They’d always been honest with each other. But the whisper of disappointment and worry in Hazel’s voice was enough for her to push past the honest answer—yes—and reassure the thirteen-year-old looking at her with wide, solemn eyes.

“Of course not. You’re my whole world, kiddo. I told you this year was all about you and me.” She reached out to tousle Hazel’s carefully straightened hair, but the girl was too quick. She had the car door open in a flash and slid out. When she bent over to say goodbye, Zoey finished her thought. “I’m positive that Sienna is Monique’s whole world, too. As moms, as parents...we’re all just doing the best we can.”

“Okay.” Hazel’s friends called her name. “Gotta go. Just...” She met Zoey’s eyes. “Dad getting married and having a baby is...a lot. I’m already slip-sliding to third or fourth place in his house. Promise me you’ll stay single for a while, Mom. Like...convent single. Okay?”

This wasn’t the time or place, but they were going to have to discuss that comment about where Hazel ranked with her dad. She’d talk to Chris about it, too. They couldn’t let Hazel feel she was being pushed aside. Her friends called out again.

Zoey flashed her a game smile. “I’ll talk to Father Joe about where I can find the nearest convent.” Right after I sleep with Mike McKinnon.

“Sister Zoey Hartford has a nice ring to it. Later!” With a quick wave, Hazel was lost in the throng of teens moving toward the school entrance. The excitement of summer break was palpable in their animated voices and quick steps.

Zoey needed to talk to someone. Anyone. Well...anyone except her best friend, Mike. Or her other best friend, Mary. Mike’s twin sister. Nope. Vickie? Nah, she’d push Zoey into Mike’s arms no matter what. She felt too close to tears to visit Evie at the diner. It was too early to catch Bridget at the Purple Shamrock. Besides...she was Mike’s cousin. Damn this small town.

Instead, she drove to Taneisha Warren’s house, not far from the Taggart Inn. This was one of the oldest sections of town, where some of the first fanciful Victorian homes were built shortly after the Civil War. The town’s famous architect, Willard Wilkins, came home from the war disillusioned, but determined to bring happiness back to Rendezvous Falls. Wilkins embraced the “new” Victorian style and kicked it up a notch with lacy gingerbread trim and bright color combinations.