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“No!” he said, his quick response making her jump. Then, he tried again, softer this time. “I’d like it if you stayed. At least for a while.”

Katherine looked at the gurgling happy baby next to her and then back at Matthew. “Alright, but don’t let me wear out my welcome.”

“You couldn’t,” he said, looking around the room. Matthew didn’t know how to fully express his gratitude between the plates of food, clean countertops, and empty sink. “You’ve been great. Everything you’ve done is incredible. Really. More than I deserve.”

“Don’t do that.” A surge of frustration rose up in Katherine before she could stop herself. “You shouldn’t talk about yourself like that. You deserve more than you know.”

Katherine’s eyes welled up with tears, as Matthew’s did the same.

“I should tell you that I was never trying to eavesdrop, but I did hear some things. And I think I understand what it might’ve been like for you.” As she spoke, the corners of her mouth dipped into a frown. “You’re a good man, Matthew. You deserved more from your partner.”

There was a silent pause as he fiddled with the corner of his napkin before saying, “Thank you, Katie. I appreciate you saying that.”

Of course, Matthew knew his relationship with Julia had grown increasingly strained over the years, but he never believed anyone else understood just how difficult it had become for him. No one ever acknowledged Julia’s condescending manner, sohe’d always made excuses to himself that it wasn’t a big deal, even though it had been incredibly hurtful.

Besides, it wasn’t like it had always been that way. When they were young and first started dating, she’d been sweet, loving, and even kind.

So much so that his parents had taken an instant liking to her. Which might’ve been why Matthew fell so hard for her. He trusted his mom and dad’s opinion. After all, look at the partners they’d found in each other.

But, in the end, maybe that blind hope had been part of his downfall and why their marriage had gone on longer than it should have. Maybe it was why he dismissed so much of her cruelty.

Yet once he’d accepted his relationship couldn’t be saved, he set his focus on Libby and protecting her at all costs. Even if it meant taking more of Julia’s cruelty in stride.

“Look at us.” Katherine sniffled. “We’reliterallycrying in our soup.”

As they started to laugh, Libby joined in as if she understood what was so funny. After that, apart from some of Libby’s adorable gibberish, they ate in silence even though Katherine wanted to ask Matthew questions about Kinsey and if he was planning on moving back. But she also didn’t want to put him on the spot. And since things had taken such a drastic turn between them, she decided she could wait until it came up in conversation naturally.

Nearing the end of the meal, Katherine felt an awkward nervousness rise up inside of her, and she wanted to flee back into the kitchen. Back to where she didn’t feel so vulnerable.

“Can I get you anything else?” she asked, taking empty bowls and plates from the table. “I can whip up another grilled cheese if you want.”

“Seriously?” Matthew chuckled, resting a hand against his stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite if I tried. But thank you, it was delicious.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

Katherine beamed with pride as her cheeks colored a soft pink.

“Justin was right. You’re a good woman and a damn fine cook.”

“It was only soup and sandwiches,” she said, dismissing the compliment even though she was obviously embarrassed and flattered.

“Only?” Matthew shook his head. “I think there’s no such thing asonlywhen it comes to you and food.”

“You’re probably right.” She smiled, then stopped him before he stood up to help. “I got this. You take it easy.”

Restless and ready to be freed from her high chair, Libby slapped her hands on the tray, splattering tiny drops of red soup everywhere.

Out of habit, Matthew held his breath, waiting for an angry backlash. But Katherine only smiled. “Don’t worry about it. I got Libby, too,” she said, taking a clean kitchen towel and wetting it with warm water.

Over time, Matthew had grown accustomed to defending himself and his daughter from Julia’s impatience and short temper. But Katherine was different. She only laughed at Libby’s antics and proud, toothy grin. And it made Matthew sit in awe as he watched them together.

After wiping one hand, Katherine moved on to the other, but as she worked on the second tiny hand Libby took her clean hand and rubbed it back and forth across the tray, smearing drops of the red soup around as if she were finger painting. This happened twice before Katherine finally realized she was going about it all wrong.

“Alright, you little stink bug. I see what you’re up to.”

As Katherine removed the tray from the high chair, Libby slapped her hands together.

“Watch out,” Matthew tried to warn her, but it was too late.