“Judith.” Her throat stung. Mia failed a happy smile. It was more of a smeared grin. Of course it wasn’t him. Why would it be? She hated herself for even hoping he’d show his face. The man had no reason to, but as much as it pained her, she was so desperate to hear from him. Pathetic. She was steps beyond pathetic. “What are you doing here? I mean, I’m glad to see you. But, is everything okay?”

She stood, fidgeting with her shirt. Oh…no. Something happened to Colby.

Softness creased Judith’s face. Clara knotted her hands into the woman’s hair, then, excited and flapping her arms, offered Mia a conversation of sounds and syllables.

Judith waited for Clara to stop. “Hi. How are you?”

Not a big fan of lying, she shrugged. “Would you like to sit down?”

Judith seemed to hesitate. She took one slow step, then another, finally relaxing onto a leather couch.

“I’m not the interfering type. But…” Clara reached for her, and a piece of her heart broke. “I’m sorry, Mia, would you like to say hi to Clara? Hold her?”

Mia closed her eyes against the hot tears that threatened to wash away her cover up under her eyes. She blinked twice. “It’s okay. I don’t think I should.”

I can’t, because I’ll fall apart.

Judith fidgeted, toying with Clara’s hand. “I just want you to know, Colby is... He’s just not right in his head. I don’t know what you two went through, but he’s never come home shell-shocked before. Beneath all that bravado, there’s a guy who’s just scared of losing everything.”

“We went through a lot. I just… thought things were different than they were.”

Judith shook her head as if disappointed in herself, or maybe in Colby. “I’m meddling. I know I crossed the line. I shouldn’t be here.”

“You’re not meddling, Judith. Don’t worry.”

“It’s… I’m sorry, Mia. I saw a shine in my son when you were around. He was different, and it was special. I’d hate to see him lose you because he’s an ass.”

“He is special. I hope he’s doing okay.”

“You care about my son?”

“I do.”

“I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

Mia shrugged again. She couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t magnify the hurt. And Clara. Sweet Clara. She wanted to hold that baby as bad as she wanted to smack Colby and hug his mother.

“He’s hurting, too. His fault, but he is.”

“I don’t know what to do.” Her voice broke. She couldn’t believe she’d said that out loud.

Judith was off the couch in a second, wrapping a motherly hug around her, with Clara giggling in the middle.

This is what a hug from a mom should feel like.

“Oh, honey, me neither,” Judith said. “I’m so sorry.”

Mia’s tears fell, and Judith kept her close. “I’m sorry to cry.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I miss him.”

“We all miss you.”

Mia wiped at her streaking makeup. “Thank you for saying that.”