He was there for everything.
Genes didn’t make you family, and Sawyer and I were living proof of that.
“How can I help you, Mother?”
I’d never called her “mom” in my life.
I should’ve seen the writing on the wall when I’d called her “mom” once in first grade and she’d berated me in front of my entire class.
“I feel like all you ever do is rush me off the phone.” She sniffed. “Can’t a mother ever call her son just to talk?”
Sure. Just not my mother. And not this son.
“What is it that I can help you with?” I asked. “I have a busy schedule ahead of me today.”
If there was anything my mom could respect, it was a busy schedule.
She, of course, had a busy one herself.
Some country club meet and greet likely set in between social engagements or photo opportunities.
“Are you being a doctor today, or that outdoor enthusiast?” she huffed.
I gritted my teeth.
A year and a half ago, when we’d gotten another veterinarian on staff, I’d finally got to start doing what I loved.
It’d always been my dream to become a park ranger.
It was also part-time—only two days a week.
However, I freakin’ loved it, and I got to do what I wanted to do for twelve hours a day, two days a week.
If I couldn’t be with who I loved, I sure the hell could be doing what I loved.
“Does it matter?” I asked, clearly impatient with her.
Which she picked up on.
Shocker.
“Since you’re in such a rush to get rid of me, I thought I’d tell you that your sister’s pregnant, and having a girl.”
Silence.
Even from my father.
I glanced up at him to see him narrowing his eyes hard.
Why wouldn’t my mother—or my sister for that matter—share this information with my dad?
They had a semi-good relationship, even if Felicia and I did not.
“Is that right?” I asked, clearly bored with her line of conversation.
“I know you and your sister aren’t getting along at the moment.” Understatement of the year from my mother. “But I think you’ll like knowing that she’s honoring you in this way.”
I instantly got suspicious. “How?”
