I pull my coat tighter around myself.
Dex notices immediately.
“Cold?”
“A little.”
Without another word, his palm presses lightly against my back again, guiding me forward, closer to the warmth waiting inside.
Before we reach the door, it swings open.
A beautiful woman steps outside, apron tied around her hips. Light brown hair frames a gorgeous face, green eyes, Dex’s eyes, warm and bright as they land on him.
“Come here, Dex. Give your mama a hug.”
His tall frame folds around hers, and something in my chest tightens at the way he holds her. Tight. Familiar. You can see how much he cares for her.
Then she lets him go and turns to me.
“You must be Lexy.”
She pulls me into a warm hug before I can even answer. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon surrounds me, and for a second, I freeze.
Then something inside me gives. Softens.
I didn’t realize how much I missed my mother’s hugs until right now, in Lily’s arms. A stranger reminding me what a mother feels like.
I hug her back. “Thank you for the hug.”
She lets go and looks at me. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
“I’m so happy to meet you, Mrs. Hawthorne… and thank you for the clothes and shoes. You didn’t have to.”
She steps back, lifting one eyebrow.
“Please call me Lily. And oh, aren’t you a gorgeous one.”
Her smiling eyes sweep over me before she turns to Dex.
“I like her.”
Dex shakes his head.
“Well, I’m glad you like my waitress, Mama. Now can we go inside? I’m freezing my balls off.”
Lily’s smile vanishes instantly.
“Dexter Hawthorne, you will not use that language in my house.”
Dex actually looks chastised.
“Sorry, Mama.”
She huffs, then turns back to me like nothing happened.
“Come on in, darling. Let me introduce you to part of our big family.”
I follow her inside, Dex right behind me.
