“But I’m making up for lost time, Jax. It’s just a sleepover.” Claire sank into my couch, kicked off her shoes, and tucked her legs under her, sitting like she always did. A few years ago, that familiar sight might have stirred up long-dead feelings, but not anymore.

I leaned back and shot a glance up my stairs to be sure Finley wasn’t eavesdropping. “It’s not just a sleepover. It’s a complete disruption in her schedule.”

Her lips pursed. “She’s five. She doesn’t need a schedule.”

“She’s five, which is why she needs a schedule. Kids like boundaries and predictability, Claire. You coming home is great, but Finley can’t just bounce around like a tennis ball.”

“I came back to spend time with her,” she argued. “How can I do that if you won’t let me?” Her face fell.

“Who says I’m not letting you?” I rubbed the skin between my eyebrows and prayed for patience. Claire had thrown everything into upheaval in the last ten days.

“You just said I can’t take her tonight!” she snapped.

“First, keep your voice down. Fin doesn’t need to hear any of this. Second, no, you can’t just pick her up and take her when it suits you. You had her last weekend. This is my weekend, and weekends don’t start on Thursday nights.” I cued up a playlist on my phone, and Mumford and Sons played through the speakers. Hopefully, that would keep Fin’s ears from hearing much.

A slow smile spread across Claire’s face. “You still listen to this?”

“Apparently.”

Her smile faded at my tone. “Why aren’t you happy that I’m home, Jax? Isn’t this what you wanted?”

I blew out a breath and sat in the love seat across from her. “I’m happy you’re home, as long as you’re actually staying.”

She had the nerve to look hurt. “This time is different, Jax.”

“Really? And why is that?” I leaned forward, bracing my elbows on my knees.

“Because when Brianna called and said she thought you were really moving on, I realized that I needed to be here.” Her eyes searched mine for something I couldn’t give her.

My stomach twisted. “You’re home for Finley, right? Because that’s the only relationship you can improve.”

She drew back and blinked quickly, looking away.

Shit. The hardest thing about arguing with Claire was not knowing if she was showing her real emotions or acting.

“Claire. Tell me you’re here for Finley,” I repeated, softening my tone.

“I don’t want another woman raising my child,” she admitted, not meeting my eyes.

Morgan. This was all about Morgan.

“I am in full support of you helping to raise Finley,” I told her honestly. “You’re her mother.”

She brought her gaze to mine, and the vulnerability there caught me off guard.