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She looks at Greg, and he gives her an encouraging smile. She looks at Beckett, then me. “We wanted to surprise you! We have big news! And it’s so amazing that we came this weekend when you have all of this excitement going on!”

I brace myself. I can’t help it. The last few pieces of news from my mom have included a cancer diagnosis, a divorce, a remarriage, and two pregnancies.

“What news?” Beckett asks.

He looks similarly wary.

“We’re moving back here!”

I blink at her.

“You’re what?” Now Beckett extricates himself from Andi.

“Well, I guess I’m moving back. Greg and the kids are moving here for the first time.” Our mom smiles like this is the best news she’s ever shared. “And not here. Not Rebel. Greg will be working in New Orleans. But we’ll be close.”

I’m studying her, and now I see the slight waver behind her smile.

She’s not one hundred percent sure we’ll be excited about this.

And…I’m not sure how I feel.

When we last lived here together, we were happy. Very happy.

Until we weren’t.

Until Mara got sick. And then everything fell apart. We moved. Things got worse. Our family broke apart. Greg came into the picture. My mom started a new life. Far away.

Now they’re going to be here?

My heart is pounding, and my mind is racing.

Then I feel Lawson’s hand on my shoulder. He squeezes, his big thumb strokes over my shoulder blade, and I lean back. I feel his strong, solid, warm body behind me. My rock.

He’s here now.

Beckett and I have made a life here. Full of people who love us, who will support us and help us through…however this goes.

Finally, I take a deep breath and nod. “Wow. Okay.”

My mom swallows hard, her smile finally dropping. “I want to be close to you kids again. I’ve missed you. I want you to know your sister and brother.” She looks over at the two young kids watching us with huge eyes.

Katie and Oliver.

None of this is their fault. They are two little humans who helped heal our mom after a devastating loss.

“I’d like that too,” I tell her. “I’ve missed you too.”

She looks so relieved that I have to reach out and pull her into a hug.

A shudder goes through her as she hugs me tightly.

I feel Beckett move in and hug us both. “This is…awesome, Mom.”

“I’m so excited,” she says, her excitement returning. “We’ll all be together for Christmas! All of the holidays and special events and days going forward.” She pulls back and looks at Andi, then Lawson. “All of us!”

I look past Beckett at Andi.

Her eyes are wide, and she mouths help me.