This time, she was going to fight for love.

Even if it terrified her.

**Three weeks after Bette left for New York**

“Mom, can we call Bette?” Carson asked for the third time that morning, looking up from his cereal bowl with hopeful eyes. “I want to tell her about my science project.”

Tina glanced at the clock – 7:30 AM, which meant it was 10:30 AM in New York. She’d been avoiding this conversation for weeks, but Carson’s persistence was wearing down her resolve.

“She’s probably at work, sweetheart.”

“But it’s Saturday. And you said she works in a big office building. Maybe she’s there doing lawyer stuff.”

“Baby, Bette is busy. She has her own life in New York.”

“But she said she’d always be there for us. She promised.” Carson’s voice took on that stubborn tone that reminded Tina so much of herself. “Please, Mom? Just for a few minutes?”

Tina sighed, knowing she was defeated. “Okay. But just for a few minutes. And Carson?” She knelt down to his level. “Don’t mention anything about us moving to New York, okay? That’s still our secret.”

“I remember. It’s a surprise for Bette.”

“That’s right.”

Tina pulled out her phone and scrolled to Bette’s number, her heart racing as she hit call. It rang twice before Bette’s familiar voice answered.

“Tina? Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Someone here really wants to talk to you.”

She handed the phone to Carson, who immediately brightened.

“Bette! Guess what? I’m growing lima beans for science class, and one of them is already this tall!” He held up his fingers to show the height, forgetting she couldn’t see him.

Tina could hear Bette’s laugh through the phone. “That’s amazing, buddy. Are you taking good care of them?”

“Uh-huh. I water them every day and I put them by the window so they can see the sun. And I talk to them because Grammy says plants like when you talk to them.”

“Grammy is very smart about plants.”

“Bette, when are you coming back to visit us?” Carson asked, his voice hopeful.

There was a pause on the other end. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I’m pretty busy with work right now.”

“But you miss us, right?”

“Of course I miss you. I miss you very much.”