She's wearing jeans and a plain blue shirt—no Shotgun Saints merchandise, I notice.
Making a statement, maybe. Or just being herself.
"Something smells amazing," she says, following us into the kitchen.
"Shadow grilled chicken," Grace says. "And I made the sides."
"Well, you two make a good team."
We settle at the table—the same table where Grace and I have eaten countless meals, had countless conversations, built this life together.
Jolene talks about her week. The book club met Tuesday and discussed some historical romance that everyone loved. The animal shelter got in a litter of puppies that she's been helping socialize. Her apartment is coming together nicely—she found a vintage bookshelf at a yard sale.
She's happy. Genuinely happy.
And she hasn't mentioned Phantom once.
"How's the club?" Jolene asks, looking at me. "Everything going well?"
"Yeah. Smooth. No threats, no problems. Just regular club business."
"And you're back to being Enforcer full-time?"
"Yes, ma'am."
She smiles. "Good. You earned it."
We eat, and the conversation flows easily. Jolene asks about Grace's vet practice—it's been busier than ever. Grace asks about Jolene's volunteering—she's thinking about fostering a dog.
Then Jolene looks at Grace more closely. "You okay, baby? You look tired."
Grace and I exchange a glance.
This is it.
"Actually, Mom," Grace says, reaching for my hand under the table. "There's something we wanted to tell you."
Jolene's eyes widen slightly. "Oh?"
"We're pregnant."
For a second, Jolene just stares. Processing.
Then her face crumples, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh my God. Oh my God, really?"
"Really," Grace says, crying too now. "About six weeks along. We found out last week."
Jolene's out of her chair in an instant, pulling Grace into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you. So, so happy."
"Thanks, Mom."
Jolene pulls back, wipes her eyes, then looks at me. "And you. You're going to be a father."
"Yes, ma'am."
She crosses to me, and before I can react, she's hugging me too. "Congratulations, Shadow. Both of you. This is wonderful news."
When she finally lets go, she's still crying but smiling wide. "Does your father know?"
