Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Oh, my,” Jean says, frowning.
“I was livid. First at Max, and then at Alex when I learned what he pulled.”
“I don’t blame you,” Jean says, shaking her head. “Why are you so adamant that Alex not ski?”
I stare at her a moment, shocked that she would even ask that. “What do you mean? I don’t want him up there because of Cary.”
Jean sighs. “I can understand that, but you can’t wrap him in bubble wrap and chain him in his room. Whether it’s on the ski hill or in front of your house, he could get hurt.”
“Wow, I can’t believe you think he should ski.”
“I think you should let him do what you’re comfortable with,” she qualifies. “And if you’re not okay with him on skis, then stick to your guns. Alex needs to learn that he will be told no in this life, and no means no.”
“Yeah.” I rub my forehead with my fingertips, a headache coming on. “Are you sure you’re okay with taking him for the week? With the behavior stuff going on, and a puppy?”
“Of course,” Jean says, patting my shoulder. “We’ve been excited to spend the week with our grandson, and the puppy will be just fine with us, too. I think you need a little break.”
“That makes me feel guilty,” I admit. “That I need a break from my own kid.”
“It’s normal,” she says with a laugh. “He’s wonderful, and a handful. Don’t feel guilty. You’ll be excited to see him when the week is over.”
“Yes, I will.” I take another deep breath and prepare myself for the next part of the conversation. “I have something else to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ve been dating Max.” I say it in a rush, wanting to get it out as fast as possible, and cringe as I wait for her response.
“Oh, that? I know.” She grins and pats my hand.
“You know?”
“He was here for Alex’s party, Alex talks about him all the time, and I do have conversations with your mother, Willa.”
I blink at her, surprised because she looks perfectly calm. “And you don’t mind?”
“Why on earth would I mind?” She frowns, then gives me a look as if a light bulb illuminates over her head. “Did you think this would be a thing?”
“Maybe.”
“Willa, it’s been nine years. Neither Dan nor I expect you to live as a nun. You’re young and beautiful and wonderful. You deserve to move on. You need to move on.”
Tears threaten. I feel relief and happiness and still so much love from Jean.
“You’re both so wonderful to me.”
“You’re like a daughter to us, and that’ll never change. Do you remember not long before you married Cary and I asked you what would happen if Max came back to town?”
“Of course. I told you that it wouldn’t matter. I loved Cary.”
“I believed you. I still believe you. I hope that isn’t one of the reasons you were nervous to tell me about this exciting new time in your life.”
I bite my lip.
“Darling, life goes on. It took a while for Dan and me to heal, but we have. And so have you. It’s time for you to truly live your life, not just for your son, but for yourself, too. Cary would want that. And I’ve always liked Max.”
I laugh and wipe a tear from my cheek. “Me, too.”
“I just hope that if this turns into something permanent, Dan and I still have a place here.”
“Oh, Jean.” I reach for her and wrap my arms tightly around her. “Always. You are an important part of our family. We love you and Dan so much.”
“Well, then,” she says, sniffling at tears of her own, “that’s settled.”
***
“Okay, he has enough clothes for a month, but you can always call me if you need more.”
“We have a washer and dryer,” Dan reminds me with a smile. They never sold their home in Cunningham Falls. Instead, they rent it out as a vacation rental when they’re not in town, and live in it when they are. It’s worked out wonderfully for them. “And you’re across town.”
Jeans sends Dan a look, but before I can ask what it means, Alex hugs me around the waist fiercely.
“Have a good week, Mom,” he says. “Don’t worry about a thing.”
I squat next to him and brush his hair off his forehead. I’ll need to take him for a haircut next week. “Remember what we talked about, Bubba. I need you to be on your very best behavior.”
“I will,” he says. “I promise. You don’t have to worry.”
“I’ll call every evening before you go to bed to check in, and if you need anything at all, just have Nana or Papa call me, okay?”
“Yep,” he says with a nod. “Love you, Mom.”
Then he’s off with Rocky, running into the house he knows as a second home.