The next morning, the London sky was even grayer than usual. Kate had just sat down for breakfast with one strawberry speared on her fork and a steaming cup of coffee beside her, when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and smiled.

"Hi, sweetheart," she said, her voice soft—the way she only spoke to her son.

On the other end, Oliver grinned while Eileen finished slipping his water bottle into his backpack.

"Just wanted to say bye, Mommy. I'm gonna miss you," he said, tugging at his scarf.

"I'll miss you too, love… but I want you to have so much fun, okay? Enjoy the match."

"I will, Mommy! I promise I'll call you before bed."

"It's a deal," Kate said, blowing him a kiss. "Can you hand the phone to Aunt Eileen?"

Oliver passed the phone and ran off to find his favorite dinosaur.

"Hello?" Eileen answered with a smile in her voice.

Kate rolled her eyes as she stabbed another strawberry with her fork.

"I know you're a mom too, but I'll say it anyway: don't let him