Page 60 of Mad Love

“Oh, I’m excited to try it. Thank you so much.” I take the mug and blow before taking a sip. I close my eyes and hum. “That isamazing.”

When I open my eyes, she’s beaming at me and then lights up when someone catches her eye behind me.

“I didn’t know you were coming in today,” she says.

I turn and see Weston’s mom, Lane. Her mouth falls open into a happy smile when she sees Caleb and me. She hugs Clara and then squeezes my shoulder, leaning down to say hello to Caleb.

“Isn’t he the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” she says.

“He really is,” Clara says. “You told me, but I didn’t believe he could bethiscute.”

Lane laughs in delight and pulls her scarf off. “I wanted to surprise Clara and I’m the one who got surprised instead.”

I move the backpack and tap the chair. “Join us.”

Her head tilts as she grins at me. “I’d love to.”

I offer Caleb up for her to hold and she nods excitedly. As she’s moving to her seat with him, I hear bickering and turn to see two ancient men at a nearby table.

“It’s better than it ever was, Marv,” one says.

“No, it’s not. Football ain’t what it used to be,” the man I assume is Marv says. “It used to be simple. You know I’m right, Walter. We’d go watch a game, eat a hot dog and grab a beer…come home at a decent hour. Now, it’s thousands of people with their chests painted and wearing the dumb things over their heads. The players do those herky-jerky dances when they make a touchdown like that’s not the whole point of the game.”

“You’re right, you’re right,” Walter says. “They do look like idiots. And I can’t stand how long it takes to get out of there. I’d rather just watch at home.”

Marv harrumphs his agreement.

I snort and turn quickly when Marv glances over and narrows his eyes on me.

Lane winks at me and says, “Hey, Marv and Walter, good to see you this morning.”

They both grumble a hello and look like they swallowed something bad.

“Why’s it so crowded in here, Clara?” Walter frowns.

Clara lifts a shoulder and grins. “The good people of Silver Hills like my coffee, I guess.”

“Then why don’t I recognize half of them?” Marv says.

“Aw, come on, it’s kind of nice to see some new people around town, isn’t it?” Clara says. She laughs and puts her hand on Lane’s shoulder. “I’ll bring you a coffee in a sec.”

“Thanks, love,” Lane says. She leans closer to me and whispers, “Those old codgers complain about the sky being blue.”

I giggle and sip my coffee.

“So, how’s it going? Are you getting settled in at Weston’s? Adjusting?” she asks.

I feel my face heat when she says Weston’s name and I hope Lane doesn’t notice.

“It’s getting easier,” I admit. “Although both of us are still catching up on a lot. His new furniture came and we realized we didn’t actually order a crib. He’s got this beautiful room now with a Pack ’N Play for his bed.” I roll my eyes. “We’ve got more shopping to do,” I add.

Lane’s head falls back as she laughs and Caleb laughs too, which makes her so happy.

“Oh, you are the cutest thing,” she coos at him. “Well, I’m off today if you and Weston wanted to go shopping.” Her attention turns to me and she smiles. “I’d love more time with this guy.”

Lane and David have stopped by the house often since meeting Caleb, and they’re both great with him. They raised three kids, so it’s not really a surprise.

“I understand if you’re not ready to leave him just yet,” Lane says.

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