“Anytime.” She looked back at Mia and Griffin. “See you tomorrow, Miss Mia. You can tell me all about your magical giant.”

Heat crept up the back of Griffin’s neck as Miss Shepard walked away. I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped. “You might have a whole new reputation around town now.”

Griffin looked up as if praying for patience. “Heaven help me.”

“I’ll help you, Griffin,” Mia offered. “What do you need?”

“Hmm. I think I need a trip to the park and some pizza. What do you say? Will you guys go with me?”

“Yes!” Mia shot her fist into the air and then twisted in Griffin’s arms so she could see me. “We can go, right?”

“I think that sounds like a great plan.”

As Griffin helped Mia into her booster seat in the SUV, and Ava climbed into the backseat, Will tugged on my arm. “What happened at the store?”

I blew out a long breath. “I’ll fill you in later. But everything’s fine.”

Will didn’t look like he believed a word coming out of my mouth. “I’m not a kid anymore, Caelyn. I can handle whatever’s going on. I deserve to know.”

“You might be wise beyond your years, but you’re not an adult. Not yet. Don’t wish away your teenage life.”

“I don’t give a crap about that. I want to know what’s going on.”

“Language,” I warned. “I will fill you in, but it’s not your responsibility to handle what’s going on. It’s mine.”

Will’s eyes grew hard. But instead of saying anything, he remained silent. Without a word, he slid into the final free spot in the SUV.

I climbed into the passenger seat and gave my temples a quick rub. I could feel a monster headache coming on. Griffin cast a worried glance at me and Will. “Seaside Park work?”

“That’s my favorite,” Mia chimed in.

I smiled but knew it came across a bit forced. “That’s great.”

The five-minute drive consisted entirely of Mia chattering away, Ava with her nose still in her book, and Will glaring out the window. At least two out of three of them were happy. Griffin pulled into an empty parking spot near the swings. Mia took off running for the monkey bars, Ava putting her book down to trail behind.

Will’s eyes narrowed on me. “You gonna tell me what the hell is going on now? Or you going to make up another lame excuse?”

“Will,” Griffin barked. “Don’t talk to your sister that way.”

Will turned his heated gaze on Griffin. “You’re not even a part of this family. You don’t get a say in any of this.”

“I might not be a part of your family, but no one talks to your sister that way in front of me. Not cool.”