“It covers sixty percent of the eighteen-hundred-dollar monthly daycare bill for all three kids,” Colin added, his voice steady.

“My supervisor at the warehouse approved my move to early shifts, so I can take Maddie, Ben, and Owen every afternoon at two.”

“We don’t need Seth’s house lease,” Heather said, reaching across the small table to touch my wrist.

“He told me you begged to stay home and watch my three kids, Natalie.”

“I know what he told you,” I said, adjusting my silver wristwatch under my coat cuff.

“He tried to use my promotion and your money troubles to pay his own truck loan.”