The receptionist’s smile brightens. “Of course.” She glances down at her screen. “You’re meeting with Director Hastings. If you’ll just take a seat, she’ll be right with you.”

Bette nods. “Thank you.”

They move to the seating area.

Mickey immediately swings their hands back and forth. “Look, Mama! Big room!”

“It is a big room,” Bette says, her voice softening again as she crouches slightly to his level. “Remember what we talked about?”

Mickey nods seriously. “Use my inside voice.”

Michelle smiles faintly. “That’s right, baby.”

A few moments later, a woman in her mid-forties steps into the lobby, sharp, composed, but warm. “Bette Porter? Michelle Adams-Porter?” she asks.

Both women stand.

“Yes,” Bette says.

“I’m Director Ellen Hastings,” she says, extending her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Bette replies, shaking her hand.

Michelle follows. “Nice to meet you.”

Director Hastings looks down at Mickey, her expression softening. “And you must be Michael.”

Mickey nods, a little shy now.

“Well, hello there,” she says gently. “Would you like to come see our classroom?”

Mickey glances up at both his mothers.

Bette gives him a small nod. “Go ahead.”

They walk down a bright hallway lined with children’s artwork, colorful, expressive, carefully displayed.

Director Hastings gestures as they walk. “We focus heavily on social development at this age, communication, cooperation, and emotional awareness.”

Bette listens closely, already analyzing.

Michelle nods along.

They enter a classroom where a handful of children are seated at small tables, working with blocks and drawing.

A teacher looks up and smiles. “Good morning….”

“This is Ms. Sims,” Director Hastings says. “She leads our early preschool program.”

Ms. Sims kneels slightly to Mickey’s level. “Hi there. Would you like to join us?”

Mickey hesitates.

Michelle squeezes his hand. “Go ahead, baby.”

Bette crouches beside him. “We’ll be right over there,” she assures him.

Mickey slowly lets go of their hands and walks toward the table.

Ms. Sims guides him gently to a seat, placing a small set of blocks in front of him.

Within seconds, he’s engaged.