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“Yeah,” I giggle “Would you like to have so to eat? I packed a picnic for me and Ari”

“Oh no, I don’t want to intrude”

“Please,” I insist “I packed too irls play for a while”

Taylor looks down at her watch before saying, “I have another two hours before uess it will be okay”

I lead her to where I placed the picnic blanket and lower round I take out a fresh ham, cheese and to one forMacy and Ari

“I’m not sure how much of my conversation with Macy’s dad you heard, but I’m not a bad mamma,” Taylor says “I need to clarify that”

I shake my head “I didn’t think that at all,” I reply, my expression somber “I understand”

Shepasses between us A silent acknowledgment

She sighs and her shoulders drop in defeat “I don’t knohat I’ down at the half eaten sandwich in her hand “Macy’s dad won’t pay for her daycare anymore and the only way I can afford all of it is if I take on another shift at the diner, but then I have no one to look after Macy when I’m at work”

I look at the girls and then back at Taylor “I can help you,” I say “At least until you can work things out with Macy’s dad”

Taylor lifts her head and shakes it “No, I can’t make myself a nuisance to other people”

The internal struggle is written all over her face and she’s doing a terrible job of hiding it So about Taylor just screa a child, I probably wouldn’t even offer to help But I do understand And she does need the help

“I’randet her on Wednesdays Macy is more than welcome to come home with us until your shift is done at the diner”

Her bottom lip is pulled between her teeth and she nibbles on it before saying, “Are you sure though? You’re offering to help a coer?”