“I wish Mom could have come,” I mumble, annoyed, as we walk down the tree-lined street to the Morales residence.
“Jules,” Harrison chastises.I know I’m being selfish. “Did you want your mom to cancel on your uncle? She’s been looking forward to spending more time with Philip.”
“Ugh. I know you’re right. What if Rosa and Javier don’t like me?”
“I like you. Claud likes you. That’s all that matters.”
“No, we don’t,” she interrupts us. “We love her.”
This girl is too cute. I bend down and pick her up, twirling her around the city street. “I love you too.”
“Let me down, let me down. We’re here.” Claud jumps out of my arms, and we follow her as she runs up the steps to a beautiful brownstone.
“Ich bin nervös.” I whisper in German that I’m nervous.
“Ne t’en fais pas.” He answers in French that I shouldn’t worry.
Of course, he would say that. This is much more formal than how he met my mom. We weren’t even officially dating yet when he did.
“What did you say?” Claud asks.
“You need to learn German to understand.” I smile down at her.
“Oh.” Her face falls. “I want to learn German like you and Daddy.”
Harrison rolls his eyes outwardly, annoyed.
“Don’t be jealous,” I tease him.
I remember he once told me he’s tried to teach Claud German and French, but she only takes an interest in Spanish since Rosa and Javier speak it.
Suddenly, the door swings open, and the most beautiful, distinguished woman with silver hair and dark eyes stands there staring at me.
“Grammy, Grammy.” Claud jumps up and down, overly excited.
Rosa bends down and quickly kisses and hugs Claud, her eyes never leaving mine. Then she stands up and walks in my direction; I have no idea what to do, so I stand like a statue.
She lifts her hands and surprises me by cupping my cheeks in a loving, tender way. “It is so nice to meet you, Juliette.” Her smile is kind, and it eases most of my nerves.
“Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Morales.”
“You are stunning.” She turns toward Harrison. “Just absolutely gorgeous.”
“I know, Mom. Trust me.” He smiles and mouths,I love you.
Rosa drops her hands and then engulfs me with a hug. “Thank you so much. They needed you,” she whispers in my ear.
That’s it. My last nerves drift away. It’s exactly what I needed to hear from her…I needed to know she accepted us. That she knew I wasn’t here to replace her daughter.
“Come on, Mom. Let’s take this inside.”
“Yes. Let’s go. Everyone is inside already.” Rosa takes my hand and leads me into the house, then looks back at me again with warmth in her eyes. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Can I help you clean up, Rosa?” I ask as I walk into the kitchen behind her.
“Absolutely not.” She points to the chair at the kitchen table. “However, you can sit and keep me company.”
“I can definitely do that.” I pour myself a glass of water and then take a seat. “Thank you for dinner. Everything was delicious, and you and Javier are hilarious together. You remind me a lot of Leo, and Javier’s humor is so dry. You’re the perfect combo.”
