Chloe laughed. The community Facebook page was full of people talking about the muffins Kathleen had started baking last week. “We’ve been selling out of the Halloween muffins byeleven o’clock most mornings. Do you want me to put one aside for you?”
“That’d be great. I don’t mind what flavor it is.”
“I’ll put one of the banana one’s behind the counter for you. They’re my favorite.” Chloe wasn’t sure whether it was the muffin or the delicious chocolate skeleton on the top of each one that bought new customers into the café. But, either way, she wasn’t complaining.
As a group of children hurried through the dining room, Chloe remembered what she’d been meaning to tell Liam. “I’m talking to my lawyer this afternoon.”
Liam’s gaze softened with concern. “How are you feeling about it?”
“I’m a little nervous, but I need to know what I should do about Paul.”
He nodded. “If you want to talk afterward—I’m here.”
She met his eyes, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Liam.” Trixie made a snorting sound and Chloe reached down to give her a pat. “It looks like someone else wants to offer me their moral support.”
Liam chuckled. “She’s a good listener.”
“I can see that.” Standing up, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I should get going before I’m late.”
“Before you go—would you and Oscar like to grab an early dinner tonight? We could buy a pizza and sit by the lake.”
She considered the invitation, but shook her head. “I’d love to, but I can’t. Oscar has a rehearsal for his school production and I promised I’d be there to fix any costume issues. By the time we’re finished, Oscar will be tired.”
“That’s okay. We can have dinner together another night.”
Chloe nodded. “Sounds great. If you have any questions about my edits, let me know.”
“I will. Thanks again for helping me.”
Chloe slid the new chapters into her tote bag. “I’m enjoying myself. I’ll call you after Oscar’s rehearsal.” As she left the center, her mind wasn’t on the café or Oscar’s school play. All she could think about was her lawyer.
The prospect of speaking with her was daunting, but she had to do it. The last thing Chloe wanted was for Paul to have custody of Oscar.
Five hours later,Chloe sat at her small kitchen table, staring at her phone. She’d left work early to call her lawyer, but she was doing everything she could to delay the conversation.
Biting her bottom lip, she checked the time. If she didn’t call Laura’s office soon, she’d miss her appointment time. So before she could second-guess herself, she took a deep breath and pressed the call button.
As the phone rang, she glanced at a photo on the refrigerator. It was a picture she’d taken last weekend of Oscar building a fort with fallen branches and a pile of leaves. Seeing how happy he’d been brought a fleeting smile to her face. It was a reminder of the simple joys she cherished and the sacrifices they’d made to be here.
“Good afternoon. This is Ms. Henderson’s office,” came the professional voice on the other end of the line.
“Hi, this is Chloe Anders. I have an appointment with Laura,” Chloe said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Yes, Ms. Anders. Please hold while I transfer you.”
A soft click and then the familiar voice of her lawyer greeted her. “Chloe, it’s good to hear from you. How are you?”
“Hi, Laura. I’ve been better, to be honest,” she admitted, fiddling with the edge of a notepad on the table. “I received some texts from Paul.”
There was a brief pause. “I see. What did he say?”
“He wants to talk to me. It’s been over a year since we’ve heard from him, and now, out of the blue, he’s reaching out.” Chloe tried to keep her voice steady, but she couldn’t help the panic underlying each word.
“Did he mention any specific reasons for wanting to reconnect with you?” Laura asked.
Chloe’s grip tightened on the phone. “He just said it’s been too long and that we need to talk. I’m worried, Laura. I don’t know what he wants or what his intentions are.”
“They’re understandable concerns,” Laura replied. “First, let’s address the legal aspects. As per your custody agreement, you have full legal and physical custody of Oscar, correct?”
