"Teddy...Is that you?"

"Yep, it's me." He felt relief at having reached the woman at the other end of the line. She was a safe place, a place of understanding.

"How have you been?" The question wasn't perfunctory. There was tenderness and compassion in her inquiry.

"Okay, I guess." His shoulders sagged. Out of frustration, he spun the globe that sat on a shelf near his bed.

"It doesn't sound as if everything's okay. Your voice is flat. You sound sad. What's going on?" Just as she had in their first conversation, Ana impressed him with her ability to get to the heart of the matter.

"I'm worried. I don't like the way my family is getting in my business."

"I see. Tell me what they're doing to annoy you." Her tone was gentle.

"At Christmas I asked Santa for a mom. I should have kept that a secret, because it turns out Santa isn't even real, but also because everybody in my family thinks they know best. Uncle El is trying to set my dad up with some girl, but she's nasty. Back when she and my uncle were dating, he took me to lunch with her, and I didn't like her. Her clothes were too tight where they should be loose, and too loose where they should be tight."

Ana laughed, but Teddy knew she wasn't laughing at him. Somehow he knew she would never do that.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Please go on."

He lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Her boobies almost flopped out of her shirt, because she doesn't believe in using buttons. I don't think Dad wants to see her, because he got upset with Uncle El, said he doesn't want sloppy seconds, whatever that means." It felt good to share his worries, so he plowed ahead. "My uncle wouldn't stop nagging. He kept on about Dad needing to get back in the saddle, but we'd just come home from a trail ride with my aunt."

Ana giggled. The sound reminded him of the tinkle of piano keys.

"I see," Ana said. "From what you've told me, it seems your dad knows how to set boundaries, so I wouldn't worry too much about your uncle's matchmaking."

"It's not just my uncle. My aunt's trying to push her friend on him. Lily is the worst. She looks at my dad like she wants to gobble him up. And she acts like I don't exist. She'd be a horrible mom, but my aunt doesn't see it."

"Sounds like you need to clear the air with your aunt. Maybe you can discuss how you feel around her friend. If Lily ignores you, that certainly doesn't bode well. Are you close to your aunt and uncle?"

"I guess so."

He adored his Aunt Mia and Uncle El, and under normal circumstances, he believed they hung the moon and stars. He trusted them to care for his safety, feed him well, and teach him important skills. But finding a mom was personal, as personal as it gets, and it was a task he had to do for himself.

"Do you feel you can talk to them? Maybe you can share your concerns with them. They're probably coming from a place of good intentions, just wanting to help your dad."

"Yeah. I could try. Probably won't do any good. My family is super nosy, the whole bunch of them. And my dad won't do anything to help himself. I wish he'd let me pick someone out."

"Now you're doing exactly what your aunt and uncle have been doing." Her reproach was gentle, but it stung a bit. "You really should trust your father to choose someone who is right for both of you. And you must consider the possibility that the process may take a long time."

He didn't understand why, but there was a great urgency about his need for a mother. Time was of the essence.

"No! There's gotta be some really nice lady out there who wants to be my mom and can also put up with my dad."

"Put up with him, eh? Is he annoying?" He imagined Ana might be smiling when she asked this. He felt sure she had a lovely smile.

"Yes, he drives me crazy sometimes." Teddy regarded his father's overprotective nature to be an extreme annoyance. Then again, he knew there were some parents who were even worse. Maybe his dad wasn't so bad after all. If he wanted a mom, he needed to start playing up his dad's good points. "Actually, I guess he's pretty great. Most people seem to like him just fine."

"There you go. Your dad is a good guy. He's just got to find that one special lady."

Something had been bothering him, laying as heavy on his heart as a concrete block, and he knew somehow Ana was the right person to tell.

"Cal said something. I don't think he said it to be mean, but it made me think maybe I'm the problem, like maybe it's hard for a woman to love a kid that didn't grow in her tummy."

"Oh, Teddy, no. I assure you, you're not a problem. There are plenty of women who would cherish the opportunity to be your mom." She said this with confidence, and her assurance gave him hope. "I have the best dad in the whole world and he isn't my birth father. He's actually my stepfather, but he loves me every bit as much as any father can love a child. And that's the way it will be when you get a mother. You have to trust your father's timing. When he finds a partner, she has to be a good fit for you and for him. You two are a package deal and that makes things complicated."

A package deal.

His dad had said the same thing. Now after hearing it again from someone else, he had little choice but to accept that building a family was indeed a difficult proposition.

"What makes everything so complicated?" He'd seen it in movies and on television. Two people meet, make googly eyes at each other, kiss, and fall in love. It can't be that difficult.

"Gosh, so many things," she said. "Partners have to agree on their values and goals. Which holidays will they celebrate and how? Where will they live? They have to divvy up chores, meals, laundry, that sort of thing. If one likes to go out and the other likes to stay home, they'll have to work that out. Do they want children and how many?"

"I want a brother or a sister, or maybe both." After spending so much time around Cal's family, he'd decided it might be nice to have a sibling or two. Babies were goofy and entertaining.

"I do hope you get your heart's desire, but the important questions center around what your father wants. He has to find someone with whom he can find agreement on all the big things and also someone with whom he has a strong, mutual attraction. He has to really want these things on a deep level."

"Hmmm," he said, considering what she'd said. "I do think my dad wants somebody. I heard him tell Uncle El about some woman he saw at a coffee shop. He said she's the most beautiful girl in the world. I tried to listen in, but I couldn't hear everything."

Ana giggled again, and he wanted to know why.

"What's so funny?"

"You told me your family is nosy, and it's kind of cute the way you take after them."

"Are you calling me nosy?" He wanted to feel offended, but he couldn't with her.

"Yes, Mr. Eavesdropper." He could hear a grin in her voice as she called him out.

"I'm not a jerk, just a tiny bit snoopy. I promise I'm not nearly as nosy as my family."

"You don't have to defend yourself," she said with a chuckle. "I like you just the way you are. In fact, I like inquisitive people. My best friend is a busybody, and I adore her."

"You really like me?" He zeroed in on the beginning of her statement. He couldn't believe that someone could like him just the way he was. His family loved him that way, but they were obligated by virtue of relation. He had many friends, Cal above all, but even his best friends sometimes found him lacking in one way or another.

"Yes, I like you very much. And I'm very particular about whom I like. You're fun to talk to and very bright for your age."

He'd received plenty of praise from teachers and family, but words from this warmhearted woman lit him up from within.

"I like you too. Can I ask you something?" He felt emboldened by her acceptance of him. With her, he had the confidence to ask anything.

"Sure." She answered without hesitation, holding herself open to interrogation.

"Do you want any kids?" Teddy thought her to be the very essence of perfect mom material.

If only.

"Yes, I'd like that very much. But first I need to meet the right man. I'm a long way off from that. I just broke up with someone and I'm not even dating right now."

He needed to know if she was completely closed off to the idea or if perhaps she could be coaxed to consider meeting someone. He'd never met her, but he was beginning to believe that Ana was perfect.

Perfect for him and perfect for his dad.

"You said you don't want a boyfriend. How come?"

"Did I say that?"

How can grownups be so forgetful?

"Uh-huh. Last time we talked."

"There are a couple of reasons for that." She giggled and whispered conspiratorially into the phone. "Don't tell anyone, but I have lousy luck with men. Plus I'm busy working and finishing up graduate school. Relationships take a lot of time and energy."

"Dad says the same thing about time and energy. I think maybe he's lazy. He saw that girl in the coffee shop and he didn't even talk to her."

"Did he really say she was the most beautiful girl in the world?" Teddy could hear the swoon in her voice. "What a lucky girl to receive such a compliment. Your dad sounds like a terrific guy. Please be patient with him. He simply hasn't met the right woman yet."

"I don't wanna be patient. I want a mom and I want her now, not when I'm nine or ten." He didn't bother hiding his frustration from her.

"I know family circumstances can be difficult." She swallowed hard and her voice went raspy for a moment. "I was a teenager when my parents got divorced, and then my mother remarried twice. I felt odd, out of place, so I do understand why you're feeling impatient."

Hearing about Ana's complicated family life made him feel better about his own. His situation was very different from that of his classmates. Many had divorced or unmarried parents, and one had lost a parent to death. But he was the only child who had no memory of a mother.

"I want the kind of stepmother who is like a real mom, kinda like your dad."

"Oh, I do hope you get that. It's the most special bond in the world." Her voice quivered with emotion and he wondered if she was about to cry. He needed to change the subject, because he didn't ever want to make Ana sad. He liked her too much.

"I asked my dad about taking the Saturday tour. He said we might be able to go." His father had been rather dismissive in the way he'd responded, but Teddy didn't want Ana to know any of that.

"That would be fantastic," she cooed. "I'd love to meet you in person."

Teddy heard his bedroom door swing open with a loud creak.

Uh-oh. This isn't good, he thought.

"Give me that," his father boomed, grabbing the phone from Teddy's hand. "It's past your bedtime. You're not supposed to be on the phone."

Teddy slumped onto his bed, fearing a punishment awaited him. It would probably involve no video games for at least a month.

"Please don't be mad. I needed to talk to my friend."

"Which friend?"

"Ana. She's really nice. Talking to her helps me feel better. Please don't be mean to her." He felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment at what Ana must be thinking.

"I'm never mean. I'm strict," his father said. "There's a difference."

The boy suppressed an eye roll.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Not yet. Brush your teeth and take a shower."

When he opened his mouth to protest, his father pointed at the door.

"Go now!"

Teddy knew better than to argue. He pulled fresh pajamas from a drawer and left, closing the door behind him.

"Hello? Who's this?" A frazzled Christian barked into the phone.

"Ana Steele. Ana with one n and Steele with three e's."

Christian couldn't believe his ears. The person on the other end sounded like an adult. And she was pushing her luck, being a smart ass about the spelling of her name. What the hell was going on?

"Who are you and why are you speaking to my son?" Was someone abusing the child, grooming him for God knows what? The possibilities were horrifying.

"Your son called me." The woman's voice was tremulous and she spoke quickly. "I'm an employee of Kavanagh Media. I'm the producer and call screener for the Dr. Elena Show at KKAV. Earlier in the month Teddy called the show, wanting advice on how to find a mom. This is the second time he's called. He's a very bright and charming boy."

He was embarrassed that his son had felt the need to call upon strangers. Something must be wrong with their relationship if Teddy couldn't rely upon him for emotional support. He was angry at himself for letting his son down, and angry with the stranger for usurping his parental role.

"You've no right to speak to my son without my permission. As a call screener, you've certainly no qualifications to speak to anyone about anything of importance. I have grounds for a possible law suit. I'm acquainted with Eamon Kavanagh, and you can be certain I'll have words with him about you."

"Yes, sir. I understand your concerns. I apologize. It was wrong of me to chat with Teddy without your knowledge and permission. It was irresponsible, unethical, and I should know better." Her voice was soft, conciliatory. Her apology felt sincere and heartfelt.

Instead of jumping in, guns blazing, I should ask questions, gather more information.

"What did the two of you discuss? I'd like to know before I chat with Teddy." He remembered his son's look of fear and worry when he had interrupted the call.

"Sir, if you're concerned that he divulged any identifying information, please rest assured that he did not. I know him only as Teddy. I do not know your name, address, employer, or any other sensitive details. Your son knows me only as Ana. He called via the toll-free line we use for all our call-in talk shows."

There was some relief upon hearing this, but he needed to know more about Teddy's reasons for calling a radio show.

"I'd like to know what the two of you have discussed. All of it."

"His first call was for advice from Dr. Elena on how to get a mom. Being a minor, we'd never put him on the air. He seemed quite desperate for help, so I chatted with him for a few minutes about his desire for a mom. He shared that his birth mother was deceased and he doesn't remember her. Today he shared his concerns about his aunt and uncle fixing you up with inappropriate women. He wants everything to be simple and straightforward, but as adults we know how complicated relationships can be. He's worried that the two of you won't find the proper match."

"I see." He pulled at his hair, frustrated and feeling guilt over not being enough for his son. If he were sufficient as a single parent, maybe his son wouldn't feel the need for a mother. "What did you say in return?"

"I prodded him to be patient, to trust you to know what's best. I also suggested he speak to his aunt and uncle explaining why he believes their matches are unsuitable." He couldn't argue with her advice. He liked her soft voice and the formality with which she addressed him.

"Surely he knows I'd never pair off with someone who wasn't suitable as both a wife and mother."

"He does know that. May I offer a bit of advice?"

Christian paced the length of his son's small room, pulling at his hair. He felt defensive. He didn't like taking counsel from his own family, much less a stranger.

"What qualifies you to give anyone guidance? Didn't we already establish that you're only a call screener?"

God, I sound like a snobby prick, he thought.

"Fair enough. I'll soon graduate with a master's in clinical mental health counseling. In May I'll have my provisional licensure. That's the reason I was hired as a call screener. I may not be fully qualified to give advice, but I'm not unqualified either."

"Fine," he conceded. "What's your advice?"

"Teddy's hopes are sky high. If you really aren't interested in finding a partner, please let him know. It's not fair to raise his hopes."

Her voice was soft, low, with a pleasing cadence.

"I am interested. I just…" He wasn't going to spill his guts to some stranger. "It's complicated."

"Matters of the heart generally are. There's something else I think you should know."

"Please," he said, needing to hear all of his son's concerns.

"Teddy likes to listen in on adult conversations, which is totally understandable. I used to do that myself."

"I did too," he whispered. They shared a chuckle over their joint admission. "I suppose I should be more careful. Little pitchers have big ears, as they say."

She giggled at the last part; his dick twitched at the sound.

"I'm not telling you any of this to be accusatory. I've never been a parent, so I'd never judge your choices. I just thought you might want to be aware of what Teddy's experiencing." She was amiable, courteous, helpful, and he understood why his son might enjoy speaking to her.

"What has he overheard?" He felt his cheeks flush at the thought that she might know his secrets.

"Just things about his aunt and uncle wanting to fix you up with women he deems unsuitable. And something about a girl in a coffee shop...you won't speak to her."

He played with the Slinky on Teddy's desk, contemplating a reply.

"My brother and sister are relentless, that's for sure. I didn't speak to the girl because I was in a hurry. And it looked like she had a boyfriend. I only saw her the one time."

"But if she's the most beautiful girl in the world, you should tell her." Her words were breathy, with a wistful edge.

"I can't do that," he scoffed. "I'd come off as a crazy creeper."

"I suppose you're right. The Me Too Movement and all that. Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"

"I don't think so. If I have more questions, I'll call."

"Please do. Would you like Mr. Kavanagh's office number? I'm not the least bit offended by your desire to file a grievance. You're simply being a protective parent."

He didn't have her boss's office number, but he knew he could get it from his dad, who was Kavanagh's personal attorney. If he called Kavanagh, it wouldn't be in complaint. She was a sincere woman with whom he now had an understanding.

"I have his number, Mrs. Steele. I'd appreciate it if you didn't take any more calls from Teddy without my permission."

"It's Miss Steele, and you have my word. No more calls without permission."

She was single.

Coffee Shop Girl now had some competition for his shower fantasies. He wondered about Ana's appearance. She probably wasn't gorgeous like Coffee Shop Girl, but he had a good imagination, and in his mind he conjured a girl with perky breasts and a firm, high ass. Until he received information that Miss Steele was living her best six hundred pound life, this new fantasy would do.

"Thank you. I appreciate your understanding. Are you the reason Teddy keeps hounding me to take him to the radio station? Something about a Saturday morning tour."

"Yes. He said you might bring him by. We rotate tour duties around here and it just so happens to be my turn this Saturday. It would be my pleasure to show the two of you around."

"Teddy would love it, I'm sure." So would I. "What time?"

"Ten o'clock. Unless we have a large group, the tour typically takes less than an hour. You'll be in and out in no time, with plenty of time for all of your other Saturday activities. Shall I expect you?"

"Yes. Saturday at ten."

A/N: Hello, dear reader! How do you think the tour will go? We'd love to hear your predictions. We are not on a posting schedule, but you can expect Chapter 6 to be up by the end of the week. Thank you for your patience and support. Much love, C & P