Page 42 of Crossed Lines

“No, not really. I mean, I don’t like that Jade has what’s considered a broken family, but Gemma and I are great co-parents. But we weren’t great partners, so if we stayed together, it wouldn’t have been good for any of us. I’m glad that she’s found someone she’s happy with.”

“You’re a good man, Beck Sullivan.”

I chuckle. “I’m glad you think so.”

Jade runs back to the table. “Willow, Mommy wants to talk to you.” Jade shoves my phone in her direction, and Willow looks at me with wide eyes before taking the phone.

“Hey, Gemma.”

“Willow! It’s so good to see you,” Gemma says. “How have you been? How’s school?”

“I’m good. School is great. I’ve got one more year before I graduate.”

“That’s so exciting. Sawyer always talks about how proud he is of you,” Gemma says.

“Sawyer is the best brother I could ask for.”

“I just wanted to thank you for watching Jade this summer. She’s been having so much fun with you. She tells me all about your adventures every night. I’m sure Beck has said this already, but we’re so grateful for you.”

Willow’s eyes flick up to me before she focuses back on Gemma. I don’t know if I’ve directly said how grateful I am, but surely she knows, right? Or maybe I’ve only shown my gratitude by playing with her feelings over and over again like an asshole.

“It’s no problem,” Willow says. “I enjoy playing with Jade every day.”

“She’s the best, isn’t she?” Gemma asks.

“She sure is.” Jade giggles next to Willow.

“Well, I just wanted to say thank you and see how you’ve been. Don’t be a stranger once you graduate. I’m sure we’d all love to see more of you.”

“Thanks. I’m sure I’ll be back at some point,” Willow says.

“Good! Do you mind passing the phone to Beck?”

“Sure. Have a good night.”

Willow hands me the phone, and I stand and head inside to talk to Gemma.

“Hey, Gem. How’s it going?”

“Good. But I’m ready to be home,” she says with a sigh.

“I bet.”

“Jade said she had a great day with Willow.”

“Yeah, we’ve got some new books to read at bedtime tonight.”

“Good. So. . . Willow? She doesn’t even look like how I remember. She’s grown up so much.”

I don’t mean to, but my eyes flick from the phone to the window where I have a clear view of Willow out back. She’s laughing at something Jade said. God, I love when she laughs. Her whole face lights up. “Yeah, she has grown up.”

“Beck…”

“Hmm?” I look back at my phone.

“What was that look about?” Shit, she caught me staring at Willow.

“What look?” I ask, playing dumb.