A struggle that was easy to see. I held him to me, and my heart clenched. He’d had to do a lot of mental gymnastics lately, and I hoped he got a chance soon to go back to the little boy he wanted to be. But if I remembered correctly, he had a new work project starting soon, so maybe it would have to wait.

“Let’s get you home, baby boy.” August grabbed Camden’s hand and faced me. “I won’t tell you to hurry, but…”

I kissed his cheek. “I’ll hurry.”

Sunday.

The water in the pool was perfectly calm. Green hills met a bright blue sky without a single cloud in sight. I spotted half a dozen horses too. The sun hadn’t reached over the ranch entirely yet, so the patio was still in the shade, but it wasn’t chilly.

I added an egg and a slice of cheddar on top of the sausage patty and closed the English muffin.

August sat across from me and looked out over the hills as he sipped from his coffee.

Camden sat next to him and picked at his food.

I had to break the silence. I couldn’t take it. More than that, I didn’t want my last day to be wasted on…whatever this was.

“We’re gonna see each other again,” I said. “Soon, hopefully.”

August glanced at me with a faint smile. “Of course we are. Camden and I talked about it a little yesterday. We’d like to come see you in New York.”

They could come when-fucking-ever. I was ready to hand over my keys. “I’ll take that as a promise,” I replied. “What else did you do yesterday?”

“Daddy turned into Mommy,” Camden stated.

August chuckled, and I looked at the two in question.

It was Camden who clarified. “We went to a few stores so he could buy, like, twenty food containers for you. And other stuff.”

I lifted my brows, still confused.

“I have plans for us today.” August took over. “I’ve heard and seen enough—both from you and your brother—and I’m not sendin’ you home without everythin’ you need in order to feed yourself properly for the next few weeks.” Was he serious? “I won’t be able to sleep at night knowin’ you’re orderin’ pizza all the time.”

“That’s crazy, baby,” I laughed. “Sweet as hell, but crazy. I take care of myself just fine, and you already do too much.” I shook my head and took a bite of my sandwich. “If anything—I’mma step up my game until you come see me. It’ll be my turn to take care of you.”

Camden snickered. “It’s funny that you think he’s giving you a choice.”