“What look?”

Kenna let out a little growl of frustration. “The one that says there’s something else you’re not telling me.”

This was the problem with having friends that knew you so well. They could read every single micro-expression on your face. “I had a run-in with Patti yesterday.”

“What did that nosy B want?”

I smiled at the intense scowl on Kenna’s face. “The usual, to make her disapproval of my parenting skills known.”

“Someone needs to put her in her place. Want me to do it? Please let me do it. These pregnancy hormones are making me extra vicious, and I need an outlet.”

I choked on a laugh. “Actually, I handled it.”

Kenna was silent for a moment. “You handled it? How? By buying her a coffee and a muffin?”

“No. I told her she was a venomous gossip, and then Shay told her to get lost.” I was pretty damn proud of myself. But the reminder of Patti’s threat to call Child Protective Services sent dread pooling in my stomach.

“Damn, girl. Being friends with Griffin seems to agree with you.”

I forced a smile as I met Kenna’s gaze. “I think we’re good for each other.”

19

Griffin

“For real?” Mia squeaked.

I chuckled as I buttoned one of my old shirts around her to protect her school clothes. “For real. You guys go crazy. Will and I will be just across the hall working in the other bedroom.”

“This is amazing! I’m going to paint a rainbow and a unicorn and kittens…” Mia continued with her list as she started surveying her paint and brush options.

“What do you think, Avs?” I asked.

She nibbled her bottom lip as she fastened the last button on her makeshift smock. “Are you sure? Isn’t it going to damage the walls?”

My chest tightened at the uncertainty in Ava’s voice. She was so careful to play by the rules, to not get into trouble. I hoped doing something a little crazy, but in a safe environment, might get her out of her shell a bit. “There was some damage to the walls, so we have to redo them completely. You can go wild in here because we’ll be covering it all up with plaster and paint in a couple of days.”

Mia turned to face Will and me. “You’re going to cover up my unicorn?”

I forced down my laugh. “We are. But your unicorn’s magic will still be under all that paint. And we’ll know it’s there.”

She thought about it for a moment and then nodded, picking up a brush and getting to work. Ava was still for another minute and then slowly moved forward and selected a small brush. Instead of going for the brightest colors in the bunch, she chose a few muted shades of green.

“They’ll be good,” Will whispered.