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We look up and see Amanda at the top of the stairs. I think my heart skips a beat. She’s so gorgeous.
Jade mumbles, “For fuck’s sake, you’re already pussy-whipped.”
I smile. “You bet I am.”
I take Amanda’s hand as she makes her way down the stairs. “You look beautiful.”
“I’m in jeans and a T-shirt.”
“You wear them well.”
Jade moans. “Ugh. Are you guys the mushy couple? I don’t think I can deal with that.”
Mom laughs again. She’s getting a kick out of Jade.
“Thanks for coming. Where’s Collin?” Amanda asks as she hugs Jade.
“Andie’s braiding his hair.”
Amanda smiles as she takes Jade’s hand. “I missed you. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. I wouldn’t know I was pregnant if I didn’t know. Show me around this fucking palace.”
Amanda takes Jade straight to the studio. I knew she would. Jade looks around and then at me. “You did all this for her?”
I shrug. “It’s a fantastic space with great lighting and views. It’s perfect for her.”
Jade nods toward the smaller easel. “Andie paints too?”
Amanda smiles. “Yes. She’s talented. She loves learning. We have so much fun together.”
“I’m glad you finally have a little one to paint with.” She turns to me. “I inherited zero of her talent. She tried all the time when I was little, but I could barely paint a stick figure.”
“You have talent. You have her creativity. In spades.”
She shrugs. “Maybe.”
We head back downstairs and sit down for dinner. Jade and Collin immediately ingratiate themselves with Mom and Andie.
Mom says, “Jade, I know your stepmother quite well. She and I served on several charitable boards together.”
“She’s the best. I have no clue how my dad got her.”
Mom giggles. “You’re refreshingly direct, aren’t you?”
I mumble, “You have no idea.”
Jade asks Mom, “How long are you in town?”
“I was supposed to head back to Florida last week but stayed when Beckett was asked to go to Italy. I’m leaving tomorrow.”
I see Amanda’s shoulders drop. She genuinely cares for my mother. I imagine most women would not be okay with the amount of time my mother spends here. I love their relationship.
Amanda turns to her. “Why so soon?”
Mom smiles affectionatelyat her. “I need to get back; you two need some privacy. My next visit is only a few months away.”
I look at Collin. “Tell me more about your construction and design company.”
