Page 13 of Raising Love
There was so much unknown, and the mystery was starting to make me lightheaded. I knew we were here for a will reading—something I’d never attended in my life. But a will reading for what? What could Kendra and Tyrell be leaving us?
When the call came in from Carla, I called Ivy immediately, and she confirmed receiving the same phone call. Nothing had been disclosed regarding why our attendance was necessary, but still, we showed up—because it was for our friends.
“First, I want to thank you two for coming in today,” Mr. Grant started. “I know this must be a difficult time for both of you. I’ll do my best to explain everything clearly so you understand what your friends, Kendra and Tyrell, have outlined in their will regarding your roles.”
Roles? What roles?
“So, let’s get started.” Mr. Grant smiled politely, pushing back his large glasses up the bridge of his nose. “We’re here today to discuss the last will and testament of Kendra and Tyrell Love, as you both know. Before we begin, I want to ensure you both understand the terms we will use and what they imply. Please feel free to stop me at any time with questions.”
My heart started to thump in that instant.
Mr. Grant pulled out a document from the folder and fixed his attention on it. “This document I’m holding—and that I will show to you shortly—is legally binding and was drafted according to Kendra and Tyrell’s instructions. To start, they have named both of you as guardians of their child, should anything happen to them.”
Guardians? What does that mean?
I blinked rapidly, unable to process what I was hearing. It still hadn’t registered.
“They have also left you their home in Greene Gardens,” Mr. Grant continued, “which they intended to be a family home for them and their child.”
“Wait, I’m sorry,” Ivy exhaled, pressing her hand to her chest. “Perhaps I’m missing something. What do you mean they’ve named us guardians? Like, what exactly do you mean?”
Mr. Grant lifted his eyes to Ivy.
“I know Kendra wanted us to be godparents,” Ivy informed. “Are guardians godparents, or…?”
“No, a guardian has more rights than a godparent,” Mr. Grant explained. “I can clarify if you like.”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Please do.”
“Sure,” he said. “I’ll outline what guardianship entails—not just in the immediate future, but long-term.”
Long-term?
“Accepting guardianship of a child is akin to stepping into the role of a parent.”
“Parent?” Ivy quizzed.
“Yes,” Mr. Grant replied. “You’ll be responsible for making all decisions concerning his health, education, and general welfare.”
“Like parents,” I said, more to myself. My eyes scanned the space around me, Mr. Grant’s words sinking in and weighing on the panic slowly rising within me.
“Oh, shit,” Ivy uttered, slapping her hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry.”
Mr. Grant chuckled. “It’s fine.”
“Does it really say that?” Ivy asked, scooting to the edge of her seat and pointing at the document in Mr. Grant’s hand. “Does it literally say they are leaving their actual human child with us?”
“Yes,” Mr. Grant replied with a nod.
“They really didn’t have anyone else in mind?” I asked. “Their parents? Other family?”
“People who know what to do with babies?” Ivy added, her exhales becoming audible beside me. “Because I assure you, that is not us.”
“They were very specific in wanting you two. It seems they trusted you to provide the care and love their son would need.”
“Why in the fuck…?!” Ivy’s voice echoed around the room before she slapped her hand to her mouth again, only to remove it a second later to press against her chest. “Okay… um… legally. What does being a guardian look like, legally? Are we talking about something temporary, or…?”
“He said long-term, Ivy League,” I interjected, hoping to lighten the moment—or at least myself. I was one inhale away from passing the hell out.
