38. Tish

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Tish

"What do you mean?"

"Well, this is an unusual situation," Colin explained. "You're willing to permanently forgo child support. Paul's insisting that he wants to pay child support. He doesn't want any visitation with Teddy, except for his parents. But he doesn't want you to disclose what happened to them."

"Colin, Paul's only doing this because he wants financial support from his parents. He believes he'll get it this way. I think he's trying to make it seem like he's a caring father when he's not." I swallowed through the tightness in my throat. It felt like I'd been on the verge of tears for days at this point. "I just want to tell them the truth. They can visit Teddy, but I don't want Paul involved and I'm telling them the truth. Can you arrange a meeting?"

"Tish—" Colin began.

I cut in. "I know it's probably crazy but it's what I want to do."

"Okay, I will reach out to their attorney. Where would you like to meet?"

"Somewhere neutral. I know your office is in Fireweed Harbor, but I'll fly there if I have to."

"Actually, one of our paralegals is moving to Willow Brook. With Fireweed Industries expanding its presence there, we're getting a lot more business from that area. Stella will primarily work from there. She flies into Willow Brook tomorrow. If you don't mind meeting with her, we can arrange it so you don't need to travel."

Tears burned in my eyes again. I was a ball of emotion these days. This small kindness was almost too much.

"Tish?"

I cleared my throat. "I'm here. That would be great. If you give me Stella's number, I'll text her and she can reach out when she's here. Does she have a place to stay?"

"To start, she'll be staying in a small apartment we found for her with a little help from Archer and Chase."

"Oh, great. Should I pick her up at the airport?"

"No need. She's got a rental car. How about you meet her at Firehouse Café? Stella will make all the arrangements with the grandparents. You don't need to talk to them. I would prefer if you write down everything you plan to tell them, so you and I can discuss it."

"I understand you want to protect me, but I feel fine about this," I insisted. Telling the whole story was about the only thing I felt at peace with, which was a relief.

Colin was quiet for a beat and I could hear a light tapping sound as if he was drumming his fingertips on his desk. "For what it's worth, their attorney has been nothing but above board and has assured me they're acting in good faith. I'm familiar with the attorney they hired in Juneau and he's a good guy. He doesn't play games. He won't do something sketchy on their behalf. I'm not familiar with Paul's attorney, although I can tell he is confused by Paul's request. I'll text you Stella's number."

As promised, Stella's number came through a moment later. I immediately texted her. After I closed out that text window, I stared at the last one I had received from Griffin.

Griffin: I miss you. I understand you want this time, but I want to be able to be there for you. I know this can't be easy.

He'd sent this late last night. I must've read it about a hundred times. I missed him, so much my heart felt raw from it.

Even now, I didn't completely understand why I had asked for some space. I felt overwhelmed and deeply distressed about Paul's reappearance in my life. Paul made me question my judgment so much. I didn't regret, not even for a second, having Teddy, but I hated the shame I felt about how easily Paul had tricked me into thinking he was a decent guy. I couldn't help but wonder if I still would've been involved with him if he had never pulled that little stunt, and if I had never confronted him about it.

I knew I owed Griffin a reply.

Me: I miss you too. I'm sorting out the situation. I promise.

I was so embarrassed about Paul, and I didn't feel like I deserved Griffin. I shook my head quickly, trying to physically knock my thoughts off track. I didn't have time to get caught in the repetitive loop of recriminations and embarrassment.

My phone rang and Stella's name flashed on the screen.

I answered so quickly I almost broke my finger. "Hello!"

"Hi, Tish?" Stella prompted.

"Yes, it's me!" I forced myself to breathe. "I mean, this is Tish," I said a little more calmly.

"Hi, I was calling to explain I'll be in town this afternoon. I've already communicated with the grandparents' attorney, and they are in Willow Brook. If you want to do this meet and greet this afternoon, let's go for it."

"Whoa," was all I could manage.

"Is that too soon?" Stella asked.

My cheeks were raw from me chewing on the insides. "I kind of want to just get it over with. Where should I meet you?"

"How about we meet at the law office?"

I forcibly released the pen I was gripping tightly and set it down. I flattened my palm on the desk as I tried to slow my breathing.

"The office is neutral. I'll be there with you," Stella assured me.

"Paul won't be there?"

"We've made it very clear with the grandparents' attorney that if they violate that condition, there will be no meeting. This is a time for you to tell them what happened. If everything goes well and you're comfortable, we can set up a time for them to meet Teddy."

I released the air trapped in my lungs in a gust. "Okay."

"I'll see you in a few hours," Stella replied.

"Great," I replied, even though it wasn't great at all. Just as she was about to end the call, I prompted, "Stella?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"Of course. This isn't an easy situation. You're giving them a lot of grace." Her voice softened with her response.

"I'm trying. Thank you, and I'll see you this afternoon."

Seconds after I finished the call, my phone vibrated with an incoming text.

Griffin: I'm here whenever you're ready.

My heart cartwheeled in my chest and tears pricked my eyes. I couldn't let myself get too emotional today. I had to keep it together, but it helped more than he could ever know that he was in my corner.