(Jason's POV)
The basketball hoop is rusted and crooked, but the kids don't care. Rose and Charlie take turns being lifted up to make "baskets," laughing every time the ball goes through the net.
Aiden sets Charlie down after his third turn and catches my eye.
"Hey, Jason. Mind spotting me? Want to see if I can still make a free throw."
"Sure."
We move a few feet away from the kids, close enough to watch them but far enough for a private conversation.
Aiden takes a shot. It bounces off the rim.
"Rusty," he mutters.
"You'll get it."
He retrieves the ball, but doesn't shoot again. Instead, he turns to face me.
"I have something to say, and I'm just going to say it straight."
Here it comes. I've been waiting for this conversation since we sat down to dinner.
"Go ahead."
"Caroline
