“I’m sorry, Momma. I shoulda told you sooner.”
She shook her head. “No, baby. You had to come out when you felt right, not because of me.” Momma held out a hand to Dev, and he took it gently. “I’m sorry I made you feel badly. I was wrong. It’s taken me too long to tell you that I think you’re a wonderful man and the perfect partner for Brody. And I think of you as my own.”
His lips trembled, and I knew Dev was overwhelmed by Momma’s words.
“Please…don’t apologize to me,” he whispered.
“You love Brody, and I was a mama bear. Theo used to tell me to lay off, but I ignored him.” She sniffled and shifted her gaze to me for a moment. “I know you and he had a difficult relationship, but he truly did love me. And he cared about you. I wish you could’ve made your peace before he was taken away from me.”
The tears came, and I hung my head. It was a weight I would always carry with me.
Dev leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’m very sorry he isn’t here. But I’m so glad you are and that you’re going to be my mother.” Wetness shone in his eyes, and I was stunned to see a tear roll down his cheek. “I’ll admit, I’ve always been jealous of Brody for having the best mom in the world, and now I get to have you too.”
Holding hands, the three of us sat for a few minutes as a warm breeze blew past. Clouds painted white streaks in the sky, and birds chirped. Butterflies flitted in and out of the rose bushes.
“It’s so lovely here,” Momma said. “A beautiful place for a wedding. I think I’m gonna go rest for a bit. It’s been a while since I traveled across the country.”
We stood, and she kissed us and left. Dev sighed and kicked off his sneakers. “Wanna sit by the pool?”
I followed his lead, and the two of us played footsie in the water for a while. I massaged his shoulders. “I’m glad you and Momma had that talk. Do you feel better now?”
He leaned his head on my shoulder. “I feel better when you’re with me.”
I always marveled at the two sides of Dev—the charismatic, risk-taking firecracker on the field, who played every single game as if it were the Super Bowl, contrasted with the soft and loving man who’d stolen my heart the very first time he kissed me.
“You know, none of your competitors would believe that the big bad Devil Summers on the field is such a pussycat in real life.”
“Meow,” he purred and rubbed his cheek to mine. “Your mother had a good idea. Let’s go to our bedroom and I’ll show you how big and bad I really am.”
“Just make sure I’m able to walk tomorrow.”
With a twinkle in his eye, he pushed me into the pool and took off running toward the house. I scrambled out, and dripping wet, caught up to him right before he got to the glass sliders.
“You’re in so much trouble,” I growled, pressing up against him.
Still laughing, he slung an arm around my neck. “Promise?”
I smacked his ass. “You’re gonna be the one who’s limpin’. Now get upstairs, unless you want me to throw you over my shoulder.”
“Pfft.” He snorted and slid open the door. “I’d like to see you try.”
Oh, it was on. I crept up behind him and tackled him at the knees, then hoisted him over my shoulder.
“Never double-dog dare a country boy.”
Chapter Fourteen
Dev
The following day
“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you married and husbands to each other. Go ahead, guys. Seal it with a kiss.” Judge Barry Graves stepped aside, and I took Brody’s face between my hands.
“I love you, husband,” I murmured for his ears only and brushed his lips with mine, then placed a kiss on his forehead. “Forever and for always.”
Tears swam in those big blue eyes, but Brody smiled and ran his nose down my cheek, settling his mouth on mine for a brief moment. “I love you too, husband.”
Hands clasped together, we turned and raised them above our heads. Our small audience clapped, cheered, and whistled. Ms. Faith, stunning in a blue dress to match her eyes, was the first one to greet us.
