And her mother and sister Leah were arriving in six hours. This should be… interesting.
Rachel's phone showed seven missed calls from her mom. All from last night, after the town hall.
Then a text from this morning:
Mom:Rachel, I've been trying to reach you since last night. Leah showed me the video of the town hall meeting. Sweetheart, I had no idea. I'm so sorry. I should have known something was wrong when you left Burlington. I should have pushed harder when you said you were fine. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you.
Mom:We're still coming today. I need to see you. To hug you. Is that okay?
Rachel's throat tightened. She typed back quickly.
Rachel:I'm okay, Mom. Please do come.
Mom:We arrive at noon. Should we come straight to the apartment or give you some time first?
Rachel:Come straight here. It's moving day. Mac's whole team will be helping. Fair warning: it's going to be chaos.
Mom:Good. I want to meet this Ryan Mac properly. And Leah wants to know if any of his single teammates will be there. She's asking for a friend.
Despite everything, Rachel smiled.
Rachel:Several single teammates. Tell Leah to behave herself.
Mom:I make no promises on Leah's behalf. Rachel, I'm so proud of you. What you did last night took incredible courage. I love you.
Rachel stared at that text for a long moment. Her mother was proud of her. Not critical. Not worried. Proud.
And she'd apologized. Acknowledged she should have known something was wrong.
Maybe things were changing.
Mac stirred beside her, his arm tightening around her. "Morning," he mumbled against her shoulder. "What time is it?"
"Six. We have two hours before the team shows up to start moving."
"Mmm. Then we have time for coffee and panic." Mac kissed her neck. "How are you feeling about today?"
"Terrified and excited. Anxious about my mother meeting you properly. Worried Leah is going to embarrass me in front of your entire team."
"Your sister sounds entertaining."
"That's one word for her." Rachel turned in Mac's arms to face him. "Mac, are we okay? After everything—"
Mac cupped her face gently. "We're getting there. We're building something."
"I love you," Rachel said quietly.
"I love you too." Mac kissed her softly.
They got up, made terrible coffee (Mac still hadn't mastered the French press), and prepared for the chaos of moving day.
45
Mac
At exactly 8 AM, the Eagles descended on Mac's apartment like a very organized, slightly caffeinated army.
Mac opened the door to find Jamie holding a laminated spreadsheet.
