Page 89 of Devoted Enough

“If you get tired, just send her my way.”

“I won’t get tired, so please go spend some time with your husband.”

Lily looked over her shoulder. “He’s asleep. I lost him about ten minutes in.”

Turning around, I tried to let my eyes adjust to the room’s darkness. Sure enough, Maverick was sitting in one of the recliners sleeping.

“Mommy, I don’t feel good,” Maggie suddenly said, pushing off of my chest. “I think I’m going to twow up.”

I had never stood and handed my niece to my sister so fast. Lily laughed and cradled her daughter to her chest. “Come on, sweetness. Let’s go see what we can do for that upset stomach.”

“Nate, sit down!” Josh whisper-shouted.

Instead of sitting back in the bean bag, I decided to see what was keeping Haven. I quickly made my way out of the theater room and started toward the kitchen. Faint voices could be heard, and I slowed when I heard Haven.

“Are you excited about the dog park?”

The question came from my mother.

“I am. I’m also a bit scared. Meeting Sophia was a huge blessing, and lifted a large weight off of my shoulders, but it’s still daunting. Nate has helped me so much as well.”

“He has?” my mother asked.

“He tried to be sneaky and made an anonymous donation, which allowed me to pay off the van and the business credit card.”

“That sounds like Nathan,” my mother replied. I could hear the smile in her voice. “He has one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever known, and I’m not saying that just because he is my son.”

Haven let out a soft chuckle. “There might be some bias there.”

Before they could keep talking about me, I cleared my throat. “What are you two doing in here?”

Haven looked up and smiled so big it made my heart jump in my chest.

“Girl talk,” my mother answered.

“I heard my name,” I stated as I walked up, kissed my mother on the cheek, and then kissed Haven.

Haven and my mother exchanged a look. “I was telling your mother about your donation.”

“Oh, that.”

With a roll of her eyes, Haven replied, “Yes, that. It was one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me.”

I drew in a breath and exhaled. “I just want you to be happy, Haven.”

Her breath drew in sharply as my mother touched her heart. “Oh, so very much like your father.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

My mother winked at me.

“Oh, Haven, there you are,” Grace said as she walked into the kitchen. “I hate to do this, but I am exhausted and ready to head home. I’ve already said goodbye to Stella and thanked her for having us.”

My mother walked up to Grace and drew her in for a hug.

“Let’s plan to get the girls together for lunch soon. It’s been so long.”

Uncle Brock made his way into the kitchen. “Grace, I wanted to catch you before you left. Do you have ten minutes to give to me?”

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