Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Thank you, Leni,” she beams. “Now let’s cut into this cake. It’s almost too pretty to cut, though.”
“I remembered you always liked cakes with lots of flowers and icing,” Colt tells her while I pick the candles out.
“That’s sweet of you to remember, my sweet boy. Both of you,” she adds, smiling at Nix. “I didn’t think I would ever be able to do this again with you after I woke up.”
“You worked your ass off. That’s why you’re able to do it.” Nix practically glows with pride when he looks at her. He’s right, too. Over the past year in her new facility, she has completely outpaced even the most optimistic predictions.
When she stands—cautiously, but smoothly—she shakes her head at the help Colt offers. “I need to do it myself. We forgot to set out napkins.”
It’s very sweet, the way the guys hover, wanting to help her, but she is determined to do everything she can on her own. It’s a stubborn streak she definitely passed on to her sons, which is why I think it’s so funny when they get frustrated at her for doing the exact sort of thing they would’ve done.
“So, tell me, how is school?” She sounds like any typical mother on her way back to the table, where I slice the cake.
“I’m loving it.” She gets the first slice, and I make sure to include as many of the frosting lilies as possible. “Classes are going great.”
“It’s so wonderful that you want to help others by becoming a therapist. And sports therapy, too—it’s a perfect fit. Helping athletes develop their mindset and turn their setbacks into strong points.”
“That is exactly what I want to do.”
Because if there’s anything I’ve learned in the years since I was a competitor, it’s the importance of mindset. Being able to pivot when necessary. Turning your greatest pain into your greatest asset. It only sounds corny to someone who’s never been through it.
“And here I was, thinking we could just get free therapy out of you.” Nix smirks while I roll my eyes.
“How do you put up with him?” his mom asks.
“Sometimes I wonder,” I reply, and we share a grin while the guys groan.
“I never make you roll your eyes at me, do I?” Colt asks, hugging me from behind.
“Oh, no,” I tell him with a smirk while his mom laughs. “Usually, you make me grind my teeth. Big difference.”
There’s a particular expression a mom wears when she’s happy for her kids, and I’m glad to see that now. Our arrangement isn’t typical, but she doesn’t seem to have a problem with it—if she does, she keeps it to herself. After everything she’s been through, I guess certain things just aren’t worth getting all worked up about. Life is too short for that.
After eating cake, and setting up the new laptop the guys bought for her, it’s time for us to go. “We’ll be back next week,” Colt promises.
With a happy smile, she says, “You know how much I look forward to it.”
Before we leave, I bend down to give her a hug, and her lips brush my cheek before she whispers, “The best gift is seeing them so happy. Thank you.”
I’m a little choked up as we leave. Somehow, she knew exactly what I needed to hear.
On our way home, I try my best to act normal, but I can’t help getting antsy. I have big plans for tonight, and the guys have no idea what I’ve been up to. I grin to myself, thinking about the toys I stashed in the bedroom closet.
“What are you smiling about back there?” Colt asks, looking at me through the rearview mirror.
“Nothing,” I say a little too fast, clamping my hands together in my lap. “I’m just happy. It’s been a great day.”
I’m not sure if he buys it completely but, even if he doesn’t, he lets it go. “It really has been a great day. I can’t believe Mom’s improved so much already.”
“She looked genuinely happy today,” Nix says from the passenger seat.
“You guys looked happy too,” I point out.
“’Cause we are,” Colt agrees, just as he pulls the car into a parking spot in front of our apartment building. I open the door as soon as we’re parked, sucking in a deep breath of fresh, cool air.
It’s dark outside, but the neighborhood is well lit with street lights scattered along the walkways. I shut the door and make my way to the front door, with Nix and Colt falling into step soon after. Together we walk in and up the stairs, where Colt unlocks the door.
We pile into the apartment, and I flip on the lights.
“You sure you’re okay?” Nix questions, scanning my face.
“Actually, I have a surprise for you,” I admit.
“For me?” Nix wiggles his eyebrows.
“For both of you,” I clarify, looking between the two brothers.