“I can’t and I won’t, Molly. I won’t watch you fall for someone who can never love you the way you deserve.”

Shane has had enough at this point. “Phyllis, can we talk?”

“And why would I want to speak with you, Shane?”

“Because you have a problem with me and you are taking it out on Molly. I won’t stand here and let you make her feel like this. I won’t let you two ruin your relationship over this.”

Phyllis is taken aback by the maturity of Shane’s response. “Well okay then. Let’s go in the Library.” She turns around and walks away.

Shane squeezes Molly’s hand, kisses her cheek, and whispers, “I love you,” in her ear. Phyllis watches this exchange from within the doorway and a slight smile crosses her lips. Just enough to turn the corners of her mouth upward. She shocks herself with her response. As Shane crosses the threshold, Phyllis closes the door behind her.

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Shane?”

“I love Molly. I do. I know I don’t have the best record when it comes to my relationships, but it’s different with Molly.” Shane leans up against a desk as Phyllis takes a seat on the couch. “I can’t explain it. I’m just a better person when I’m with her.” Shane hangs her head a bit. “Phyllis, we love each other. Please don’t make Molly choose between us.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Shane. I’m not going to give you a hug and welcome you into my family. I know your intentions are good, but I don’t trust that you can follow through with them.”

“And you have every right to have those doubts. I had doubts about my ability to be in a relationship before. But Molly has changed all that. As fvcking ridiculous as it sounds, she makes me want to be a better person. It’s such a cliché, but it’s the truth.”

Phyllis sighs and stands up from her chair. She walks over to the door and opens it. “Molly,” she calls out. “Come here.” Molly makes her way inside the door slowly, afraid of what her mother will say next. Phyllis glances over at Shane, and then returns her gaze back to Molly. “Listen, you’re not going to get my blessing right now if that is what you are looking for.” Molly shakes her head, indicating that it’s not. “I can see that you both care for each other deeply and I’m happy that you have found that.” She returns her gaze to Shane. “You are going to have to convince me that you are truly deserving of my daughter. And you had better treat her right.” She looks back to Molly. “But don’t expect me to pick up the pieces if she breaks your heart. I hope you both prove me wrong.” She steps closer to her daughter and hugs her. She tells her, “And I promise I will not do anything to come between you.” With that, she leaves the room.