I nod and walk towards the door. "I’m headed next door to see Elle and pick up Hannah."
"Well," he begins, his tone turning sober. "Speaking of things you'd rather forget, Meghan stopped by when I was here. When I told her you were in New York, she marched over to Elle's and took Hannah."
"Ugh!" I exclaim, unable to hide my exasperation. "It would be one thing if I knew she took her and actuallyspent time with her. But I know she probably just dropped her off at the house and went off to do whatever it is she does besides being an absent parent."
"I know you regret meeting Meghan," he says, standing to his feet, "but, thanks to her, you have Hannah."
"Hannah is the one and only reason I'm able to maintain any semblance of civility around her," I reply, my tone even as I pull out my phone and dial Meghan's number.
***
I lean back in the chair, tapping my fingers against my coffee cup as Sylvie flips through the files. As the seconds tick by, I feel my stress level rise to an all-time high.
Sylvie sets the papers down with a sigh. "We’ve filed to solidify the current custody agreement. It’s on record, so if Meghan tries anything, we’ve already made our case.”
I nod, feeling the pressure. "What else?"
Sylvie taps her tablet. "If Meghan tries to argue you’re unfit, we have evidence that Hannah’s in a stable, nurturing environment. We have witnesses who can attest to your role in Hannah’s life. But, Cal, there’s been no filing—nothing from her."
I sit up, confused. "After all this time and the nanny, she hasn’t made a move?"
"No," Sylvie replies. "It’s been quiet."
I stand and begin pacing. "What’s she waiting for?"
Sylvie watches me, considering. "Maybe she’s waiting for the right moment. But for now, there’s no movement.
"There’s something else," I say, clearing my throat. "Meghan’s been different lately. She’s showing up on time, actually spending time with Hannah instead of leaving her with the nanny. For the past month, it’s like she’s a different person. I’m not sure if she’s playing the part of a good mom or stalling, but I never thought she’d be this involved. Last week, Hannah got a student of the month award. She came home with a picture holding her certificate, and guess who’s standing beside her?"
Sylvie leans back. "You’re kidding."
I shake my head. "There she was, hand on Hannah’s shoulder, smiling proudly."
"Is it possible that maybe she's changed?" she says. "Reconsidered?"
I rub my neck, tension building. "Women like Meghan don't change. So, what now?"
"We wait," she says, decisive. "We keep everything in place, stay vigilant, and monitor the court docket. If she’s going to file, it needs to happen soon. The longer she waits, the more it works in our favor."
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, wondering what Meghan's up to now.
"The silence works in your favor," she says with a small smile. "Just keep being the father Hannah needs, and let her enjoy the mother Meghan's being. Even if it's temporary."
I nod slowly, her words offering some reassurance. The change in Meghan might be unnerving, but for now, it’s a win.
***
I kiss Elle slowly, the lingering sweetness of strawberries and chocolate still on her lips. Our breaths mingle as she melts into the kiss.
“He-hem.” Nate's loud clearing of his throat pulls us apart, and Elle smiles, blushing slightly.
She points to the chocolate cake with strawberry filling. “I think this one’s my favorite,” she says, her cheeks pink.
“I’m partial to the vanilla with buttercream,” Tina chimes in, her eyes flicking to Nate.
Nate takes another bite of the vanilla, his gaze steady on Tina. “This is the one,” he says, his voice firm.
I look over at Beth. “You’ll have to break the tie. I’m with Elle, I’m leaning toward the chocolate.”
