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I answered so quickly I almost broke my finger. “Hello!”
“Hi, Tish?” Stella prompted.
“Yes, it’s me!” I forced myself to breathe. “I mean, this is Tish,” I said a little more calmly.
“Hi, I was calling to explain I’ll be in town this afternoon. I’ve already communicated with the grandparents’ attorney, and they are in Willow Brook. If you want to do this meet and greet this afternoon, let’s go for it.”
“Whoa,” was all I could manage.
“Is that too soon?” Stella asked.
My cheeks were raw from me chewing on the insides. “I kind of want to just get it over with. Where should I meet you?”
“How about we meet at the law office?”
I forcibly released the pen I was gripping tightly and set it down. I flattened my palm on the desk as I tried to slow my breathing.
“The office is neutral. I’ll be there with you,” Stella assured me.
“Paul won’t be there?”
“We’ve made it very clear with the grandparents’ attorney that if they violate that condition, there will be no meeting. This is a time for you to tell them what happened. If everything goes well and you’re comfortable, we can set up a time for them to meet Teddy.”
I released the air trapped in my lungs in a gust. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you in a few hours,” Stella replied.
“Great,” I replied, even though it wasn’t great at all. Just as she was about to end the call, I prompted, “Stella?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. This isn’t an easy situation. You’re giving them a lot of grace.” Her voice softened with her response.
“I’m trying. Thank you, and I’ll see you this afternoon.”
Seconds after I finished the call, my phone vibrated with an incoming text.
Griffin: I’m here whenever you’re ready.
My heart cartwheeled in my chest and tears pricked my eyes. I couldn’t let myself get too emotional today. I had to keep it together, but it helped more than he could ever know that he was in my corner.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Tish
A few hours later, I waited in the parking lot at the small office building beside Firehouse Café. My palms were clammy and my heart was clanging in an anxious beat. I just wanted this to be over. A car pulled up beside me. The woman who must be Stella smiled and waved as she climbed out quickly, slinging a backpack over her shoulder.
I hopped out. “Stella?”
“That’s me.” She thrust a hand out.
“Tish,” I said, releasing her hand after a strong shake.
Stella was adorable. She had big brown eyes framed with thick lashes. Her blond hair was a riot of curls barely contained in a ponytail. She was short with curves. She wore an unzipped down jacket over a blouse paired with leggings tucked into practical boots.
“We’ve got twenty minutes before they’re supposed to arrive, so let’s get in there,” she said.
