Imogene Scott

I hate the idea of Kia tagging along for Lily’s check-up. It feels… wrong. It makes me feel like she’s stepping into a role that’s supposed to be mine.

I grab my bag, heading out of the gallery. I instruct Emmett and Breonna to close up when I’m gone but deep down, I’m praying they don’t murder each other.

I step into the cool night and into my car. As I drive, my grip tightens on the steering wheel, and my mind is racing, practicing how I’m going to tell Damien that no other woman should ever act like Lily’s mother. I’m her mother. Kia may be family,...