Inside was a letter requesting that we establish temporary parenting arrangements and discuss how we would handle the marital residence while separated.

I read it twice, feeling my pulse climb.

The language was formal and sharp.

There was no accusation that I was an unfit mother, but it suggested I had left the home without reasonable cause and that Lucas wanted the situation resolved promptly.

I called the office and asked for time to obtain my own legal advice.

Then I contacted a family-law attorney, Mara Bennett, whose name Naomi had recommended.

Mara didn’t promise me a dramatic victory.