Deacon looked up at Selma. She was clutching a tissue, eyes rimmed red, but she didn’t seem surprised. Jenna was watching him too, her gaze soft with concern.
“I didn’t write this,” he said to Selma, his voice low. He handed the letter to Jenna, who took it as if it might combust. “I’ve never even seen these before. I didn’t know you existed until a week ago.”
She exhaled, releasing a breath that she looked like she’d been holding for…he didn’t know how many years.
His phone vibrated in his jeans pocket. He pulled it out, and the screen flashed with a Facetime call from Tabby. “Sorry I have to…’
Selma smiled as she nodded and dabbed the tears falling down her cheeks. “Of course, yes, go ahead.”
He answered, “Hey, Ladybug.”
“Daddy, my arm itches.”
“I know, because you?—"
“Because I stood on the island, and it’s the, costakisses.”
He grinned. “I was going to say because your arm is in a cast. Did you tell Auntie Poppy?”
“Yes, she did.” Poppy popped her head in the screen. “But she wanted to tell Daddy.”
“Got it.” Deacon nodded as the camera turned back to Tabby. He hated that he’d left her, but he hadn’t wanted to leave it another month, and he’d wanted the reunion to be as private as possible. “Remember you can put peas on the outside or use your hair dryer if you press the blue bear.” Blowing cold air helped with the itching and so did a cold compress on the outside.
“Okay, Daddy. Love you.”
“Love you, Ladybug.” As he hung up, Jenna was introducing herself to Selma and explaining how Tabby broke her arm.
Deacon felt like an asshole, he hadn’t introduced them. He stepped forward. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t even?—”
“No, it’s my fault, I’m being a terrible host. It’s just not every day your son shows up on your porch. Please come in and sit down. Can I get either of you something to drink?”
“I’m fine.” Jenna smiled.
“Me too.”
Deacon and Jenna both followed Selma into a large great room. There were photos of her and her family, her sons, dogs, animals, more people, maybe staff, family, friends, he didn’t know everywhere. Deacon lowered himself down and picked one up of Selma, a man, and four young men, who he assumed were his half-brothers. They looked similar to him. At least he thought he could see the resemblance.
“Your brothers, that was taken at Thanksgiving this year.” Selma sat in an armchair. “They’ve wanted to meet…all their lives.”
“They know about me?” He set the photo down.
“Of course.” She nodded. “And you have a daughter?”
“Tabby, Tabitha. She’s five.” He looked at the photo. “Do your sons have any…”
“No, not yet.” She shook her head. “The oldest was serious with someone, and I thought maybe, but…no....” Selma took a breath and smiled, staring at him like she couldn’t quite believe he was really there. “I have so many questions.”
Deacon nodded. “So, do I.”
She took a breath. “Ask me anything.”
He knew the question he had to ask, he just wasn’t sure he was ready for the answer.
25
“Thank you, sweetie pie.”Selma pulled Jenna into her arms and held her tightly, which she had to admit felt really good. “I’m so happy he has you.”
Jenna glanced at Deacon who was outside on the deck speaking to the pilot because there was a storm coming in. They’d stayed longer than either of them had expected, it was already six p.m. The time had flown by.
