If someone made demands, I could have them put those demands in writing and get advice before responding.

“Don’t sign away anything on your doorstep,” she said.

“And don’t confuse a family introduction with a custody hearing.”

I thanked her and wrote the words on the back of an overdue utility notice.

Then I called Pat, the retired school librarian next door.

She had kept Harper after kindergarten when my knees were bad, and she knew the difference between asking a child questions and simply making her feel welcome.

I told Pat only that some relatives from Paige’s side had turned up and that I needed to speak with an adult before deciding what to tell Harper.