Page 19 of Drop the Mitts

"So what are your next steps?" Grace asked, her voice flat. She wasn’t going to mince words. It was easy to assume how they’d proceed, but she’d learned long ago that it was beneficial to make people state it out loud. They wouldn't be in this situation if the social worker had done that.

But had she missed something? She was sure she’d double-checked the paperwork before filing. How had she overlooked this? Her palms began to sweat.

Amey swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "I just . . . I need to know if I have a chance. If I can get her back."

Neel answered for her. "We’re filing a motion to vacate the adoption on the grounds of improper counseling."

Grace clenched her jaw. "That motion won’t be easy to push through. Even if we assume the court agrees to hear this case, they will focus on one thing—Hope’s well-being. Not just what you want, but what’s best for her."

"I know," Amey whispered.

Grace nodded. “She has a family. A home. Stability. Are you ready to walk into that courtroom and argue that it’s in her best interest to leave all that behind?"

Amey’s expression wavered.

Neel didn’t flinch. "We’ll let the judge decide that."

Grace leaned back, inhaling through her nose. "Then I’ll be expecting your official filing."

Neel gave her a small, knowing smile. "You’ll have it by the end of the week."

Chapter

Seven

André

Grace, this is André .

If you’re pissed Jenna gave me your number, I stole it off her phone. If you’re not pissed, she gave it to me under only mild duress.

Had a quick question for you

Grace

If your question involves “fun” or “pleasure,” don’t ask

The opposite, actually. Intense boredom. Numbers. Lots of numbers. It’s why I thought of you

I can’t help with STD panels

Damn it. Okay, well, in that case, maybe you could at least help me out with a consultation

Please don’t send me a dick pic

Another time. My current lighting is terrible

I have a meeting with Heads Up Alberta on Wednesday, and no, that’s not a euphemism. Wondered if you’d come with. Nothing official or on the books

This is for the charity game?

Correct. I’m fine with you turning it down. Country is crushed, but he’s a little soft now that he’s a dad

I’m going to assume you’re finally doing something fun, and that’s why you haven’t responded (stranger things have happened). Not that my last message offended you

Now I’m thinking I offended you.

Can’t do the meeting. Sorry

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