Page 57 of Island Protector

She had bigger things to be upset about. Like the updatefrom her attorney. She’d have that meeting before going to the flower shop.

Miles had a life and an active business. They both had concerns that went beyond their date. It was completely logical that something distracted him as soon as he got back to his place.

It was almost a relief when the lawyer called to report that her case was not on the calendar for a family court hearing. “That’s good news, right? I don’t need to make plans to appear?”

“It should be good news, yes,” he replied. “But it raises the question as to why you received the custody challenge at all.”

She was starting to wonder if the concussion would forever slow her down. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I’m not either,” Wilt said. “Have you been contacted by child services?”

“No.”

“That’s unusual as well. There are processes that must be followed.” He sounded pensive. “My team is working with the court to sort out the confusion. And I’ve reached out to the legal team representing the Graingers.”

Legal team? She sank down into a corner of the couch, feeling small. “Thanks for being on my side.”

“It’s a pleasure, truly. Everything indicates your case is strong. Whatever spurred them to do this, having never met the boy will not win them any support with the judge.”

“Even after those pictures?”

“Yes.” He sounded as angry as she felt about it. “We’ll get to the bottom of that nonsense, I assure you. Sadly, it’s not the worst stunt I’ve seen, but I will not let it affect your case.”

It was lovely to have one more person on her side, making her feel important. Secure. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Trumble. If something else happens or you need anything, just reach out to us here.”

With some time left, and feeling amazing, Molly did a load of laundry and some light cleaning before it was time to meet Nina and Hailey.

She’d barely walked in before Nina launched into an interrogation about her date. “Quick, before Hailey gets back. Tell me everything.”

“Where did Hailey go?”

“Not important,” Nina waved it off. “Details, stat!”

“You’re ridiculous,” Molly accused, but she told her almost everything. The closer she got to the end of the event, when Miles had promised to text, the disappointment returned.

“You don’t look like a woman reliving the best kisses of her life,” Nina observed. “What did he do?”

“It’s silly.” Molly dropped an apron over her head. “I’m being silly.” But Nina got the rest of the story out of her in record time. “See? Silly. If he wasn’t so darn capable, I might believe something happened. I might be worried,” she groused. She was worried and imagining his reaction only irritated her. “It’s not like we just met. I know him. He’s one of the good guys.”

“Not entirely true,” Nina countered. “Yes, of course he’s a good guy. But you two have just met as a romantic couple. That changes things. It changes the expectations and the way you communicate. It colors his interactions with you and Bryce.”

She had not looked at it like that. “You make a good point. It still feels wrong to have a sudden rush of high expectations. Officially, it’s only been one date.”

“Let’s be real. He’s the one who changed the rules,” Nina said with a laugh.

And he’d made the change during a vulnerable time for her. Not that her answer would have been any different. She enjoyed Miles, but she had to make sure she enjoyedhim as an adult and not merely an adult who liked and mentored her son.

“We both know he doesn’t owe me anything,” she said. “We don’t even know if we’ll work out together. It’s been so long since I’ve dated anyone.”

“Wow.” Nina gawked at her. “You’ve got it bad.”

“I really do.” She turned away, covering her face with her hands. “I’m in way over my head here.”

Nina walked over and rubbed her shoulders. “You’re not. Not really. This is just several layers of change all at once.”

“With someone who is familiar. A friend.” Molly suddenly thought the whole thing was a bad idea. “Do I really want to put that in jeopardy? Whatever happens, I need to make sure Bryce is protected from any messy fallout.”

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