“I don’t know that I would have liked the Jayce you were there. But the one you are now, that’s who I lost my heart to when we were kids. It’s who I lost it to months ago. It’s the one I want.”
“And it’s who I want to be. Who I am. There are parts of me that have never changed, and others that have matured. I wanted to be part of the big leagues, but when I realized succeeding at it meant being someone I’m not, I didn’t like it. But I wouldn’t be the person I am now without those years of experience and mistakes.”
“That’s where you’re more mature than me. More forgiving. Where I’m learning from you. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I’ve had just as much crap dumped on me. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, and what I’m strong enough to handle. But want to know the most important thing of all that I’ve learned?”
“What’s that?” he asked.
He was still holding her tight as she talked with her head on his shoulder. She never wanted to lose this feeling.
“That I don’t have to do it alone. That there is someone out there who will be by my side if only I let myself accept it.”
“And you have?” he asked.
She leaned back, her hand trailing over his cheek. “I have.”
He lowered his lips to hers, a gentle kiss as if he was giving her the time again. The patience to not push.
She didn’t need that.
She grasped his cheeks in her hands and laid one on his mouth hard and fast.
“Never change, Farrah.”
“Yes, I will. Just like you have, but it will only be for the better with you by my side!”
EPILOGUE
Three Months Later
“Happy Birthday, Mom,”Archer yelled when she came out of her room rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Farrah couldn’t believe her son had gotten up before her on a Saturday morning.
She turned to look at the clock on the microwave and noticed it was seven. Later than she normally slept.
“Thank you,” she said, accepting the hug from Archer.
“What about mine?” Jayce asked.
“You didn’t wish me happy birthday.” But she moved into his arms for a hug and kiss.
He’d been staying Friday and Saturday nights every weekend. He’d stay during the week once in a while, but now with school back in session, things were a bit crazy.
Though Jayce did show up for most of Archer’s games and her son was thrilled to have that male support in his life.
She was thrilled to have it for her too.
“Happy Birthday,” he said. “Archer and I have been making breakfast for you.”
“I thought I smelled something. Where is it?” She was looking around the kitchen but saw nothing.
Jayce opened the oven and pulled out a stack of pancakes and a dish of bacon.
“Yummy,” she said. “Are those chocolate chips or did you burn them?”
“I made them,” Archer said. “One got burned, but Jayce said it was just a tester, you always burn the first.”
She smiled. “That can happen, but I bet it still tasted good.”
