Fury lit through me. “What the heck? That little—”
Maddie squeezed my arm, silently reminding me I was talking to a five-year-old.
“That’s not cool,” I adjusted.
Aspen crouched so she was eye-to-eye with her daughter. “And what does it mean when someone is unkind to us?”
Cady’s lips pressed together. “That they’ve got some sadness in them. It’s not about us.”
“That’s right. There’s something going on with her, and we should feel bad.”
Cady nodded, her expression serious. But as quickly as the look filled her face, it was gone. “Can I go help Zeke make the cookies?”
Aspen laughed and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Sure. But only one spoonful of dough, or you’ll get a stomachache.”
“Okay!” Cady was already off.
“Promise?” Aspen called after her.
“Cross my heart!”
She sighed. “Kids are not for the faint of heart.”
“You are so good with her,” Maddie said. “Most kids wouldn’t be able to see the reason behind someone’s actions at that age.”
“I think someone needs to give ole Heather Beasley a swift kick in the booty,” I grumbled. “What’s wrong with people?”
Maddie chuckled. “She’s five. Are you going to take her on?”
“I’d like to at least threaten her a little.”
“Trust me, I’ve thought about it,” Aspen said. “She’s awful. And her mother’s even worse.”
Wren groaned. “Katelyn, right? She picked on Grae and me like crazy in middle school. And I’m pretty sure she tried to hook up with Holt in high school.”
I gaped at my best friend. “Are you serious?”
She nodded. “Holt’s given her a wide berth ever since.”
Aspen leaned against a chair. “I don’t think she’s changed much since then, so I’m taking Holt’s approach as much as I can.”
Wren squeezed her hand. “I hope I can be half the mom you are to this little one. You’re amazing.”
Aspen’s eyes glistened. “Thank you. Some days I wonder if I’m enough. It’s tough doing it alone.”
Maddie stood and wrapped her in a hug. “You’ve always got us. Whatever you need.”
Aspen took a shuddering breath. “Thank you. I swear I’m not usually this emotional. It’s just been a long week.”
“You need a girls’ night. Drop Cady with Lawson for a sleepover with Charlie, and we’ll do something fun.”
Maddie arched a brow at me. “The last time you called for a girls’ night, you got wasted, and I got cracked over the head with a tree limb.”
I winced. “Quiet girls’ night?”
Aspen laughed. “That sounds like a plan. I’ll let you know when I can get off for an evening.”
She headed back behind the cash register, and I turned to Maddie and Wren. “Has Aspen told you anything about Cady’s dad?”
