Page 93 of Talk About… History

“Same, girl.” She lifted her glass in a one person toast in true Sidney fashion. “We’ll just hit the diner so we have plenty of food in our stomachs before wine time.”

“If anyone needs a ride, call us,” Maverick said, his voice hard as he gave each of us a stern look to drive the point home.

“Yes, Dad,” I teased. He rolled his eyes, but I could see the satisfaction there. Maverick had taken it upon himself to make sure we were all protected, and he was still doing it even though I had a pack now. I was glad that at least some things wouldn’t change.

“Oh shit,” I cursed. In all the chaos, I had forgotten to send Mama the profile pictures I’d taken. Thankfully, I had my laptop with me still. I ducked behind the bar to retrieve it. Sidney moved closer to see the issue then whistled at the pictures on my screen.

“Wait, wait. You’re going to need to give me the tea. What the hell is going on? What is this?”

“Mama is finally going on a date,” I said with a grin. “She’s putting herself out there, and I told her I’d take some pictures. Look how gorgeous she looks.”

“She really does,” Sidney agreed. “This one is gorgeous.” She tapped the one I took in the archway, the vines and flowers providing a backdrop as Mom’s eyes looked off into the distance.

She looked serene, calm, and of course, gorgeous. Sidney was right about that.

“Sending them over to Mama now,” I said as I popped up an email and sent her a quick text.

Avery: Incoming profile pictures. Sidney said you should choose the one in the archway.

Mama: Thank you. I’ve got the profile set up already. I might need a glass of wine or six before hitting send.

Avery: I’m going to a wine and pottery night with the girls. You should come! We’re going to grab dinner at the diner first.

Mama: You know what… count me in.

I was shocked she agreed, but so happy she was leaving Whitaker Ranch. She needed more of a social life.

“Mom’s going to join us,” I said to Sidney. Her eyes lit up and she did a little dance on her barstool.

“Hell yeah! Another omega for girls’ night. Mama Whitaker is the best. They’re going to love her.”

“She said she’s going to need a glass of wine or six to get her to actually post her profile, so we need to encourage her tonight.”

“I feel like I should be worried,” Maverick said with a groan. When I looked up at him he was nervously wiping off the bar.

“Don’t worry, Mav. I’ll keep them all safe,” Sidney promised, though that didn’t make him look any less worried.

“She needs this,” I reminded him. He nodded, not arguing, and that was enough for me. I shut my laptop and packed up my stuff.

Sidney hopped off the bar stool as soon as I finished. She hooked her arm in mine and dragged me outside.

“Later, Whitakers!” she called out.

There were a few answers, but I barely heard them over the music that had started picking up. The crowd was beginning to come in, so we picked the perfect time to leave.

We were the first at the diner, choosing the corner booth that would fit us all. Hailey was next, followed by Grace, and finally, Mom.

“Guys, this is my mom. She’s joining us tonight for pottery and wine, and I’m trying to get her to start her dating profile.”

“Oh my gosh, aren’t they so stressful?” Grace said with a little whine. “I put myself on one through PackVlog, and I am terrified.”

“Maybe we’ll both be brave enough after a few bottles of wine.”

“Bottles? I thought you said glasses,” I joked. Mama shrugged, but her grin was wide. It had been too long since I’d seen her this happy. I definitely made the right choice in inviting her. She might be older than all of us, but she was fitting right in.

“So, do we call you Mama Whitaker, or do you have a different name?” Hailey asked.

“Lucy,” Mama answered, returning the friendly smile Hailey offered.

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