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The hour passed, and when the ti tired Kyle picked her up “It’s tiot to her feet

She handed him the bucket and shovel “Thanks, Web This has been really nice I appreciate you letting me spend time with her”

“You’re herher, but we have to do this right For Katie” Kyle shoved the bucket into the diaper bag and handed it to me as he had done a hundred times before

“So, I’ll call you, and we can set up another time to visit Maybe we could do lunch next time You, me, and Katie,” Josie ventured, and I noticed I most definitely wasn’t included in those future plans She couldn’t be more obvious if she tried

“And Whitney, of course,” Kyle added, glancing at me

“Oh, right And Whitney I just thought since I’ht be nice to have some family time—”

“Whitney is part of this family She’s Katie’s stepmom She’ll be there,” Kyle cut her off

Josie’s cheeks flushed red, though I wasn’t sure if it ith embarrassment or annoyance “Okay, well, we’ll speak soon Bye, Katie,” she said, touching her daughter’s arm

Katie was too tired to protest, and she actually lifted her hand in an exhausted little wave

Josie smiled and then turned it up a notch when she looked at Kyle “Take good care of our girl”

“I have been for the past two years,” he countered, not so hoain That pointed remark meant to wound Josie I didn’t like it

“Bye, Josie Nice seeing you again,” I said politely as Kyle started to pull us away

“Bye,” Josie responded And as alked to the car, I turned to find her still standing there, watching us leave

Kyle tucked Katie into her bed and closed the door “Co me down the hall to as now our bedroom