look at your dad. Don’t be afraid of letting someone in. He’s nothing like the kids from school, and he is most certainly nothing like the boys from college.”
“He makes me feel special.”
A gentle smile crosses her lips. “That’s because you are special.”
“I know, but that’s you saying it. When I’m with him, I don’t feel like the outcast being shunned because I didn’t belong in the suburbs.”
Her gaze glistens, and for a moment, I feel terrible because I don’t want her to think I’m ungrateful for them taking me in. “You’re worthy of being anywhere you want to be, Haelee.” This time, she looks directly at me, and I realize I know what she means.
It’s something my mother tried to teach me since I was a kid. Knowing where I’m from, where my birth mother came from, I’ve never felt like I was worthy. I felt like an imposter, and perhaps the jeers from the other kids made it worse. But since I can remember, I believed I wasn’t good enough. Now that I’m older, looking at my adoptive mother, Mom, I realize I am good enough.
“I’m sorry I never believed you in the past.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” she comforts me. “Growing up with what you had to for eight long years before we found you must have broken you. I can’t imagine being a child in that situation.”
“I’ve blocked a lot of it out. Even just thinking about it makes me shiver. Perhaps I’ve just forced myself to forget it. Deep down, I know I belong here, but sometimes it’s difficult to realize.”
“You should never forget who you are,” Mom says vehemently. “You are a beautiful, strong woman, and you’re special in every way. If someone can’t see that, it’s because they’re blind.”
The lump in my throat chokes me, and I try to swallow past it. Tears sting my eyes, and I set my brush and straightener down to go to her and hold her. It’s been such a long time since I’ve snuggled my mother, and I enjoy the moment. The warmth of her arms around me settles the pain I felt moments ago.
“I think I’m falling for him,” I mumble against her shoulder, and I feel her laugh. There’s a gentle hum that comes from Mom’s chest, and I wonder if she knew before I did. She’s always been perceptive. And this time, it’s no different.
“Allow time to lead you,” she advises. “You will probably fall for him, yes, but don’t rush things. And you’ll find with each day, that feeling you’re currently cultivating in your chest will only flourish.”
“I’m not rushing. I’m only doing things when I’m comfortable. And Kayden is a gentleman. He’s never forced me to take steps I’m not comfortable with.”
This time Mom smiles. I’m sure she knows what I’m talking about, but I don’t want to get into that, so I step away and finish up my hair while she watches. When the doorbell rings, my heart skips a beat, knowing it’s him.
“I hope you have a wonderful night,” Mom says. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Nodding, I smile. “Thank you.” She leaves me to finish up and goes to answer the door. As much as I want to stay at his place tonight, I should work on my project. It’s not due for another few days, but I don’t like to rush. And staying at Kayden’s will not have me focused. Not on school at least.
By the time I make it downstairs, Kayden and Mom are sitting in the living room laughing about something. When I walk in, he looks up, and his eyes widen.
“Hello, beautiful,” he greets. Pushing to his feet, he closes the distance between us and places a chaste kiss on my lips. I can tell he’s shocked at the change in my look, but it’s not bad. Not bad at all.
“Have fun, both of you.”
“Thanks, Caroline.” Kayden grins at my mother as he takes my hand and leads me out to his car. Tonight, he’s driving his Rover, which I love because I can settle in and enjoy the comfy seats. I love watching him drive, and once we’re on the road, I can’t drag my eyes away from him.
“Are we going to your place?”
A small smile dances on his lips, and he nods. “You wanting some of this?” he asks with a cocky wink as he grabs his crotch with his free hand.
“Ugh, you’re so full of yourself.” I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop