Until December - Aurora Rose Reynolds Page 0,58
them up from school last week. I’ll probably do the same next week, but after that, things will most likely go back to normal.”
“Your aunt told me you’ve turned down a few jobs at the shop.”
“Yeah,” I agree, crossing my arms over my chest becoming aggravated with the direction this conversation is headed in.
“I’m worried, Gareth. The boys are getting close to this girl, and you’re turning down work.”
“Don’t,” I growl, keeping my voice low so the boys and December won’t hear. “Do not go there. I want the boys tight with her. She’s the kind of woman they should be close to, and I didn’t quit my job, I just haven’t been killing myself with overtime.”
“Honey, I—”
“Jesus.” I scrub my fingers through my hair. “You were the one who told me that I should find someone, Mom.”
“You’re right.” She places her hand against her chest. “I… I think maybe I’m just a little jealous.”
“You have nothing to be jealous of.”
“When I talked to the boys the other evening, Max told me she baked cookies with him. I didn’t even think Max would want to bake cookies. And Mitchell kept talking about how cool she is. And you. I haven’t even seen you this week, or even talked to you.”
“Mom.” I sigh.
“I feel like I’m being replaced,” she says with tears filling her eyes.
“You’re not being replaced.” I chuckle, closing my arms around her.
“Don’t laugh at me.”
“Mom, you’re being crazy. We love you. That is never going to change.”
“I know. I just…. I guess I liked the idea of you finding someone, but never really thought of where that would leave me.”
I shake my head and rub her back. “The boys won’t like seeing you upset like this.”
“I’m almost done.” She sniffles, and I smile. “I know I’m not acting like it, but I really am happy for you.”
I tip my head down to look at her then tell her honestly, “She’s making me happy. She’s just as cool as both my boys think she is, and she fits in like she’s always been here with us.”
“You’re falling in love with her.”
Without a doubt. “She’s special, and when you meet her, you’ll see what I mean.”
Her expression softens. “Can I meet her now?”
“Do you think I’m going to send you away?”
“I don’t know. I did just show up here without letting you know I was coming over.”
“You’re always welcome in my home. And I know you don’t know December yet, but she would probably be more upset than you if I sent you away without introducing you two.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle, and she laughs, wiping what was left of her tears from under her eyes. “Are you ready?”
She pulls in a big breath then lets it out. “I think so.” She tips her head back. “Is my makeup a mess?”
“Nope.”
“I know you’re probably lying, but I’m going to pretend like you aren’t,” she mumbles, and I toss my arm over her shoulders and lead her up the steps to the porch. When I open the door, December and Mitchell, who are in the kitchen, turn toward us.
“Hey, Grandma.” Mitchell waves.
“Child, you better get your not-too-old-for-a-whoopin’ butt over here and hug your grandmother,” Mom orders, and December giggles while Mitchell sighs, mumbling something I can’t make out as he comes out of the kitchen to give her a reluctant hug.
“You okay?” I ask, tangling my fingers with December’s when she’s close. She gives me a nod, but I still notice her hand shaking slightly when my mom turns to face us.
“You must be December. I’m Lidia,” Mom reaches out, taking her free hand, and then glances at me quickly. “I can see now why all my boys seem to be falling for you.”
“I….” December’s fingers convulse around mine. “It’s nice to meet you. The boys talk about you all the time.”
“They’re good boys.” Mom smiles.
“They really are,” December agrees, and Mom lets her hand go as Max joins us.
“So you guys are going to Adventure Park today?”
“That’s what I was told this morning.” December glares at Max and Mitchell when they start to laugh. “But I’ve told these guys that I will be sitting at the picnic tables reading while they test the strength of nylon and polyester.”
“My type of girl.”
“You have to at least try zip lining. Even Grandma did that one time,” Max says.
“That and the hanging log bridge,” Mitchell chimes in.
“It will be fun, babe.” I squeeze her hand.
“I’ll take pictures of you guys having fun, with both my