Page 70 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

“She was smart, beautiful, and always made me laugh.” I missed Heather too. Our foundation of friendship allowed us to co-parent Zoey with minimal issues.

“Do you think Mommy and I are a lot alike?”

Zoey looked a lot like me and had similar mannerisms, but her heart, her inner sense of right and what was good, were all Heather. “You are. You have all her best qualities.”

“Sometimes I forget what her voice sounds like.” She hesitated. “Do you think there might be a time that I don’t remember at all?” Her lips quivered.

“I won’t let that happen, princess. We’ll make sure to watch the videos she sent me so you’ll always remember everything about her.”

Zoey nodded. “I’d like that. Do you think Grandma and Grandpa would let me have some of the videos they took when Mommy was little?”

“I’m sure they would. I’ll ask them.” I wanted to say when Hell froze over, but I loved my daughter and I would do it for her.

Zoey’s gaze flickered to me and then to the window before she asked so quietly I had to strain to hear her words, “Did I do something to make them mad?”

“No. Why would you think that?” I’d known time apart from the grandparents that helped raise her would be tough. I should’ve talked to Zoey about it more.

“I barely see them anymore, and they left the Halloween party early. I didn’t even get to give them the cookies I decorated.”

Shit. I guess the time to reevaluate visitation was now. It didn’t matter that my lawyer said to limit contact, clearly, keeping Zoey from them was doing more harm than good.

“I’ll call them later today, and we’ll find time for you to see them.” I had no desire to be near them, but it was time to put aside my pride for my kid. “Kiddo, your grandparents love you so much. They’re a little mad at me, but not you. Never you.”

“I hate it when you fight.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You all should just say you’re sorry and figure it out.”

“Yeah, we’re working on that.”

“Good.” She pressed her face to the window as we pulled into the school parking lot and began to frantically wave her hand. “I see Violet! And Ms. Winter. I bet those are the buses we’re taking to the aquarium.”

When I put the car into park, she hurried to get out. “Give me one second, kiddo.” I took out my phone and tapped a message to Marjorie.

Beckett

Zoey wants to see you. We’re on a field trip today, but I’ll call you later.

Marjorie

I’ll be waiting for your call. Thank you, Beckett.

It was the first nice thing she’d said to me in weeks. I slid my phone into my pocket and unlocked the doors. “Are you ready to have fun today?”

“Yes!” She bounded out of the car, and I had to quicken my steps to keep up with her.

Zoey threw herself at Violet and gave her a bear hug.

Over the tops of their heads, I met Wren’s warm brown gaze.

We didn’t need to say anything.

A sense of peace washed over me at her nearness.

This morning's conversation was difficult. Not because I didn’t want to talk about Heather, but because of the sadness I knew I couldn’t change for Zo. But being here with Wren made me feel like slowing down and appreciating the little things.

Chapter Seventeen

WREN

Istumbled off the bus, grateful our field trip was over. I loved seeing the excitement of the kids, but I was beat. Being short two chaperones made all our groups a little larger, and I was always hyper-vigilant when we were away from school. One of my biggest fears was losing a student.

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