“They’re happy you’re here.” Kelly’s tone said their girls weren’t alone in that.

“I’m happy to be here. What about you?”

“Are you trying to get me to say something nice about you?” Her mouth continued to captivate him as she fought a smile.

He knew it, but he wanted her to say it, too. “Yes.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

He wanted to lay a kiss on her, but there were kids around and enough people looking that he didn’t want to make a scene. But he kept an arm around her shoulders as he and Kelly finished their shave ice and hung out watching the kids play.

He got recognized a few times. Some of the parents waved, one or two said a hello as they passed. No one invaded their space or made a scene, respectful that he was there with his family and not as Vaughan Hurley, the musician.

After he realized that was going to be the case, he really relaxed in a way he only usually was able to do at the ranch, far away from everyone else.

“Not that corn dogs aren’t a fine food option while on tour or a road trip, I’m going to suggest seeking an actual dinner after this. What do you say?” Vaughan asked her.

“A place without paper tablecloths and crayons? Doesn’t have to be fancy, but I’d like something without nugget in the title.”

Laughing, he pulled her closer. “Deal.”

She stiffened a few minutes later and when he bent to ask her what was wrong, Vaughan caught sight of a tight-lipped woman coming their way, her attention lasered on Kelly.

“Who’s the woman?” Vaughan asked.

“Ross’s ex-wife.”

Ross sure did have a type. His ex-wife was tall and blonde with blue eyes, just like Kelly. But where Kelly’s beauty shone bright, like the sun and stars, this woman’s pinched face and general attitude blunted her attractiveness.

She curled her lip at Kelly once she’d reached them. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Okay, why is that?” Kelly kept an eye on the bouncy house, watching for their children, Vaughan knew.

“Haven’t you done enough? Don’t you have any shame?”

Vaughan wasn’t going to tolerate anyone talking to Kelly that way. “I don’t know what your problem is, ma’am, but you’re going to need to keep on walking. We don’t want whatever you’re selling.”

“I knew it. I told Ross you were the reason she broke the engagement.” Ross’s ex looked Vaughan up and down, her lip curled.

Kelly stepped between them and Vaughan realized it was to defend him. His heart swelled. “I’m not happy I hurt Ross. I understand why you’re in my face. But really, our relationship isn’t any of your business. So, you got in your shots. People are staring, which I know you always adore. I’m inclined to let your little snit go, as my children are currently with your children, laughing and playing. But if your attitude affects them, you and I are going to have a problem.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Kelly got very close to the other woman. “I’m telling you I won’t allow you to harm my children. And if you get in between me and them, I’ll make you understand why it was a mistake. So if you need that to be a threat, you go ahead on.”

The ex turned, looking over her shoulder toward the bounce house where the girls were. “He’s too good for you anyway. Here’s a friendly tip, don’t eat your feelings, Kelly. It’s not good for your waistline.”

“Have a nice day. Somewhere else.” Vaughan made a shooing motion and walked around her, Kelly at his side. Her back was stiff, clearly related to all the hatred this woman slung her way.

He waved to Maddie, indicating she and Kensey come out.

He spoke quietly in Kelly’s ear. “Now. We have some rings to toss and some other various and sundry carnival action to attend to. Once we’re done, I owe all my ladies dinner.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

STACEY FOUND KELLY in the tree house where she’d taken refuge.

Kelly sighed, moving her legs so her friend could come in. “Not that I’m unhappy to see you, but how is it everyone knows about my secret spot?”

Stacey rolled her eyes and settled in next to Kelly.

“I brought new chocolate back from my trip to San Francisco.” Stacey held up several sleek, beautifully colored bars.

Kelly grabbed them quickly. “Okay, you can stay.”

Stacey snickered. “Gee, thanks. Why are you hiding out here?”

Kelly examined the different bars, choosing pale blue. “If I share candy with you can we just avoid this whole conversation?”

“There’s no if when it comes to chocolate. You will be sharing, that’s a given. So go on and get your need to log this stuff handled so I can have some while you then tell me what’s up.”

“You’re mean.”

“Duh. I’m a lawyer, we’re all mean.”

Kelly tried very hard not to show any of her food or body image issues in front of her daughters. She never chided them about how many calories something had, though they learned about nutrition in school and she wanted them to be healthy.

What she didn’t want them to do was log down every bite of chocolate like it was a confession of a sin.

She pulled out the mason jar and logged the chocolate. It had been a long time since she’d made an attempt to hide this sort of thing from Stacey. That was true trust, Kelly supposed. When your friends simply accepted your weird flaws and only called out the ones they thought were truly harmful.