“Mom.” My voice snapped like a whip. It wasn’t a shout, but it was more than firm. “Stop it.”
My mother’s eyes flared, heated anger filling them. “I’m allowed to express my opinion.”
“That may be so, but I would appreciate it if you were more careful where you expressed it.” I gave a slight incline of my head towards the girls. I could practically feel the concern pouring off Sage in waves. I slipped my hand into hers, squeezing gently. But Birdie was pissed, her gaze narrowed on my mom.
Color rose to Mom’s cheeks, but she didn’t respond to my request. Instead, she simply changed the subject. “I’m going to pick up some things from the bakery. Would you girls like a treat to take home for later?”
They were both quiet. The silence was pained and awkward. When had Birdie and Sage ever turned down sugar? It was Calder who rescued us. “I think that’s a great idea. Girls, why don’t you go with Mama Jules and pick something out. Hadley and I will pay the bill and meet you at the SUV.”
“Dad—” Birdie started, but he cut her a look, and her mouth snapped closed.
Sage pulled her hand from my grasp but then threw her arms around me, whispering in my ear. “Love you, Hads.”
I gave her a tight hug. “Love you more, Goose.”
“Impossible.”
I grinned as she let go. “Get me a brownie?”
Sage nodded.
“I’ll meet you at your SUV,” my mom said.
I didn’t look up to watch them go. Instead, I stayed focused on my mostly empty plate and tore at my napkin.
“I’m sorry.”
My gaze jumped to Calder. “You didn’t do anything.” In fact, he had my back. He normally would’ve taken my mother’s side on this kind of thing.
He scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw as he tossed his credit card on top of our receipt. “I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten.”
Calder hadn’t realized because up until a few weeks ago, he’d been mostly keeping his distance from me.
Angie grabbed the check and card. “Be right back.”
Calder nodded and then turned his focus back to me. “That’s not true. I think I chose not to see it. Things were easier that way.”
“I get it. I wish I could ignore it.”
He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’m sorry that I added to it. I was wrong.”
Warmth spread up my arm as Calder held on a few beats before letting go.
“I’ll have your back from now on.”
“Thanks.” The single word came out in a croak, and I cleared my throat. “But I think I need to keep my distance from her for right now. It’s too hard. Hurts too much.”
“Hadley,” Calder whispered.
“It’s okay. I mean, it sucks, but I have to take care of myself first.”
Angie dropped the card and receipt back on the table. “There you go, chickadees. Thanks for coming in.”
I forced a smile. “Thanks for taking such good care of us.”
“Always.” She gave us a wave and headed to another table as Calder signed the slip of paper.
“Thanks for breakfast.”