The seven-year-old studies her breakfast with profound disappointment, lets out a dramatic sigh, and rests her chin in her palm. “But I was hoping for Toaster Strudels.”

Tina, who is busy putting the finishing touches on Angie’s lunch, pauses and turns toward her daughter. “What?” She furrows her brows. “We don’t have any of those.”

Angie immediately perks up, sensing an opportunity to make her case. “Addison Johnson comes to school every Friday with a nice, hot Toaster Strudel, and she never shares. But she says it’s the best thing she’s ever eaten, and I, for one, believe her…”

Tina tries to suppress a laugh as she closes Angie’s lunch box. The seriousness with which her daughter delivers this declaration makes it nearly impossible to keep a straight face.

Angie thinks for a beat, then looks up at Tina. “Can we buy some?”

Tina walks over to the coffee maker and reaches for her favorite mug. “We’ll see. Now eat.”

Angie considers that response for a moment before turning around on her stool. “If Mama says yes, can we?”

Tina pauses, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. “Sure.” She turns back toward the coffee maker, suppressing a chuckle as she pours herself a cup. There isn’t a chance in hell Bette Porter is going to willingly purchase a box of pastries filled with sugar and topped with frosting for their daughter’s breakfast, but Angie is welcome to try.

Upstairs, hurried footsteps are followed by Bette’s exasperated voice. “Michael Adam-Porter, I am not playing with you. Come here!”

A delighted squeal echoes down the hallway. Tina shakes her head, smiling into her coffee.

A few moments later, footsteps approach the kitchen.

Bette appears in the doorway, impeccably dressed in a tailored gray pantsuit, her hair swept neatly away from her face. The sophisticated appearance is somewhat undermined by the giggling toddler tucked sideways beneath her arm. Mickey’s little legs kick happily in the air, his freshly pressed shirt already slightly untucked as he dangles almost upside down against his mother’s side.

Tina turns and immediately bursts into laughter.

Bette stops in the doorway and looks at Tina with an expression of complete exhaustion. “I’m almost certain this kid sneaks out of his bed at night and eats handfuls of sugar.”