Page 86 of Follow My Heart

“Don’t you need to help your family?” Violet asked.

“Dad said not to worry about it. They had it handled.” He knew how much I wanted to relax and spend time with Faith without always working.

“Izzy just went into the barn with Cole if you want to hang out with her,” Violet suggested, and Faith took off without looking back.

“I hope that was okay,”

“She loves Izzy. I was a little worried on the way over because she mentioned not having any friends here.”

“She has family.”

“It’s not the same. She’s so patient with Izzy, but they’re not the same age, and that stuff is going to matter soon.”

“They’ll be no pleasing her then. Just hang on for the ride,” Violet said.

I hoped she’d be on that ride with me once things were more settled with Stacy. Maybe Faith would be living with me.

My phone buzzed. “It’s Stacy. I have to take this.”

“Of course,” Violet said as I walked away for privacy.

“We’re at the holiday festival. It’s even bigger than I imagined.”

There was a beat of silence. Then Stacy said, “That’s great. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

I tensed.

She knew I was looking forward to spending this weekend with Faith. There were times we could talk about parenting, but why did it have to be now?

“I’m concerned about Faith.”

I let out a breath. “I am too.”

Stacy continued without inquiring as to why. “I talked to her about moving in with Phil, but she doesn’t want to.”

“Isn’t it a little soon?” I asked even as I braced for her reaction.

“I don’t need your opinion on my relationship,” Stacy snapped.

I cleared my throat but forced myself not to answer.

“Anyway, I was hoping you could talk to her.”

“Talk to her about what?” I asked, scanning the crowd which was growing bigger by the minute.

Stacy sighed. “You never listen to me. Talk to her about us moving in with Phil.”

I chuckled without any humor. “Yeah, no. This is your decision, and you can deal with the fallout.”

“I thought we agreed to coparent.”

“You were dating Phil as soon as you mentioned a separation.”

“Are you accusing me of cheating on you?”

I held up a hand even though she couldn’t see me. “What I’m saying is that this whole thing with Phil feels quick.”

“Aren’t you dating that ice-cream scooper?” Stacy asked with a sneer in her tone.

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