to know whatever you’re willing and ready to tell me.”

“Morgan!” Finley called out as she thundered down the steps.

“Hey, Fin!” I pulled out of Jackson’s arms and waved at her as she raced toward me.

“Shit. Morgan, there’s something I need to tell you,” Jackson began.

“I’ve missed you! Where have you been? I have so many shells to show you!” Finley’s words came at me with the same speed that she did, and I barely maintained my balance as she tackled me with a hug.

“I’ve missed you, too!” I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. “I can’t wait to see the shells.”

She grinned up at me, sporting two pigtail French braids.

“Wow, I love your braids!” They looked fantastic, even if a little tight.

“Thanks! Mommy did them!” She nodded enthusiastically.

Everything went wobbly as my questioning gaze flew toward Jackson. “Mommy?”

“That’s what—”

“Yes, Mommy,” a clipped, feminine voice asserted from a few feet away. “As in her mother. Who would be me.”

Sweet mercy, the woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her clothes were obviously couture, her body flawless, and her makeup expert. Her auburn hair was a shade darker than Finley’s, and her complexion was worthy of a skincare ad. No wonder she was an actress. No wonder Jackson had fallen in love with her.

Suddenly, my shorts and tank top felt dowdy next to her silk blouse, and I regretted not wearing a stitch of makeup.

She arched a delicate eyebrow, as if she could read my mind.

“You must be Claire,” I said, finding my voice and forcing a smile. This woman created Finley, and obviously the little girl was happy to have her near, so the least I could do was be happy for her. “I’m Morgan. It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Right. Finley mentioned you a few times.” She walked forward and put her hand on Finley’s shoulder, careful not to touch me in the process. “Why don’t you get in the car, baby? Daddy and I don’t want to be late.”

Daddy and I. Good Lord, I’d found myself smack in the middle of a family. My cheeks stained with color as Finley waved good-bye and ran toward the garage.