Page 26 of The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss
“Just a friend.”
“I was hoping to see Ellie.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t know. Usually, you and Dad are out of town, visiting his family.”
“Well, I know, but this year is different. You have my granddaughter.” She took a deep breath. “I’m still a little shocked that neither you nor your brother thought to ask me if I wanted her. I’ve been a single mom, and I know how hard it is. I didn’t want that for you.”
Molly stood and walked to the crib to lay Ellie down. “Mom, I’m doing fine. I love her, and she’s well taken care of.”
“On a housekeeper’s wage? I don’t see how that’s possible. And your apartment is too small to raise a child.”
It was the same argument made before Brenda made her choice. Her mom had a stable income, a home, and the baby would have two parents. It made more sense for her to adopt Ellie, not Molly.
Ultimately, it was up to Brenda, and she’d chosen Molly. Her mom hadn’t liked it at the time, but it was better that Ellie stayed with family. That way, they knew she was being taken care of.
Since then, nothing had been said. Her mom had even been at the hospital when Ellie was born and visited the week after she was home. Until now, Molly thought it was settled.
“We’ve had this conversation. I wanted her. Things may not be perfect, but I love my life with Ellie.”
Her mom cleared her throat. “Derek and Brenda received the paperwork notifying them that their rights were being severed about a week ago. We’ve talked some more, and they agree with us that your dad and I should have her.”
Molly’s heart rate doubled. “What does that mean? I’m her mother. You can’t just take her from me.”
“I was hoping the two of us could talk and make this as easy for both you and Ellie as we can. That we could come to an agreement.”
Sucking in a lungful of air, Molly tried to make sense of what she was hearing. “Brenda wanted me to have her. The adoption is one step away from done. You can’t do this.”
“Actually, we’ve talked to a lawyer. Since the adoption isn’t finalized yet, Derek and Brenda can switch custody from you to us. The lawyer says that if we can show we’re a better fit, we’ll have a good shot at being granted custody.” She paused. “That’s not how I want to handle it, but she’s my granddaughter, and I want what’s best for her.”
Easing herself down on the corner of the bed, Molly’s entire body was shaking. Her mom was talking about ripping her daughter away from her. “I’m what’s best for her.”
“Molly, I love you, and I think you are a fantastic person, but you really aren’t in any shape to take on the responsibility of a baby.”
Molly wanted to pinch herself. This had to be a nightmare. “I’m twenty-nine years old, twelve years older than you when you had Derek, and apparently, you were just fine being a single parent.”
Her mom took a deep breath. “This is different.”
“Is this why you were stopping by my apartment? To discuss stealing my child from me? How much money did you offer them?” That’s the only thing Molly could think of that would have made Derek and Brenda change their minds.
Her mom scoffed. “We didn’t offer them anything, and we’re not stealing her from you.” She sighed heavily. “You deserve a life that’s not weighed down with a child. You’re young. There’s plenty of time to have children when you’re older.”
Molly stood. “Ellie is not a weight. She is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I love her. She’s my little girl, and you can’t have her.” She clicked the end button, and her lips trembled as hot tears ran down her cheeks.
A knock came from her door. “Molly, it’s Josiah.”
Normally, she hated for someone to catch her crying, but she wasn’t sure she’d ever stop at this point. She walked to the door and opened it.
Josiah sucked in a sharp breath. “What’s wrong?”
She stepped into him as the tears fell harder, and he put his arms around her, setting his cheek on top of her head. “I’m here. Whatever it is, you can count on me.” He squeezed her tighter, and it felt like he was the only thing holding her together.
Leaning back, she sniffled and hiccupped. “My mom is trying to take Ellie from me.”
“Why?” His eyebrows furrowed. “You’re a great mom.”
“Derek and Brenda have changed their minds about who they want to have custody. My mom has talked to a lawyer, and since the adoption isn’t finalized, they can challenge it.” She dissolved into tears again and balled her fists in his t-shirt. “They’re going to take her.”
He held her out from him. “She’s not taking Ellie from you.”
