Page 53 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Why would I push you away when you snuggled close?” Mav asks as they catch up. “It was only a few hours.”

I ignore his logic. “We should have been there to greet her,” I cry. “I should have something on the stove. Was the house clean?” I don’t remember the last time I cleaned. I pull outmy phone and text Sally.“Red alert. The mom is here. Help. Urgent.”I don’t have to wait long for her reply.

“Fuck, on my way.”

“Firefly, she isn’t going to care if the house is clean,” King says.

“So the house was dirty,” I say shrilly.

“No. It was perfect,” he says quickly.

“She wants to meet you. Nothing else is going to matter,” Mav adds.

I realize they are trying to help, but the closer we get to the house, the louder my heart beats. She’s important to them. She rescued them in so many ways. I need her to accept me. She has to welcome me into her family. She just has to.

I see a woman standing beside the house as we break through the trees, and I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants. I don’t think I’ve ever had sweat on my palms.

She’s shorter than I am. She’s wearing tight, worn jeans, a green tank top, and boots. Her long red hair is blowing around her face despite the long scarf wrapped around her head and behind her ears. The long fabric tangles with her hair and her arms are full of bracelets jangling as she pushes it away. I swallow harshly when our eyes connect. I don’t look away as we stop in front of her. She’s stunning in her wildness. I expect her to greet her sons, but she doesn’t move.

“You’ve been through some shit,” her husky voice rumbles.

“Yes,” I squeak.

“So have my sons,” she adds. “People who live a charmed life can’t appreciate the good when it lands in their laps. You’ll give them the good they deserve.” I freeze when she steps close. She grazes her hand over my hair. “Beauty is not only on the outside. Yours is deep in your soul.” Her hand leaves my head and presses against my heart, and my eyes fill with tears. “A woman with guts and the fire to back it up. It’s nice to meet you, Saphy.” I swallow.

“No one has ever called me that.”

“Good, it’s mine.” She smiles blindingly.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I whisper, loving the nickname.

“Your mom would be proud,” she says.

“What?” I gasp.

“Sorry, once I knew the boys found you, I got a few visions,” she says. “I saw both of your moms in them. They are proud, but especially Maddy.”

“What?” I repeat.

“I know things,” she says, shrugging.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I will always treasure her words even if I don’t understand how she knows them.

“I can be a bitch,” she informs me. “I won’t be with you. You’re one of the good ones. I’m glad you are with my boys. They need a good woman to settle them down.”

“Mom,” King sighs.

“It’s true,” she says, not even looking at him. “Give your mom a snuggle.” She yanks me close, wrapping me up tight, and I feel like bawling. She smells like oil and leather. Comforting. Loving.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper.

“Me too, Saphy,” she says. “You can call me Mom, if you’re comfortable.” She gives me a squeeze before pulling away.

“I would be honored,” I say.

“Did you forget we were here?” Mav teases.

“How could I?” Her smile widens and then it turns tender. “Hug your mom,” she demands. I watch them embrace and the tears continue at the sight of the love Maverick shows openly. He bends his head and kisses the side of her head.

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