Mama Hen pulled the batter bowl from my hands and set it down, grabbing them once they were free. “Katarina,Hawk is stubborn, a little old fashioned, and rough around the edges. But one thing he’s not is a liar. I know he promised you he wouldn’t touch another woman, and you can trust that. He would never do that. His daddy raised him right, and he taught all those boys to be honest above all else. If he promised you anything, you can take that to the bank. Plus, he’s been taken byyousince he met you.”
“That’s sweet of you to say,” I told her as I squeezed her hands.
“I ain’t a sweet old lady. I tell it like it is, hon. And I know my son. He was a goner the second he laid eyes on you, even if he didn’t admit it to himself right away.” She stepped in closer. “And I couldn’t have chosen a better partner for my boy. Raven sure did know what he was doing when he made that deal with your father. I just wish he was here to meet ya.”
Her eyes got glassy, and I threw my arms around her. “I hope I make you proud, Mama Hen.” Tears filled my eyes. “I hope he’s proud, if he’s watching us. I’m honored to be part of your family.”
We hugged for several minutes, not loosening our grip on each other. I sniffled and my shoulders shook a little but the only sign I had that she was crying was when she swiped at her eyes. I didn’t want to let her go. She was so warm and comforting. It had been so long since I was just held by my mother. I’d had hugs, even from her since we met. But this was one of those hugs that melted away your sorrows and made you realize that even if things weren’t okay, they would be. The type of hug that could only be given by a mother.
“The honor is ours,” she finally said, pulling away. “Now,let’s finish up breakfast before all those knuckleheads come in.”
We had gotten the first round of breakfast done and Lacy showed up to help serve and get the second round going.
“We held the line,” she whispered as she grabbed the coffee and four mugs.
Smiling, I gripped her hand. “Teamwork. But I may try to talk to him.”
“Whatever you think is best.” She leaned in. “I hate confrontation, but sometimes we gotta just clear the air.” She looked around and once Mama Hen pushed through the door she said, “He’s out there and he looks like his puppy died.”
My mouth fell open. “Thanks a lot.”
“I’m sorry.” She grimaced. “It’s just awful seeing those tough guys that way, you know?”
She started to walk away, but I grabbed her shoulder. “Hey, can I take that?”
Lacy smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. She went to the counter and set the mugs down before pouring coffee into one and handing it to me. “Here. I’ll handle the others, but take him this.”
“Thanks. Do I look decent?” I asked, checking my messy bun.
“Get under your eyes. Other than that, you look perfect.”
I wiped under my eyes and sure enough, a little mascara had run. I did a quick and dirty makeup removal job last nightand didn’t get all of it off. Crying didn’t help. Add to that my messy bun and random clothes I threw on just to get out of there and I almost didn’t want him to see me.
But even though he was probably busy, I wanted to at least take his morning coffee. Maybe a small peace offering.
Grabbing the mug, I drew in a deep breath and blew it out before lifting my chin high and walking through the swinging door.
The music was on now and quiet conversations took place around the bar as people started enjoying breakfast.
He was at his table, in his spot. The place next to him where I’d sat so many times now was empty, but Niko and Eagle were with him.
Lacy was at the table next to them and gave me a wink.
His crystal blue gaze caught mine as I got closer. My heart raced as I took slow steps towards the table. I wasn’t even this nervous the night I’d met him.
When I was only steps away, he stood up, looking even bigger than normal. Maybe I just felt smaller. Eagle and Niko looked over.
“Good morning, sister.”
Nodding at Niko as I got closer, I said, “Good morning, brother. I trust you slept well.”
Stopping at the table, I looked back over at Hawk, slowly lifting my eyes up to his.
“That for me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He took the mug, but instead of sipping, he sat it on the table. I expected him to say something cold, or even for him to simply sit down and ignore that I was there.
