Her tears soaked his shirt. “I was worried. He was going to kill you. He said?—”
“Shh, angel.” Seth’s voice was raw. “Everything’s okay. You’re safe. I’m safe, and I’ve got you.”
He kissed her—fierce, desperate, claiming, fingers tangling in her hair. She kissed him back just as hard.
When they finally broke apart, both of them gasping, Seth looked up to find his mother standing a few feet away, her face wet with tears of both joy and contrition.
She didn’t hesitate. She threw herself into his arms.
Seth caught her, holding her tight as she sobbed against his chest.
“I’m sorry,” she choked out. “I’m so sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t be honest about who you love.” She pulled back, her hands cupping his face. “Never again. I love you. I fully accept the people you love. I’ll do better. I promise.”
Seth blinked, stunned. “You…you know?”
“Gene outed us,” Heavenly explained. “And I didn’t know if…if?—”
They’d make it out alive.
“So I told your mom the truth. I know you wanted to do it, but…”
He brushed pale curls from her mottled cheeks and shook his head with a hint of a smile. “I really didn’t, so thank you.”
His mother gripped his arm, sniffling. “I feel awful that I caused you so much anxiety. I never want you to think I’d stop loving you for following your heart. I don’t care what your love life looks like. If you and Beck are…romantic, that’s okay. Great. I just want?—”
“We’re not,” Seth insisted. “We both love Heavenly and want to take care of her…together. That’s it.”
“And that’s wonderful. As long as you’re happy, safe, and alive. Nothing else matters.”
Seth’s chest constricted. He swallowed tightly, his voice rough when he finally spoke. “I’m so damn relieved, Mom. When I thought I had to choose between my heart and your approval, it was killing me. But I chose my heart, because I belong with Heavenly and Beck.”
She nodded, her smile trembling but genuine. “You should choose them. Always.”
Beck slid his good arm around Heavenly’s waist and brushed a kiss across her lips. Then he met Grace’s gaze. “Thank you.”
She looked at him—really looked at him—and after a long moment, she gripped his hand. “No, thank you for trying to protect my feelings.”
Seth exhaled. He couldn’t quite read his mom’s expression, but the weight that had been pressing on his chest for months lifted. Their secret was out. And his mother had accepted them. Deep down, she might not love it. She might be disappointed that they couldn’t get married in the church. But she wasn’t going to disown him or the people he loved.
For now, that was enough.
Carl approached then, extending his hand. Seth shook it, firm, solid.
Then Carl pulled him into a brief embrace. “Thank you for saving my girl.”
Seth smiled, his throat tight. “I told you I would.”
“And I’m eternally grateful.”
A few feet away, his mother caught sight of Matt, who’d barely moved from his post beside Nik, his gun still trained on Gene’s glowering face. Her expression crumpled all over again as she crossed the room to him, arms outstretched.
“Mom—” Matt started.
She was already pulling him into a fierce hug. “You could have been killed. You and Seth both. My boys?—”
“We’re okay, Mom.” Matt’s voice was soft as he held her. “We’re okay.”
Seth smiled despite everything. His mother had both her sons safe and alive.
