“Also, your ex-husband by signed agreement does not have the right to make unilateral decisions of the magnitude of ceasing breastfeeding. And last, regardless that it was croup, and I assume, as well as hope, your son is feeling much better, any illness should be reported to an ex-spouse. It’s an unparalleled hardship that you weren’t informed of his ailment nor granted access to him while he was ill. From what I understood from Mr. Allen, this situation was sketchy at best. Now, understanding it fully, it’s far worse. I’m fighting mad, Carissa. I just hope you are too.”

“I am,” I whispered, my heart thumping faster, because she didn’t sound fighting mad.

She sounded incensed.

“Then please, make a meeting with Leanne as soon as is convenient. I’ll stay late if you have to work. I’ll instruct Leanne about that. Take care, Carissa, and I hope to see you soon.”

She transferred me. I spoke with Leanne. We set a meeting the next day after I got off work and I disconnected, then stood there in a cute tube top, staring at my phone.

I did this thinking maybe, just maybe, finally there was hope.

“Your ex made you stop breastfeeding?”

I stiltedly turned to Tyra at her question.

She was staring up at me, her eyes bright with tears, though, from the look on her face, I didn’t know if they were tears of camaraderie of a mother done wrong or tears of fury.

“Yes,” I told her.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “I totally hate your ex.”

“I hate him too!” Rider cried loyally.

I forced a grin at him but said, “That’s sweet, cutie, but you really shouldn’t hate people.”

“You should if they’re mean,” Rider returned.

Now, how could I argue that?

“Tyra, notice,” Elvira stated, and at her tone, my eyes went direct to her.

At one look, I saw Elvira wasn’t feeling upset about a mother done wrong.

She was just flat furious.

“Your man’s got T-minus a month to sort that jackass, then I’m settin’ Hawk on him,” she warned.

“Vira said ass!” Cutter shouted, though why he’d point that out when his father said the same and he hadn’t uttered a word, I didn’t know.

I also didn’t ask.

This was because Tyra said, “We’re on it, Elvira.”