The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

luck,” he said in a low voice. “Because it happens to be the only thing I know how to make.”
    He was rewarded with a giggle.
    â€œI can sprinkle the cheese on it,” Ava offered. “I know how.”
    â€œThat’s great because I can always use an experienced cheese sprinkler.” Jack gave Ava’s wings a gentle tug.
    Nicki returned and slung a diaper bag roughly the size and shape of a VW Beetle at his feet. “I’ll see you at nine. Thanks, Evie.” She blew kisses at Grace as she jogged backward out the door. “Be good for Jack, you guys.”
    The door snapped shut and Ava pressed against Jack’s side.
    â€œMommy was crying.”
    â€œShe cries a lot.” Luke was a just-the-facts kind of guy.
    â€œMommies cry when something hurts, just like you do.” Jack angled his head away from Grace, who was trying to poke her finger in his other ear. “Tears wash away all the bad stuff inside, and then you feel better.”
    â€œIce cream makes me feel better,” Luke said.
    â€œI think we can rustle up some of that.” Jack pulled the ring of keys from his pocket and jingled them in front of Grace’s nose. “But first I have to put some things away and lock up my office.”
    â€œI can do it!” Luke’s and Ava’s voices and hands collided as they reached for the key ring.
    â€œWhoever picks the right key gets to pick the flavor of ice cream too.” Jack herded them toward the door. “How does that sound?”
    â€œTee!” Grace shrieked.
    Jack winced and glanced over his shoulder at Evie.
    Last chance to change your mind . . .
    She’d already picked up the diaper bag. “I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”

C HAPTER 13
    E vie walked toward Jack’s dusty black pickup, the only vehicle with three car seats lined up on the hood.
    A little girl with a shoulder-length tangle of strawberry-blonde curls sat in the front seat, her attention focused on something in her lap.
    â€œLily?”
    A pair of wide silver-gray eyes met hers, and Evie’s heart rose and fell with a little thump, like she’d just hit one of the speed bumps in the parking lot.
    Jack’s eyes.
    He didn’t wear a wedding ring, hadn’t mentioned a family, but it was another reminder of how little Evie knew about the new custodian.
    â€œI’m Evie. I thought I’d keep you company for a few minutes until your . . . until Jack gets here. If that’s all right with you.”
    â€œOkay.” The girl flashed an engaging smile. “I like your necklace. Did you make it?”
    â€œNo. It was a gift.” Evie traced the thin gold chain to a single pearl resting in the hollow of her throat. Max had given her the necklace after Cody was born—and promised he would add another pearl to the strand every time they added to their family.
    â€œYou should have picked out a longer chain then,” Evie had teased. An only child, she’d always dreamed of having a large family like Dan’s, but Max had put all the money into the house on Rosewood Court, and he’d asked her to wait until he got a promotion before they provided Cody with a baby brother or sister. Evie hadn’t realized it would take more than a few years, but she’d tried to be patient. Whenever she brought it up, Max would say the same thing. We’re young. We have plenty of time . . .
    â€œI know how to make my own necklaces and bracelets and stuff. I made a collar for Bitsy too . . . Do you want to see it?” Lily held up a bright-eyed guinea pig with a patchwork coat.
    Evie moved closer to admire the animal’s braided collar. “Very pretty. I love that shade of pink.”
    â€œMe too! Ms. Hadley, my science teacher, asked me to take care of Bitsy until school starts.” Lily rubbed her cheek against the top of the guinea pig’s head. “Otherwise she’d get lonely.”
    â€œI’m