“What I’mtrying to sayis that he’s right in front of you!” I smirk, wiggling our joined hands. “Grab him, Mom.”
Nowsherolls her eyes. “Yeah, okay, kid. When pigs fly, I’ll consider it.” I groan as she shrugs. “He doesn’t feel anything for me, Addie! We’re long past that honeymoon bullshit.”
“Whatever,” I chuckle, the mood between us much lighter than it was before. “When I get to tell you I told you so, don’t ask me for help.”
“That will be a game changer,” she snorts before smacking my thighs and rising from the chair. She picks up the certificate, a small smile tugging at her lips as she hands it to me. “You always did have the cutest cursive. I remember you used to write your dad notes before he left for work, and you would dot your Is with little hearts.” She skims over my name before giving me a doting look. “It’s nice to see that Rowan doesn’t want to change you. The heart in your name is a cute touch.”
“He loved it,” I giggle as I take the paper from her. “He’s obsessed with me.”
“Not too obsessed, I hope. I do expect to see you for brunch and holidays.” She smirks.
“You will,” I promise. “I’ll just have a plus one now.”
“Rowan is welcome anytime. Both of you will always have a room in my home.” She says with heart.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She rubs a hand across my back. “I love you, kid.”
“I love you too.”
***
Ford is stewing in anger when we return downstairs. He’s propped against the kitchen’s island, his arms crossed as his hard eyes instantly find my mom.
I nudge her in his direction, only for her to pinch my arm hard.
“Well,” Mom announces as she props her hands on her hips. “That was enough family drama to last me a lifetime. I’m going home.”
Ford scowls, the wrinkles between his brow deepening as he pushes from the counter. He posts up like some immovable wall, spreading his legs into a wide stance. “Not so fast, Bunny.”
Mom’s head rears as she mutters, “Haven’t heard that nickname in years.” She frowns at the man across from her. “What?”
“You’re a part of the syndicate now, and under my direct care,” Ford says proudly, puffing his chest out.
Mom’s mouth gapes as she scoffs. “You’re pulling myfuckingleg.”
“Oh…” I trail, my lips pulling over my teeth in a wince.
The great Morgan Bright justcursed.
This is serious.
“I’m not,” Ford says resolutely. “You’re not going anywhere.”
My mom makes a show of looking around the room exaggeratedly. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to find who you’re talking to. Because it surely isn’t me, Ford Hughes.”
He gives her a long stare, the corner of his mouth twitching in an almost smirk. “I am talking to you, Bunny. You’re staying here. For good.” He steps forward, his hands falling as he closes in on Mom. He stares down at her, his features gentling into something tender. “I let you get away once, and I’m not letting that happen again.” He lifts a hand to her cheek, cradling her face as if she’s precious. “You’re just as beautiful as the day I first saw you…”
Mom’s lips part as her eyes ping pong around his features. She blinks quickly as her throat works in a gulp. “Let’s not do this around the kids…”
“They aren’t kids anymore, Morgan.” He mutters. “And I’m tired of waiting. Fuck it.”
He swoops in, his lips slamming onto my mom’s in a punishing kiss that bleeds possessiveness and something deeper—longing. Pure, unfiltered need.
“That’s enough of that,” Logan gags from behind me before covering my eyes with a hand and steering me towards the door. I bat his hands away as he closes our parents in the house, and my eyes pinpoint Rowan across from me. He’s propped against the porch's railing, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches me.
“Everything okay?” He asks before walking over to me.
