“I’m so worried I won’t be enough.” Hannah lowered her head. “I…I don’t want to fail him.”
Evangeline’s heart broke as she moved beside her sister. “Hannah, I respect your choice, but I’ve gotta be honest. I’m concerned you’re basing your decision on fear.”
Staring at her clasped hands, Hannah shuddered in a shaky breath. “Probably. Maybe. I’m not sure.”
“You are going to be agreatmom.” No reaction. “Hannah, look at me.” Evangeline waited until sad eyes stared into hers. “Honey, you’ve been so excited to be a mom. You’re so great with the kids at school.”
“That’s different. Those children aren’t mine. I mean, I love them, but I’m their teacher.”
Evangeline stroked her sister’s hand. “What prompted you to change your mind?”
“Joey helped me make this decision. He’s been so supportive and encouraging.”
Evangeline fought the urge to pound on the table, to scream, to forbid her sister from spending time with this man. Instead, Evangeline opted to stay chill, while she collected her thoughts.
Hannah was a grown woman—a twenty-six-year-old adult. She would have the love and support of her family. Despite how fucked up Birdie was, she believed he would do right by his grandson.
“Exactly what advice did Joey give you?” Beneath the table, Evangeline curled her hand into a fist.
“He’s counseled me on the values of child rearing. Of the importance of a two-parent household.”
“What about discussing this with Trevon?”
Hannah shook her head. “Our last conversation went so badly. We haven’t spoken in months.”
But Evangeline was all about asking questions, following clues and evidence. Reason would prevail, even if fueled by anger.Try another tactic.
“Are you working with an adoption agency?”
“Joey said he’ll help me. I trust him.”
Guilty until proven innocent was more her style. “How ‘bout this? Let’s see if we can meet some of the potential parents or read their bios first.”
“That would be good,” Hannah said, her expression brightening.
“Are you hanging with Joey tonight?”
Hannah lifted the coffee cup. At least she’d stopped trembling. “Charlene is having a dinner party and Joey will be there.” She offered a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry you weren’t invited.”
“I wouldn’t have gone anyway. You know I’m all about the chill on New Year’s Eve. You go, have fun, but don’t agree to anything. Promise?”
Hannah hugged her. “Promise. Thank you.”
A lump formed in Evangeline’s throat. “Always.”
“So, are you bored since you aren’t working?”
Evangeline thought of Sin. She was anything but bored. “I’m fine. No worries, ‘kay?”
“Thanks for listening. Can I buy you a cup of coffee for the road?”
“I’m good.” Evangeline’s attention was diverted when Charlene walked in.Ah, fuck.Her gaze turned icy when she spotted Evangeline.
“What’s she doing here?” Evangeline asked as Charlene approached their table.
“Charlene,” Hannah said. “I thought we were meeting at the salon.”
“Hello, dear.” Charlene refused to look at Evangeline. “I’m picking up a coffee. Ready for our mani-pedi?”
