Cole has only ever followed through with his word. He’s never made promises and failed me. He’s been there when he didn’t have to be and stepped up for Ethan’s baseball team when he didn’t have an iron in the fire.

He’s a good man.

“He’s nice to you, Mom. All the time. Not like Charlie or the other guys you’ve gone out with that make you mad and frustrated. Or cry in the bathroom. This is the kind of guy you should have around. And I like him, too, and he doesn’t think I’m just some punk kid . . .”

“I really like him, Val,” I say, my voice shaking. “I like him a lot.”

“I know you do. And he seems like the exact kind of guy that you need, and I’m thrilled for you. Make sure you call me tomorrow and tell me what happens. I will refrain from calling you tonight, even though it might kill me, and I won’t ask you to turn your phone on speaker mode and leave it in a fruit bowl so I can hear what happens.”

“Oh, my gosh, Val,” I say, laughing.

“God forbid you feel guilted into thinking you’re a bad friend for making me wait to find out if my best friend is a taken woman.”

We laugh together as I climb out of my car. “I love ya but not that much.”

“Can’t say I blame you. Anyway, I’m going in to work now. Have a great day and call me tomorrow.”

“I will. Have a good day too.”

“Bye, Palm.”

I stick my phone in my pocket and climb the steps to the office. The wooden steps creak as I go up them. The handle is cold as I tug it open.

As soon as I step inside the trailer, I know something is wrong.

The door to Kirk’s office is open. He’s sitting at his desk. His face is unshaven, something I’ve seen only once in all the years I’ve worked for him. There’s no smile waiting for me.

I don’t walk to my desk, and I don’t bother with greetings. I stand in his doorway and feel my soul sink to the floor.

“Kirk?”

He looks at me. His eyes have heavy bags beneath them.

“Kirk, what’s wrong?”

He doesn’t bow his head or make an effort to speak. He just looks at me with sad, tired eyes, and I know what’s happened. Charlotte’s test results.

I don’t wait for an explanation. I walk around his desk, my heart shattering for the man I’ve grown to love, and I wrap my arms around his shoulders.

“Damn it, Palmer,” he says, his voice breaking.

“I’m so sorry.”