Clara giggled and broke their hug. Vicki gazed at her in wonder. Her legs were shaky as she tried to stand.
Vicki's mind screamed to claim her place in the girl's life right now, and if this arrangement failed, she'd do whatever she could. Clara deserved a mother. Vicki knew what it was like to grow up without one.
Clara went to her father and tugged on his pant leg until he leaned down to her, and then they both whispered. Colt had an enormous smile, and Clara giggled.
Vicki straightened her skirt, and then her lips parted as she stared at the stovetop across from her. The food was burning. A gasp came out of her mouth as she ran toward the oven. Colt beat her there, and he grabbed a glove for the oven. She swallowed as her heart raced. He drained the oil out of the pan and dropped the
