Mom looks lovingly at Benton. “She’s stronger now, more mature, more aware. You can’t be her shield forever. She’s going to want to live on her own one day.” She smiles at him, and I cover my mouth, containing my laugh. She’s right. I do want to live on my own. Or with a pack, a mate. “And I’dreallylike an empty nest someday, Benton. Maybe you should go meet a few omegas yourself. I’d like grandbabies, you know.”
Benton... with a baby. The man is terrified of babies. That would be hilarious. I finally step into the room and clear my throat. Mom looks up at me and smiles.
“Good morning, Sweetheart.”
Benton turns to look at me, but I can still see the pain in his eyes. He gets up and heads to the counter, makes me a cup of coffee in my favorite mug, and brings it back to me. I sit down in the chair beside Mom.
Mom, he can’t flirt. He doesn’t know how. Benton glowers too much.
My loving brother rolls his eyes and actually smiles, just a little.
I’m sorry. For hitting you. It’s just what you said really hurt.
“I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have said what I did. It was a low blow.”
“Benton, what did you say?” My mom’s attention is firmly on Benton now, and if looks could kill, he’d be dead.
Mom, it’s okay. We’re past it.
There’s no way I want to cause any more drama because of our fight last night.
“It’s okay, Bay. I fucked up, and I can own up to it. Mom, it's more aboutwhoI brought up. I brought up Joseph and compared Lincoln to him.”
She shakes her head as she reaches out, covering my hand with hers, and squeezes gently.
“Oh, Benton, you didn’t.”
I don’t want him to feel any worse than he already does. Mom will give him a lecture if I don’t step in.
Benton, Mom’s right, you know. I’m not the same girl who got broken by Joseph. I’m more cautious now. If there’s fallout, I’ll handle it. But I think Lincoln might actually be different.
I can see the frown already forming on his face. I know he’s already formulating something to say back, and I refuse to give him the chance.
He’s learning ASL. He signed up for classes at the Center downtown.
Mom beams. “That’s adorable. It sure makes it sound like he’s different. Now, doesn’t it, Benton?”
“Yeah, adorable. Still not sure I like it. It doesn’t prove anything. Just because he signed up for a class doesn’t mean he’s going through with it. He could still be exactly what I said he is.”
Mom just grins. “Well, then it’s a good thing that you don’t have to like it. Just ease up, okay?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “Fine. But if he hurts you, I’m murdering him.”
Noted.I reply. He gets up, but before he can leave, I stand and rush around the table, wrapping my arms around him, hugging him tightly.
He pulls away, looking straight at me. “I love you, Bay. I will always be your protector. Just know that.” Benton leans in, kissing me on the forehead, and leaves the room.
I go sit back down beside Mom, who already has her hands flying.
So when do we get to meet him? Maybe you could invite him over for dinner.
Mom, he hasn't even asked me on a date yet. We’re still just talking. That’s it.
Well, isn’t that how it starts, sweetheart?She gives me a wink, regaling me with the story of how Dad first asked her out.
I can’t stop smiling. For the first time in a long while, it feels like hope isn’t just some stupid dream—it feels like maybe it’s waiting for me, just within reach. I just have to reach out and take it.
19
