The fact that Ted was also Luna's father by the law also disturbed me. Who said Ted couldn't run away with my baby? I desperately tried to dislodge the image of Ted fleeing with two babies in his hands, but it seemed my mind was hell-bent on imprinting it.
I try my best to control the tears that threaten to leave my eyes, acknowledging the stinging as the first drops cascade down my brow.
What was I doing in a family that didn't believe I was good enough for their son, that I was going to stain their family's image?
I lean on the sink, coughing and trying to stifle my tears for the sake of my children.
I am still crying when Ted’s mom comes into the kitchen, headed for the refrigerator. When she sees me hunched over, she approaches me without hesitation and puts her arms around me.
“One thing you need to know, Winnie, is that tears don't solve anything. It only worsens the problem. You reckon you'll wake up with a headache with all this crying and wailing you're doing? Where do you think you are, girl, the theater?”
When I do not stop crying, she pats my back affectionately, reducing the tears that had been falling beforehand.
“Talk to me, Winnie. What is it?”
I clear my throat and struggle to speak, admitting the tears, my hand clutching the sink.
“How do I know Ted isn't going to take the babies away? I'm sorry, but your husband never wanted me in this family. How do I know he isn't the same and he's not going to abandon me like he did before? Look at all the wealth you all have–”
Hushing me, Ted’s mom tells me to talk slowly before I wake up Isla and Luna.
“Winnie, you do not have anything to worry about. For the first time, I've never seen Ted so dedicated and determined. He wants just one thing, which is his safety and that of you and this newfound family. He wants the best and nothing but the best for you, Winnie. He loves you. I believe he has become a better man since he met you, his goals and priorities are all he cares about now, not the other way round.”
I listen to her, using my hands to clean the tears now receding. I know she's his mother, but I couldn't help but say it to her.
“As for wealth, you do not have to feel inferior or belittled by whatever Ted has. Only two can make one. You're his better half, his other half, and without you, I'm sure his wealth will go to waste. You can only see that he wishes to become a better man with you, nothing else.”
“And you need not worry about Ted becoming like his father. I raised a better man than the one I married. Ted is nothing like his father and would not abandon you, ever again, this I assure you–”
“Mom? Winnie?”
Ted's voice makes me squirm, and I struggle to dry my tears before he sees me and starts to worry. It is too late, as he has dashed forward, covering the distance separating us in strides.
“Winnie, what is the problem? Please talk to me.”
His gray eyes plead, begging me to talk to him. I stare at Ted and discover the power I have over this millionaire, how the tears in my eyes could invoke the tears in his.
I could see how my worry could be transformed into his fear in seconds, how he wanted to share my burden without thinking twice.
I stare at Ted and do not doubt that he loves me.
“She's worried about you and your father.” Ted’s mom steps in before I can speak as she continues to pat me on the shoulder.
“She's worried you'll leave her as you've done in the past. I've told her you're a changed man, that you made a mistake in the past and won't repeat it.”
Ted takes my hands in his and stares long and hard into my eyes.
“I love you so much, Winnie, and I would never do anything to hurt you. My abandoning you is in the past and will forever remain in the past. I adore you and will never let anything come between us. Despite all my wealth, you are my priority and will forever be my priority.”
“Oh, Ted!”
I am stuttering something incoherent, flying into his arms. My insides are reacting; they have never been exposed to such heartwarming love. I let myself be swept into his embrace, goosebumps filling my flesh as he kisses the nape of my neck and my forehead repeatedly.
When I leave his arms, Ted’s mom is no longer in the kitchen.
“Where did your mother go?” I mutter, my hand drawing something incomprehensible on his chest.
“I think she thought we needed some privacy. Now, don't we?”