Jeanie laughs and slides her arm through Nora’s, drawing her away from me. “You’re so right, but they’re the best men. And I should know because I come from a family of good men.”
A sense of rightness settles over me as I watch the two of them disappear into the kitchen.
“You okay, Nickel?” Bolt asks, bumping his shoulder against mine before biting into a bacon sandwich.
“Yeah, Cobalt. Everything is fine.”
“Is she going to stay?”
Turning my head slightly, I see concern on Bolt’s face.
“She says she is, brother. I’m going to ask her to be my Old Lady. Ordering the cut today if the vote goes through Church. She’s still going to work, though.”
“Figured.” He nods. “The work she does is important.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”
“Trust me, Nickel, that never goes away, even when she’s working next to you. You’ll always worry. But take comfort in the fact that Nora is better trained than most.”
“You’re right. Thanks, Bolt.”
“Anytime, brother. It’s about time I was there for you.”
“You’re a good brother, Bolt,” I assure him. “Are you coming to get more to eat?”
“Nah.” He shakes his head and nods to his plate, which still has a couple of bacon and sausage sandwiches on it. “Jeanie’s fed me.”
Smiling, I tilt my head. Bolt found a good one. She fits in seamlessly with the other Old Ladies, and our mom loves her.
I halt in the doorway as I walk into the kitchen and smile. Nora has her arm wrapped around my mom, her head resting on Mom’s shoulder as she watches her cook at the stove. Seems I’m another lucky one.
Mom slides something from the pan onto a plate.
Nora kisses her cheek. “Thanks, Maggie.”
Mom smiles at her. “Welcome, sweetheart.”
Nora turns, holding two plates. “Breakfast. Your mum cooked the eggs because you really don’t want to eat mine. Can’t get them right for the life of me.”
Clearing my throat, I walk towards Mom. “Thanks, Momma.” I hug her and kiss her cheek.
“Welcome, baby.” She hugs me back. “Coffee is ready. Make me a cup, would you? I’ll be out shortly.”
“No problem.”
Going to the coffee machine, I pour three mugs. I gather them up and start to follow Nora out of the kitchen.
“Nickel.” Mom’s hand lands on my arm, stopping me.
Setting the mugs down, I give her my attention. Fuck, maybe I read the room wrong. Maybe my mom doesn’t like Nora. That would make things bloody complicated because deep down, I’m a momma’s boy. We all are.
But Nora owns my heart.
“Don’t look so worried.” Mom laughs softly. “I like Nora. I think she’s perfect for you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to check on you. Make sure you’re okay. You’ve had a lot of changes over the last few days.”
“Fuck.” I let out a relieved breath. “I’m glad you like Nora. And I’m fine, Mom. I promise. Nora…” I pause for a minute, trying to think of how to explain that Nora calms me in a way that I’ve never experienced.
“Nora—” I start again, but I can’t find the right words to explain how I feel.
