“I know what you’re thinking.” Her mother fiddled with the edge of her own throw. “That this is my fifth marriage and what makes him different? My honest answer is, I don’t know. It’s just a feeling, you know?”
Polly frowned at Jonah as he fit two planks of wood together. “I hope you’re right.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had to watch me go through so many relationships. It was never my intention to taint your view of men or dating or marriage.”
Her fingers tightened around the bottle. She wasn’t sure if her mother wanted her to deny that she’d done exactly that. She wasn’t sure she could. “I just can’t remember any good chunk of time where you’ve been single. You move on to the next relationship so quickly.”
“I know. I regret that too.”
Her attention flew back to her mother. “You do?”
“Oh yes. Your independence and ability to live on your own terms just amazes me, Polls. I am constantly in awe of you.”
Polly scoffed.
“You don’t believe me?”
“Honestly, I don’t know what to believe aboutanythinganymore.” Right on cue, her phone buzzed with a text.
Joel: I’m working late tonight. I ran home at lunch and left a key under the mat for you.
Her heart gave a little kick. Which was ridiculous. It was a key, not a marriage proposal.
“Is that Joel?”
Her mother’s question pulled her gaze up. “What?”
“You always get that look on your face with him.”
“What look?”
Her mother just gave her a knowing grin. “I’m glad you’ve found someone you trust enough to let through that hard exterior of yours.”
Words of denial danced at the tip of her tongue. Words aboutnotletting him in. About Joel being like everyone else. But they didn’t feel true enough to set free. “I think I’m beginning to feel okay with the idea of dating him. Officially.”
Joel had been right last week—theywerebasically in a relationship. This would just be putting a label on it.
Her mother’s smile was wide. “That’s great, honey.”
“I’m still scared that he’s going to break my heart, but I’m doing my best to trust him. I’m tired of feeling angry and defensive all the time. I’m tired of pushing people away to protect myself.”
Tears filled her mother’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing you say that. I’ve made a lot of mistakes when it comes to being your mother. I dated that jerk who locked you in the toy box. And that fitness enthusiast who made us hike like we were perpetually exercise deprived. And I just…didn’t prioritize you enough.”
“Mom—”
“But I’m glad you found a man who’s helping you heal. And there is nothing wrong with letting your heart take the lead. It wants what it wants, and so much joy and love can come from that.”
Jonah crossed over to them and dropped onto the deck couch beside her mother. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Thai food and wine?”
“After you shower.”
“Are you saying I smell?” He feigned hurt.
“No, you don’t smell, youstink.” She tried to shove him off.
“Hm. Well, you probably won’t like this then.” He leaned over and started kissing down her neck. Her mother just laughed.
And that was Polly’s cue to go. “I’ll see you guys later.”
