Page 399 of Small Town Firsts
“I don’t even know if your former employer would take my case. I just…” He seemed to trail off to collect himself.
“It’s okay. Just tell me what’s up.”
“It’s my daughter.”
“Poppy? Is something wrong?”
“Yes. No. I mean, she’s fine, but I just got served from my in-laws. They want to take my baby from me. I can’t let that happen.”
“Preston will help.”
I hadn’t even been aware that would fly out of my mouth. But I knew he would without question.
Grant blew out a breath. “Do you think he’d take my case? Truly?”
“Yes. I don’t know the specifics, but Preston is your man.” Family law wasn’t exactly his expertise, but I’d believed himwhen he told me he wanted to help people rather than specializing in divorce. He was a stand-up guy.
I rattled off Preston’s direct line at work because, well, that was probably the best way to reach him since April wasn’t exactly there to take his calls.
I couldn’t help wincing. Nor was I.
“Call him and tell him about your problem.” I made my tone as reassuring as possible. “He’ll win your case, Grant.”
“You don’t even know the details.”
“You love that little girl. That’s all I need to know.”
“Thanks.” His voice was deeper and full of emotion.
“And I know Preston will do whatever is necessary for you to keep your child. I know him.”
I did, I realized. Maybe it didn’t make sense in terms of time, but that certainty was a steady glow inside my belly. I fisted my hand against it. There was so many things I wasn’t sure of, but that he’d always try to do the right thing wasn’t one of them.
“I’m sorry to impose and I shouldn’t have dug around for your number, but I was desperate.”
“We do what we have to when we’re protecting our family.” I glanced out the window to where my mother was hanging hanks of yarn on her makeshift racks. “Family is all we have in the end. And those who we care about the most.”
“I don’t know the specifics, Miss?—”
“I think we can go with Ryan.”
He laughed lightly. “Ryan, then. But I can tell you from personal experience that life is short. Don’t waste it. When I lost my Anna, it tore me apart, but I’m a better man for loving her. Even if it was only for a few short years.”
My throat tightened. His pain was palpable, but there was determination in there too. “I hope Preston can help.”
I know he can.
“Thank you, Ryan. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
How did he know? Was I that obvious? “Thanks. Kiss that little girl for me. And the ever-precocious Bosco.”
“I will. Talk soon.”
And then he was gone.
I plugged my phone in again and grabbed my deck. I shuffled and threw two cards to see what the cards had to say.
I laughed at the Three of Swords and Ten of Swords.
