Her eyes turned down at the corners. “I just want you to be okay, honey.”
“Mom, Iamokay. I finally got to meet my biological father and he’s awesome. Are you worried about, I don’t know, losing me or something? ’Cause you don’t have to. You’ll always be my mom.”
Her eyes teared up. “Thank you for saying that, honey. I am kind of used to having you to myself. I guess I’ll have to learn to share.”
“You’re the one who taught me that particular skill, so I’m sure you’re up to the task.”
She approached the island and grabbed his hands. “I can handle anything as long as I know we’ll be all right.”
“Aw, don’t get all sloppy on me.”
“I can’t help it. You’re my baby and—”
“I always will be. I know, I know.” He gave her hands a squeeze as his thoughts sobered. “You don’t have to worry about us, Mom.We’re good. I understand why you got so rattled when Maggie came knocking. And you eventually told us the truth. That took courage.”
“I’m planning to call your dad tonight and tell him the news.” They’d decided she should be the one to do it.
“I wonder how he’ll take it.”
“I don’t know—but that’s not your problem.”
Maybe he’d be relieved. He hadn’t seemed very interested in parenting since he left. And his version of parenting only made Will feel misunderstood and insecure. “It’s kind of a sticky situation.”
“Speaking of sticky.” Mom winced as she pulled her hands from his. “Did you even use that fork I gave you?”
Will smirked, then licked his fingers for good measure. His phone vibrated in his pocket—and he did use his napkin before withdrawing it. He wasn’t an animal.
The name on the screen made his heart skip a beat. “It’s Josh.”
Mom offered a smile, then went to the sink to wash her hands.
His nerves jittered. It was just Captain Josh.Your biological father.He accepted the call.“Hey, how’s it going?”
“I was just gonna ask you that.”
Will smiled at the familiar voice. “Going well. Mowed the lawn for Mom and I just helped myself to one of her fresh cinnamon rolls.”
“Sounds great.” A pause ensued. “Hope you don’t mind my calling. I was, um, wondering if you had plans this afternoon.”
His chest lightened. “Not really. Why?”
“Well, I’m at my parents’ house—most of the family is actually here—and I just told them about you. They’re beyond excited to meet you and wondered if you’d want to come over now. I know this is quick, so if you need some time to—”
“I’d love to.” Will couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.
“You sure? There’s no pressure.” Josh lowered his voice. “My family can be kind of a lot.”
Will chuckled. He was just excited to have a big family. Grandparents. And cousins! He apparently had three of them. “I’m stoked to meet them. Can you text me the address?”
“I’ll do it right now.”
“Then I’ll be right over.”
He disconnected the call and jumped from the stool, energy zinging through his veins. He was about to meet his extended family. “Josh told his family about me. They want to meet me.”
Mom dried her hands on a towel, beaming. “Of course they do. They’re gonna love you.”
“I sure hope so.” Will swiped his keys from the counter and his gaze caught on the cinnamon rolls. “Can I bring a roll for Josh?”
