“What did your mom say about her gift?” I ask him as he FaceTimed her earlier today to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day.
He turns and smiles at me. “She loved it and said to thank you.”
I nod. Brandon has been quiet since the video call to his mom. “Is everything okay?”
He squeezes my hand. “Yeah. She mentioned that it would be nice for me to be home for it next year.”
My stomach drops. I know it’s selfish to want him tomyself, but I understand the burden of being away from your family for over a decade. People change. People age. Relationships drift apart. He never kept it a secret he would return home one day, but now I see the strain of him being pulled in two.
“I think you should visit her on the Mother’s Day weekend next year.”
He looks shocked. “What if I’m playing?”
I squeeze his hand and give him a gentle smile. “What’s the worst that can happen? You miss a couple of games. It’s not the end of the world.”
He frowns and turns back to the window. Professional athletes do not miss games or training just to visit family. They are contracted to play. It’s a business, and if you’re a player who can get the win, then you show up.
It’s premature to consider our future together, yet I do—every minute of the day. I devise numerous plans on how to make us work.
If it’s that hard, do we keep trying?All I know is love wins every time.
Or do I let him go because I love him?
A familiar lump grows in the back of my throat. It happens every time I think about us not being together.
“Thanks, Ewan.”
I hadn’t realized we’d arrived, and Brandon is out of the car and opening the door for me. He takes my hand as I slide out of the seat, then he retrieves the ribboned box.
“Nervous?”
He grins. “Not at all.”
It’s the first time Brandon is coming to lunch at my parents’ home. He decided to wait out of respect. So, I had family gatherings at mine to familiarize him back in with the family. Accompanying me to my parents’ house is a giant step.
We walk through the living area to the patio, where everyone is already here to celebrate Mother’s Day, including Penny’s parents, Zara’s parents, and Giana’s parents. I look at Brandon, aware of what he is thinking.
“Happy Mother’s Day,” I say to the ladies before weaving past everyone to my mom, all the while keeping hold of Brandon’s hand.
“Thank you, darling.” She kisses me and then steps to Brandon.
“Happy Mother’s Day,” he says sincerely.
Reaching up, she takes his face in her hands and kisses his cheek. “Thank you. We appreciate you coming. Please wish your mom a happy Mother’s Day from all of us.”
He nods and steps back. I sense his sadness is growing because he’s unable to spend it with her. “Thanks. I will.”
Byron is the first to come over to us. “Hey.” He shakes Brandon’s hand. “Glad you could make it.” Then he pulls Brandon in for a tight hug, followed by three taps on the back.
A simple gesture, but I know it means more.
So much more.
34
CHARLOTTE
Brandonand I are in the back of a Bentley being chauffeured to the hotel. My man is handsome in a black suit and a champagne-colored bow tie to match my dress. He cut his hair, the golden curls now clipped. My hair is in an updo pinned to my head. Jewels sparkle around my neck, on my wrist, and on my fingers, yet I feel gray beside Brandon.
