Then before my mom can say anything embarrassing, I turn to Ryder. “Ryder, this is…”
But I’m way, way too late to stop the embarrassment train. It’s like Luke’s picture, except my mom is the conductor and she is revving the engine and aiming right for Ryder.
“I’m Lucia Bianchi,” Ma says, holding out her hand to Ryder. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea Gracie was on a date.”
“Ma,” I snap. “It’s not a date. Ryder’s new to town, and…” I sigh and clamp my lips together. I could be reciting the nuclear codes from memory, and my mother would be completely oblivious. She only has eyes for the man she thinks her daughter is on a date with.
Ryder takes my mother’s hand, but then she draws him in for a huge hug.
If the hug bothers Ryder, he definitely doesn’t show it. He hugs her back and seems like an old pro at making mom small talk. He introduces the kids one at a time, having them say their names and how old they are.
“Luke, you’re five years old. Such a beautiful boy, you are.” Lucia coos over his gorgeous kids just like she coos over everything. Enthusiasm overload. It’s actually really cute, and Luke seems happy with the attention, at least.
“I’m almost six,” Luke clarifies. “I’m in first grade.”
“Will be,” Ryder corrects. “Luke starts Star Falls Elementary in a couple weeks.”
“We have very good public schools here in Star Falls.” Then Ma turns her attention to Cora. “And who are you, sweetheart?” Ma bends over, her necklace dangling like a tiny sparkly windchime.
Cora points to it but doesn’t touch it. “I like your necklace,” she says in the sweetest, shyest toddler voice ever.
My mother full-on flushes, and I swear, if she could have done it without getting arrested, she would have scooped Cora up and taken her home.
“You know my Gracie is an artist,” Ma says proudly.
Luke looks confused. “You’re her mom?”
“Yes, I am. Gracie is my youngest, but she’s all grown up now. I have three sons as well, but Grace is my only girl. My baby.” My mom lights up, and for a minute, I feel the pride and love she feels for me.
My mom introduces the kids to one of her best friends, Bev, who runs the local animal shelter, and then drops the bomb I should have known was coming.
“So, what brings you to town, Ryder? Did you and your wife relocate for work?”
I want to slap my forehead at the brutally obvious question, but Ryder’s answer deflates my anger before it can even gather steam.
“I’m a widower,” he says simply. “We lost her not long after Cora was born. I took some time off to raise the kids, but now that they are a little older, we’re making a fresh start. I’ll be teaching part time at Star Falls High this fall, with plans to ease into coaching when I can put Cora in all-day kindergarten.”
That information lands hard. Ma’s affection can feel like a spotlight—harsh and direct sometimes—but if you see it for what she intends it to be, it’s just pure. Like sunshine she can’t contain. It pours out of her and spills onto anyone who cares to listen. Beside Luke and Cora, who are growing up without their mother, Lucia’s purity, her passion for her kids, suddenly feels like a blessing I’ve taken for granted.
I look Ryder over curiously. I didn’t know he was a widower, but how would I? I know virtually nothing about him, so anything I might have assumed about his life is just my attempt to put together a story to keep myself safe.
I have such a terrible track record with men. I’m questioning every look and every word that have passed between us. Is he a lonely single dad looking for love? A hookup? A mama for these little kids?
Aw, hell no. I promised after what happened last year, I would not—I repeat,not—rush into anything. Not sex. Not a relationship. Not even a date. That’s not what this is, and if he had any confusion about that whatsoever, I’ll set his ass straight.
For her part, my mom doesn’t miss a beat. She clutches a hand to her chest and shakes her head. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” she says, genuine tears sparkling in her eyes. She lowers her voice and steps closer to Ryder. “No one should experience something like that so young.” She looks at Cora and Luke, and again, I’m thankful Ma doesn’t pick up both kids and march them to her house.
If she had her way, she’d probably stuff them with treats and love and play surrogate grandma for as long as Ryder would allow it.
But instead, she firms her lips and reaches up a hand to cup Ryder’s cheek.
He looks stunned at first, because who wouldn’t?
Can you cut it with the touching, Ma?She and I are really going to have to have a talk later about boundaries.
But he looks at me, and I shrug and shake my head like I’m washing my hands of the ticker tape parade that is Lucia. He seems to relax, though, and sort of leans in as if giving her permission to manhandle him.
“Ryder—and this goes for you and your children—any friend of Gracie’s isfamily,” she says emphatically. “Anything you need—babysitters, recommendations for doctors, homemade dinners—you call me. You come to any one of us.”
