I roll my eyes, but the warmth in her teasing loosens something in my chest. "Shut up."
"Brought you lunch," she says, unpacking a sandwich. "Figured you'd forget to eat." She pauses, studying me. "Axel stopped by the café looking for you."
I try to keep my voice casual. "I know."
Her eyebrows shoot up. "You know?"
"He came up here." I focus intently on reorganizing my papers, avoiding her gaze.
"He what?" Rowan's voice pitches higher with genuine shock. "Up here? To your apartment? Bold move."
"It wasn't like that," I mumble, though I can't stop smiling. "He brought me an attorney referral."
"Uh-huh." She leans against the counter, grinning. "And that's why you're blushing?"
I don't answer, but I can feel a smile tugging at my lips despite my best efforts.
"So…" Rowan draws out the word. "Have you changed your mind about him?"
I shrug, still pretending to organize my notes. "He's… not what I expected."
"Meaning?"
"He's dangerous," I say, voice softer than I want. "He’s so patient it scares me. Like he knows exactly how to wait me out. Like he’s already decided I’m his, and he’s just giving me time to catch up."
Rowan's teasing smile softens into something more genuine. "That's good, Sadie. You deserve someone who understands boundaries."
I slide the paper with Melissa Chen's information across the counter to her. "This is who he recommended. His sister knows her, says she's the best custody attorney in Oregon."
Rowan whistles low. "That's a serious connection. These top-tier family lawyers are impossible to get appointments with." She studies the paper. "Have you called her yet?"
"No—but I talked to Marianne." I take a bite of the sandwich Rowan brought, suddenly realizing how hungry I am.
"She says we need to file a response immediately, gather character witnesses, document everything about my life here, the café, Poppy's routine, our support system."
"What's Elliot's angle?" Rowan asks, her voice hardening at his name.
"Claims I kidnapped Poppy. That I'm unstable, unfit." The words taste bitter. "That I'm denying him his parental rights."
"Bullshit." Rowan's hand covers mine. "We have documentation of the restraining order, the hospital incident."
"All of which expired," I remind her. "And his family has connections in Oregon. Judges, politicians."
"Then we fight smarter." Rowan's jaw sets in that determined way I know so well. "What do you need from me?"
"Just back me up," I say, grateful for her unwavering support. "I need to handle this my way."
"Always." She squeezes my hand. "Your call, your lead. I'm just the backup muscle."
I take a deep breath, steadier now. "I need to go to Oregon next week. Start preparing."
"I'll watch Poppy," she offers immediately. "And help with the café."
Something else bubbles up, something I haven't allowed myself to voice. "He asked me out," I blurt.
Rowan blinks. "Axel?"
I nod, heat rising to my cheeks again.
