He stabbed at his macaroni a couple times before eating another mouthful. “She ash te—”

“Chew with your mouth closed and swallow before speaking.” Gretchen cringed.

Caleb made a show of chewing and swallowing. He pulled himself up to kneel on the chair. “She’s pretty.”

Gretchen blinked a few times, her smile stiff. “Pretty like Mama?”

Caleb shook his head. “No, really pretty.”

Gretchen’s heart sank and she pouted. “Thanks for your honesty, kid.”

Caleb laughed and Amanda joined in.

Amanda took over for Gretchen and asked, “Do you have fun when you’re with Meredith?”

He nodded and started to squirm. “We play a lot and she buys ice cream.”

“How can I compete with that?” Gretchen knew she was overreacting, but that didn’t stop her from panicking slightly. “She’s really pretty and fun. She’s obviously more fun for Jax, too.”

“Done!” Caleb announced loudly.

“Great job, Cricket. Now, go get cleaned up and put on your pajamas. I’m going to put on your favorite movie and build a fort for you in front of the television.” Amanda held his arm as he slid off the kitchen chair. He sped off for his room. “Why are you torturing yourself?” Amanda leveled Gretchen with her hard stare.

She slouched. “I don’t know. I guess I feel like I’ll accept it if I understand it. Meredith is younger and prettier. There’s nothing to not understand.”

“Listen to me, age and looks have nothing to do with it.”

“Amanda—”

“But she’s not prettier than you. She’s a very cute girl, but she’s nothing compared to you.”

Gretchen’s chin started to quiver. “You have to say that because I’m your sister.”

“I’m actually more likely to compliment other people because I’m your sister.” Amanda smiled when she laughed. “I think whatever connection Jax has with Meredith is real, but not serious.”

Gretchen swallowed thickly. “I want her to be happy but…I want to be happy, too, and I don’t think I can have both.”

“Hold that thought.” Amanda rushed out of the room and came back with a sheet. “Gotta build a fort,” she said to Gretchen as she walked past. In a few minutes, Amanda had constructed a sizable fort from couch cushions, sheets, and one kitchen chair. She had Caleb’s movie ready to go the moment he came running back into the room. “Get comfortable, and I’ll start the movie.” Amanda got everything started and made a promise of popcorn if he was good. She sat back at the table with a sigh. “Go ahead.”