“I was so afraid of change, of losing control,” she admitted, squeezing my hand before letting go and settling back in her chair. “But I’ve known Chase since he was a boy, and I know the man he is now. And seeing how happy Brenna is, how well she and Hunter work together, it made me realize that sometimes, taking a chance is worth it.”
Her smile, when it came, was tremulous but genuine. “All I’ve ever truly wanted is for my children to be happy, truly happy. And I see it now, Eli. I see it in your eyes.” She released my hand and gently patted my cheek. “Of course you have my blessing. Both of you.”
Relief washed over me, so potent my head swam. I surged forward, pulling her into a fierce, tight hug, burying my face briefly in her shoulder. “Thank you, Mom,” I choked out, the words thick. “Thank you.”
She held me tight for a moment, then pulled back, smoothing my undoubtedly messy hair with a mother’s familiar touch. “I’m sorry if I made things harder than they needed to be. My past casts long shadows sometimes.”
I nodded, blinking rapidly, managing a shaky laugh. “I know, Mom. Me too. But maybe we’re finally stepping into the sun.”
“Who knew you were such a poet?” She smiled, all traces of tension around her eyes gone now. “I hope you understand my reservations came from fear, not a lack of faith in your judgment.”
I nodded, blinking back tears. “I know, Mom. Though my judgment has been pretty crappy in the past, so you weren’t totally off base.”
We both laughed, and as we embraced again, I felt lighter than I had in weeks.
I pulled back from her, my chest swelling with relief and gratitude. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” My voice was still rough with emotion. “Not just for Jules and me, but for all of us.”
Mom’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. “I think I’m starting to understand, sweetheart.” She patted my cheek gently. “Now, go on. I’m sure you’re eager to share the news with… Jules. I think her formal name is a thing of the past now. Plus, I’ve got a new book I’m dying to get into!” Waggling her brows, she picked up the Nora Roberts from the table.
We both stood and I held her tight. “I love you, you know.”
“I do. And you’ll never know how much I love you.”
“Even though I accidentally set fire to the fishing shed when I was eight? It really was an accident, I promise.”
With a wry expression, she held out a lock of particularly gray hair. “See this one? You own it.”
Laughing again, I walked her to the door of the shop. As she walked away, a big grin remained on my face.
“Okay, big brother. What the hell was that about?”
Whirling, I bounded over to where Brenna was arranging a display of new releases and gave her a big hug. “Jules and I are officially a thing now! Mom gave me her blessing.”
Brenna’s comically shocked expression was priceless. “Get out! How did you make that miracle happen?”
I told her, itching to get to Jules, when Brenna asked what I was going to say to her. I frowned. “What do you mean? I’ll probably just blurt it out. I blurt everything out.”
Brenna rolled her eyes. “God, Eli. Mom coming around is a pretty huge deal. So plan out what you’re going to say to Jules!”
“Huh. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. I came in here in the first place to get your input on how to talk to Mom. So how about helping with this instead?”
“Now you’re talking!” Brenna’s face morphed into excitement as she rubbed her hands together. “You need to show her what she means to you. What would be special to her?”
I glanced around the bookshop, drawing inspiration from the shelves upon shelves of stories surrounding us. “Well, what about something Jules Verne themed?”
Brenna gasped and clapped her hands, her creative mind already whirring with possibilities. “Oh, that’s perfect! You said you really likedTwenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. And that theme is perfect for you two.”
I nodded, tapping my cheek. “I tore right through that one. We could do something with that. It’s not just the adventure, though. For Jules, these stories represent something more. A chance to break free from the spreadsheets and numbers, you know?”
Brenna nodded, her expression softening. “A glimpse into a world of possibility.”
“Exactly!” I snapped my fingers, the pieces falling into place. “She’s told me how she used to love exploring and stuff like that. That’s what I want to give her. Not just the news about Mom, but…”
Suddenly, it hit me. The perfect way to bring it all together. I sucked in a huge breath, a wave of goose bumps rolling over me. “Oh my God, Brenna. I’ve got it!”
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What’s this brilliant idea?”
I leaned in close, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as I shared my plan. With each detail, Brenna’s smile grew wider.
When I finished, she raised both hands to her mouth. “Eli, that’s… that’s absolutely perfect! Hmmm, maybe we should add a romantic touch to it too.”
I scowled. “Ugh. That’s not exactly my wheelhouse, sis.”
Brenna positively beamed at me. “Oh, you big idiot. This entire idea is the embodiment of romance. Give yourself more credit. Jules is going to love it.”
“I hope so because it’s the best I can come up with.”
“I know so,” Brenna assured me. “Now let’s get started…”
