“We don’t have to go,” I mutter, pacing the length of the room as she zips her suitcase. I stride back, then wrap my arms around her from behind and thrust my hips forward so she knows what she does to me. “I can think of a much better way to get rid of this extra energy.”
“No.” She relaxes onto my chest. “Don’t tempt me with your black magic. We need to do this.”
“I need you,” I whisper, dragging kisses up the length of her satiny neck.
“Nope.” With a reluctant groan, she tears herself away from me. She pivots and places a gentle kiss on my cheek, then pats my upper arm. “No distraction tactics. It’s time to go.”
“Bossy.” I don’t remember her having such a spine of steel, but I can’t deny I like it. There’d been a time when I would have been able to persuade her to get naked nearly anywhere. I hate to think I’m rusty enough that she can resist me now. I’d prefer to believe she’s simply mastered the art of self-control.
I drive us to the airport, picking up Harley and Devon on the way. They squeeze into the back while Ashlin sits in front with me.
“I’m so glad you agreed to come,” Harley says, leaning forward so she doesn’t have to talk as loudly.
“I hope I don’t regret it,” I reply.
“You won’t.” She’s far more certain than I am, but I take comfort in that. After all, she’s visited our hometown more recently than me. Perhaps she knows what she’s talking about.
“It was nice to talk to her the other day.” Ashlin and I had called her together to explain that we’d both be coming, and that we were trying for a baby together and giving our relationship another chance. She’d been ecstatic.
“I can’t wait to see her,” Devon declares, and when I glance in the rearview mirror, he’s practically bouncing in his seat.
“Keep it up and I’ll be worried you’re going to steal her from Rick,” Harley teases.
“Rick?” I ask. “That’s her boyfriend’s name?” She hasn’t mentioned much about him. All she’s said is that the new man in her life is eager to meet me. She was more interested in discussing Ashlin and I than sharing her own gossip. What kind of grown-ass man goes by ‘Rick’?
“Yeah.” Harley pauses, and the car falls silent. “Hasn’t she told you about him?”
“Not much.” Although I haven’t made it easy for her. The concept of Mom dating isn’t one I’m comfortable with, even though I recognize she’s a woman with a lot of life left to live. The thought of it dredges up old memories to do with the man who might be my father.
“Rick Snowdon,” Harley tells me. “He’s a real estate agent. Fifty. Has two daughters.”
I grunt. “He’s younger than Mom.”
“Not by a lot.” I can hear the eye-roll in Harley’s voice. “A few years here and there doesn’t make much difference. Don’t be an asshole to him. He means a lot to Mom.”
“I’ll try not to. But I have questions.”
“Uh-huh.”
The flight goes smoothly—except for the fact Devon never stops an endless stream of conversation. A few hours later, we park a rental car on the gravel area in front of Mom’s white stone house, which sits on a ridge above the river that divides the town in two. The place looks peaceful. From the outside, you’d never understand why being here gives me an overwhelming sensation of doom.
We grab our bags out of the trunk and walk to the front door. Dread creeps over me and I can’t dislodge it. Devon pushes the doorbell with glee and we all wait for the sound of footsteps in the foyer behind. The door swings inward to reveal a woman so short she barely reaches my shoulders.
She squeals in excitement, and her mane of blonde hair bounces. “You’re here!”
Her arms go around Devon first, since he’s front and center, and then she hugs Harley. When it’s my turn, I hold her tight and breathe in the familiar lavender scent that always reminds me of home.
She releases me, tips her head back, and smiles softly. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Me, too.” I love Mom, and seeing her is great. It’s just that I’d rather do it anywhere but here.
“And you brought my daughter-in-law back.” She steps toward Ashlin, who wraps her in an embrace. My heart warms at the sight. “How are you doing, honey?”
“I’m good.” Ashlin smiles, and her gaze flicks to me. “Really good.”
“Well, that’s wonderful.” She lays her hands on Ashlin’s shoulders and squeezes. “Let me know if you need me to tune him up for you.”
Ashlin snorts with amusement, her hand flying to her mouth, eyes sparkling. “I will. It’s good to see you, Mae.”
