“They’re also requesting a reconsideration of the in-home evaluation.”
My jaw flexes as images flash in my head of Elody’s drawings taped on the fridge, the growth chart behind her door, the cabinet locks, and the stack of bedtime books we’ve read so many times I could recite them from memory.
Even though I did everything I could to pick up the pieces after Sarah walked out, and build a loving home for my little girl, her parents are determined to take that away from me.
“Elody is happy and safe,” I say, more to myself than him. “She’s not missing anything.” Least of all a mother who decided we weren’t enough for her.
“And we’ll argue that,” Mark says. “But don’t give them anything they can twist.”
Translation: no more slipups.
“Understood.”
“I know it’s a lot,” he adds. “But you’re doing a good job, and the judge sees that.”
I hope to hell he’s right. Elody’s the one thing I can’t lose.
“Thanks,” I manage.
“We’ll talk when I have more information.”
“Sure. I appreciate the update.”
The call ends and I catch my reflection in the rearview mirror. There are dark circles under my eyes and lines of tension carved into my face. Pretty sure I’ve aged at least ten years in the past twelve months.
Five minutes later we pull into the preschool lot as snow drifts down in lazy flakes.
Elody points at the sky. “Look, Daddy! Snow!”
Her wonderment is exactly the balm I need after that phone call. “Yup. First snow of the season. Maybe it’s good luck.”
“It is!” she declares.
When I unbuckle her and lift her out, she loops her arms around my neck and peppers my cheek with quick kisses.
How don’t her grandparents see how happy and well-adjusted she is?
Inside, Ms. Harding greets us with a bright smile.
“Good morning, Elody!” she chirps before her gaze shifts to me. “Morning, Laiken.”
I give a polite nod. “Morning.”
She touches my forearm. “Carrie told me what happened at pickup the other day.”
“Yeah. Sorry about that. Katie’s usually very reliable.”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Her smile doesn’t falter as she steps closer. “I just want you to know that if you ever need help, I’d be happy to step in.”
This isn’t the first occasion she’s offered her assistance, and I shut it down every time. The last thing I need is rumors about me and Elody’s teacher circulating. The McIntyres would twist it in half a second.
“I appreciate it,” I say carefully, wanting to be friendly without inviting anything more. “If something comes up, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Perfect!” She squeezes Elody’s shoulder. “She’s such a sweet girl.”
Elody tugs my sleeve. “Daddy?”
I blink down at her, grateful for the distraction. “Yeah, bug?”
