Page 47 of Waiting Game

“Hey, do you know how often I used to wish you’d stand up for yourself when he was screaming to the rooftops? It was only after you ran off that you started speaking up.”

“He had me under his thumb. Not anymore. I already detest that I let him have full custody of you boys?—”

“We never resented you for it,” I quickly insert.

“I’m lucky that you don’t because I resent it. What kind of mother leaves her children with a man likethat?”

“I think you’re being hard on yourself. It isn’t as if he gave you a choice.” What, with Pops having her declared as emotionally unstable, the judge handed us over without a second glance at the case files. “Plus, you know full well that Mrs. Abelman did most of the heavy lifting as an unwilling nanny.”

“Who else could be as hard on me as I am?” she counters, lips pursed. Out of nowhere, she sighs. Relaxes. Smiles. “It’s good to see you, Cole.”

I shoot her a half-grin that morphs into a grimace as I drink my tea. “Good to see you too, Mum.”

“Caught a couple of your matches this year.”

“Games, Mom.Games. Not matches. This isn’t England, and I don’t play soccer.”

“If only you did. I’d understand the rules.” She sniffs. “How are the Bukowskis?”

She knows how close I am to Gracie’s family and has always been grateful to them for bringing me in and treating me like one of their own. Not only that, but she was able to visit me more while I was living with them.

The only son she hasn’t had much access to is Callan. She came to Winnipeg to be with me, and she’s always traveled to wherever Cody has been stationed. Colt studied in Saskatoon and she spent months at a time there too.

Callan, who was locked here for endless periods of time, barely knows her outside of Skype calls.

If I feel bad for anyone, it’s him.

“They’re fine. Gracie’s getting married.”

“She is?” Her brows arch. “To whom?”

“Liam. He billeted with the Bukowskis too.”

“What a good match. I remember he’s very calming and Gracie is the exact opposite.”

“Yeah, she’s a little bit a lot.” Though I grin, it starts to fade when I think about Mia.

My brow furrows.

I take a deep sip of tea.

And I don’t even pull a face this time.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I should be focused on the latest family drama and not a woman who betrayed my sis.

“Fibber.”

Jesus, it’s been a while since I heard that one.

“Tell me. Maybe I can help.” Her eyes sparkle. “It wouldn’t be women troubles, would it? Are you finally in a relationship?”

“You want to be a grandma,” I complain.

“Is that a crime?” She stills a second. “You know I’d do everything I could to be a wonderful grandparent, don’t you, son?”

“Of course.”

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