“Can’t wait. It smells amazing,” Tuck says. “I guess you taught Maria everything you know in the kitchen, because she’s an amazing cook.”
My chest swells at that. Not just the compliment, but the way he says it. Like he’s proud of me. Like this—I—matter to him.
“Grant, can I get you a beer?” Tuck asks.
“You bet, son.”
There’s a solid smack—Grant’s version of affection—and I can picture the shoulder clap without even looking. I slip off my oven mitts just as Mom steps into the kitchen. I move straight into her arms, hugging her tight, breathing her in. Home, comfort, familiarity. Tuck must miss this, being so far from his family.
When I pull back, her eyes linger on my face, scanning me in that way only a mother can. Slow. Knowing. A small, almost smug smile curves her lips.
I instinctively wipe at my mouth. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Just a smile,” she says. My stomach dips. Then she leans in slightly, her voice dropping. “One I haven’t seen in a long time.”
Oh. God.
Panic flares hot and fast. Does she know? Can she tell? Gina clocked it. So did Rowyn. And my mother is basically a human lie detector when it comes to me.
This is mortifying.
“School is going really well,” I blurt, way too quickly. “That’s why I’m smiling.”
Her brows lift. “Uh-huh. Is that all?”
Abort. Abort.
“Well, no. The boys are doing great. Good grades, sports, friends…”
“Continue,” she prompts, folding her arms, fully settling in like she’s about to enjoy this.
My brain scrambles for anything—anything—safe.
“Marbles is growing fast.”
Her mouth twitches. “Right.”
Lord, just take me now.
I clear my throat. “Wine? Do you want a glass of wine?”
“I’d love one,” she says, entirely too pleased with herself.
“Grandma.” Lucas barrels into the room, arms wide, saving me.
Relief floods through me as Mom turns, instantly softening, wrapping him in a tight hug. My chest squeezes watching them—the easy love, the way my boys have settled here, surrounded by people who show up for them.
She pulls back, holding Lucas at arm’s length, tilting her head up to take him in. “Lucas, I swear you’ve grown two inches since I last saw you.”
Lucas straightens immediately, chest puffing out, shoulders back. “I put Marbles in the bedroom so you wouldn’t sneeze.”
My heart melts a little.
“Meow.”
We all freeze. Then slowly turn.
“Marbles,” Josh groans, already moving. He scoops the cat up, cradling him close. “How did you get out?” He frowns, looking over at Mom. “I’m sorry, Grandma.”
