“I plan to. Why?” He arched a brow and sent a brief glance her way.
She took a deep breath. A patch of fog blurred the window where her exhale struck. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
His foot slipped off the accelerator, accidentally hit the brake. “A man?”
Mom nodded. “Are you okay with that?”
He didn’t answer right away. The truth was, he wasn’t sure how he felt. He’d always wanted his mom to find a man to share her life with—she deserved the happiness. His father hadn’t stuck around past his first birthday, and as far as he knew, his mom hadn’t been in a serious relationship since she became sober.
Yet a part of him—admittedly a selfish one—didn’t want any changes. They lived separate lives, but they often intertwined. If Mom wanted him to meet this man, the relationship must be serious. Would the man expect Carl to think of him as a dad? He’d given up on that dream decades ago. The closest he’d ever have was his grandfather who did his best with what he’d been given to work with.
“How long have you been seeing him?” He parked in his mom’s driveway and sat with the engine idling.
“His name is Jeff. We met after Easter and started dating in June.”
“How did you meet?” Unbuckling, he made no effort to leave the truck.
She hesitated. “Online.”
“That’s dangerous, Mom.” No matter that he’d tried that route before, but it hadn’t worked out. “Please tell me you met him in public first.”
“Of course, I did.” She gave him a placating smile. “I might be old, but I’m not dumb.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
“If it makes you feel better, we discovered his cousin, Cathy, works at the hospital with me. She rarely hands out compliments but only had great things to say about Jeff.”
He relaxed—slightly. “Does he treat you well?”
A genuine, contented smile tugged at her lips. “Yes, he does.”
“That’s all that matters then, as long as your happy with him.” It would take time, but he’d adjust to the idea.
“Are you okay with him joining us for Thanksgiving?”
“Absolutely. What time?”
“We’ll eat at one but come any time before that as usual.”
On second thought…would he be the intruder? “If you’d like time alone with him, I understand.”
She swatted him. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re my son, and it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without you there. I missed out on too many holidays with you while you were serving our country. Don’t you dare think for one second you don’t belong here.”
“I love you, Mom.” He brushed aside emotions, unwilling to deal with them at the moment. “Now, let’s get this stove in the house.”
Chapter Three
Luna waited outside the shelter doors. She’d left the girls in staff’s capable hands for an hour. Even Mercy would make something, although Luna wasn’t sure how well that would work out. At eleven-months old and walking, Mercy wasn’t interested in sitting still, nor did she have the motor skills or comprehension to craft, but Luna trusted Rachel—evidence of the positive impression Hope House had made.
Trust didn’t come easy. Life had taught her people inevitably would let her down. Either they’d break promises or betray the trust she’d placed in them. Her parents. Her sister. Her husband. Those that should have loved her and supported her had turned their backs when she’d needed them the most.
All that was in the past. Through counseling and a growing relationship with God, she was learning not to judge everyone by her past experiences. It was okay to use wisdom and discernment, but she had to let people into her life.
Carl being one of them.
Her insides twisted every which way. She’d debated all morning on whether to ask him for a ride. If she didn’t want to visit Hope so badly, she wouldn’t have considered it, but the dog pressed on her heart. If Hope didn’t survive, Luna wanted to give her all the love and snuggles she could in her last days. The pup deserved nothing less.
One of the ladies who worked at the shelter would have driven her had she asked, but Carl was invested in Hope’s survival. That, and she trusted Carl, even though her head played mind games with her. She’d never forget that he’d come to the hospital after Manny broke into the shelter, showing support and easing her fear for her daughters.
