All Hannah has to do is arch her eyebrows before Abbie trudges into the other room to get her things.

Hannah turns to her, drawing a hand through her hair as she looks at her again. That look that she doesn’t seem quite sure what to make of Caroline. “Thanks for having her.”

Caroline waves her hand. “I had fun. Really – maybe more than the girls. The company is nice.”

Hannah’s eyes search hers and she opens her mouth, ready to ask a question, before she closes it again.

But Caroline doesn’t miss it. “What?”

Hannah’s cheeks color, but she shakes her head. “It’s none of my business. I don’t want to pry into your life.”

That’s a good rule of thumb. Caroline ignores it, though. “Come on, Hannah. How much do I know about your life? Go ahead and ask.”

“How come you don’t have any kids? You seem to love your nieces and nephews a lot and you’re good with them. You didn’t want any?”

The question shouldn’t surprise her, given this circumstance. But still it does, and Caroline feels a little pang in her chest.

“God, I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer,” Hannah is quick to assure, her warm hand falling to Caroline’s arm. “Like I said, it’s none of my business.”

Caroline shakes her head, forcing a laugh. “No, it’s fine. It’s – I do love kids. It’s the relationship part that I’m just not so good at, in order to lead into the whole having a kid with someone thing.” She shoots Hannah a self-deprecating smile. Yep, she loves admitting her relationship and life failures to the most gorgeous woman in the world.

Hannah’s eyes are big and feel like they’re seeing a lot as she gives Caroline’s arm a small squeeze. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

Abbie runs back into the room and Caroline silently cheers for the kid’s timing. Small victories to save her from putting her foot in her mouth.

***

She hadn’t intended for it to be a regular occurrence, her hanging out with Abbie while Hannah’s at work.

It just happens.

It starts like this – Caroline is laying on the couch, her head dropped against the back cushion as she contemplates whether she’s feeling up to actually making herself dinner when her phone rings.

She’s pleasantly surprised to see Hannah’s name pop up. And then immediately concerned that something has happened to do with her case when she answers. They haven’t spoken much in the last couple of days, since Abbie had spent the night.

“Hannah? Everything okay?”