“It was really my pleasure. And I adore her too,” I tell her. “How long have you had the art room?”

“Alex had one of the spare rooms converted about six months ago, when we started taking Lavender to art therapy classes with Kody.”

“They go together? That’s so cute.”

Lainey nods. “We thought we’d give it a try. Kody likes working with clay the most because he’s more kinesthetic, and he only makes hockey pucks, but it’s been so good for his anxiety, and mine to be honest,” Lainey says.

I know this about Lainey, that she worries a lot. She’s brilliant, has three master’s degrees, and has already completed a PhD, but she wants to start a second one. She’s kind and sweet and lovely, but crowds are not her thing.

“Lavender loves it, and it’s definitely helping bring her out of her shell.” Violet then addresses me. “She’s constantly asking about you, so feel free to drop by and get your finger paint on anytime.”

“I’d love to, if you’re serious.”

“I’m totally serious. She likes the instructors at the therapy center, and she’s making such great gains with the other kids, but for one on one, we still can’t find someone she’s willing to open up to.”

“I’d be happy to come over anytime.” I drum on the arm of the chair for a few seconds before I confide, “I actually went to college to become an art therapist.”

“Why aren’t you doing that now, then? You’re amazingly talented, and you’re like a kid whisperer. They love you,” Violet says. “I poked my head in while you two were doing your thing, and Lavender was talking up a storm. She only ever does that with us. We’ve tried three different therapists, and no one has gotten her to open up like that.”

“I didn’t finish the degree, but I made an appointment with one of the course counselors at the college to see what classes I still need and if they have any openings in their program.”

“How long do you think it will take to complete it?”

“Not long: a semester, plus an internship.”

“We’re taking Lavender and Kody to the art center tomorrow if you want to check it out with us. She’d be over the moon if you came along.”

“Yeah. Okay. That would be great.”

I can’t fail if I don’t try, but I can’t succeed, either, and this seems like a baby step in the right direction.

CHAPTER 26

DONE DEAL

Queenie

The next morning Violet gets the two older boys off to their respective activities. Robbie requires zero prodding. He wanders around the kitchen with a book in front of his face, barely sparing a glance at the bowl as he fills it with some kind of homemade granola, covers it in almond milk, and slowly shovels it into his mouth while still reading.

Maverick isn’t so easy. He complains about not being able to eat Froot Loops for breakfast and then points to the Pop-Tarts sticking out of her purse, saying he knows those ones aren’t for Lavender and River, because they only like the strawberry ones. Eventually Violet gets them ready and sends them on their way with their nanny.

Lainey shows up five minutes later in her giant seven-seater SUV. Kody’s sitting in the middle seat—he only has a booster now because he’s freaking huge for his age. I help get Lavender’s seat secured and get her buckled in while Violet argues with River about where he’s sitting.

She finally says something to him that seems to placate him, and he gets in the car, albeit grudgingly.

When we get to the art center, Lavender wants to show me around. When she reaches for River’s hand to drag him along, he crosses his arms and plops into a chair, sulking.

Lavender shrugs and leaves him there, too excited to be bothered, I suppose. She shows me all the pieces she’s done since she started coming here. Once I’ve had the full tour—it’s an amazing space—Lavender grabs a smock and takes a seat at one of the painting tables, and a still-grumpy River does the same, settling in the chair beside his sister.

Kody heads for the clay tables. Once they’re settled at their stations, we hang back and watch them for a few minutes.

“Do they always come together? The three of them?” I ask.

Violet shakes her head. “I only bring River about fifty percent of the time, because I think it’s important for Lavender to do things on her own, without him. It forces her to have her own voice and not rely on him so much.”

One of the staff comes over to say hello, and Violet and Lainey issue an introduction. We start talking about their programs, how they have informal drop-ins, classes, and a special art therapy program with both group and private sessions.

By the end of the half-hour session, I’ve already filled out their volunteer forms and assured them I can make the three-month minimum commitment. I’m excited by the prospect of volunteering in a place that’s in line with what I’ve always been passionate about.

After I’m dropped off at home—we go for lunch first—I call back the top potential candidates to replace me as my dad’s assistant, narrow it down to three, and schedule in-person interviews for when my dad gets back from the away series.

I’d do all the interviewing myself, but I know my dad, and he’ll want to be part of the process, especially since it will be him working with whoever gets hired.

The team is scheduled to return this evening, and as much as I’d like to spend the night with Kingston, I have to be at my lawyer’s office early tomorrow morning so we can sign the paperwork and make the divorce final.

Kingston calls as I’m getting ready for bed, on a video chat. Based on his current state of dress and the fact that I’m propped up on his folding table and he’s unloading his duffle directly into the washing machine, he just got home. It means my dad will also be home soon.

“How’s my queen?” His gaze moves over me, a slow sweep that heats as he takes in my bedtime attire.

“Good, tired, missing my king.” We are so cheesy, and I am totally okay with that.

“I miss your lips.”

“Which set?” I am totally using sex to deflect all the other anxieties that are currently eating at me.

A half smirk curves the corner of his mouth, and his tongue peeks out to touch the chip in his front tooth. It’s a completely subconscious action that I find incredibly sexy for whatever reason. “Both, actually. I could come to you. I don’t have to stay the night. I can drop by for an hour, kiss those pretty lips of yours.”

“Both sets, obviously.”

“Mmm. I’d divide my time equally, so neither feels underappreciated.”

I laugh breathily. “I would honestly love that, but if you’re home, that means my dad will be home soon, and we have to go to the lawyer’s tomorrow morning. And let’s be real: nothing ever lasts just an hour with you, especially when you’ve been away for four days.”

He frowns and taps his lips, the lust in his eyes fading quickly. “I could come with you to the lawyer’s in the morning. I should be there.”

I make a face. “I’m not sure I’d agree with that. As much as I appreciate your support, I need to do it on my own. My dad is driving me there, but he’s not coming in when I sign the papers. I need to see this through, and I can’t imagine Corey being anything but an antagonistic ass no matter what, but he’ll be a million times worse if you’re there with me.”

He seems to want to fight me on it for a few seconds, but eventually he says, “I guess I can see your point. And if he’s a jerk, I’ll want to punch him, and that will make things even worse.”

“Punching him would feel good, but yeah, it definitely wouldn’t help the situation.”

“Will you call as soon as you’re done and tell me how it went?”

“Of course.”

He nods, resolute. “Okay. I miss you. I need to find a way to get some alone time in with you, regardless of whether my family is in town or not. How are you feeling about meeting them tomorrow?”

“Honestly? Nervous.” I’d like to say I’ll feel better when the divorce is final and King’s no longer dating a married woman, but I’m not sure even that is going to settle my mind or my nerves.

“It’s going to be great, Queenie. Momster is so excited to meet you in person.”

“I’m excited to meet her too.” And I am.

The flash of headlights in the driveway draws my attention. “My dad just got home. I should probably let you go.”

“Okay.” He exhales a long breath. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He smiles. “My favorite words from your lips. Sleep well. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

“Me too.” It’s the rest of his family I’m not excited about.

“You’re sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” My dad taps restlessly on the steering wheel, gaze shifting between the lawyer’s office and me.

“I’m sure. I need to do this on my own, and it’s awkward enough for you having to deal with Corey on a business level; I’d prefer if my personal stuff doesn’t interfere more than it already has.”