Page 110 of Devoted Enough

Smiling, she asked, “Does she need to speak to anyone?”

“She has a therapist.”

“That’s good. Do you need any help making the soup?”

“Nah, I’ve got it.”

She stood. “I should get back home.”

I followed her to the front hall and took her coat off the hook. “Be careful driving home.”

Leaning up to kiss me, she replied, “I will. Tell Haven I’m sorry I missed her.”

“I will. She’ll be sorry she missed you.”

Slipping on her gloves, she said, “Don’t forget—we’re having a Christmas brunch at your grandmother’s this year.”

“We won’t. Haven is making something to bring.”

She smiled and placed her hand on the side of my face. “I love seeing you so happy, Nathan. I’ve always adored Haven.”

“I’ve never been so happy, Mom. I feel like my life is complete with her in it. I’m just mad it took me so long to open my eyes.”

With a soft laugh, she replied, “I think it is in the Shaw blood.”

I laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, Mom. Merry Christmas Eve.”

“Merry Christmas Eve, sweetheart. I’ll text you when I get home.”

Walking her out, I shivered as the cold wind blew. The snow had slowed down, but there was a white dusting everywhere. “There is your white Christmas.”

She looked back at me and winked. “Enjoy your evening.”

“You too. Tell Dad I’m sorry we missed dinner.”

With a wave, she climbed up into my father’s truck. I watched until she made her way down the driveway before I turned back and headed into the house.

Once I returned tothe kitchen and the soup, I heard Haven.

“Was that your mom I heard?”

“Yeah, she had been trying to reach me since we didn’t show up for dinner, and she was worried.”

Haven was dressed in baggy sweats and one of my long-sleeve shirts. Her hair was pulled into a loose bun on the top of her head. She looked so fucking adorable. All I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and kiss her.

“Something smells good.”

“Tortilla soup. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“Anything you need me to do?”

“It would be great if you could grab the rolls out of the freezer and heat them up.”

“On it.”

We worked silently for a few minutes before I asked, “How are you feeling now?”

She smiled at me. “I’m so much better. Thank you for suggesting the bath. I’m sorry I missed your mom, though.”

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