Page 140 of Against All Odds

My mother may not remember everything, but she sees Violet every morning when we go over there, and if she’s working late or can’t make it there at night, Mom always asks where she is. She doesn’t always recall that there’s a baby, but I do my best to talk about it each time I see her.

“How about we stop and get some coffee?” I suggest with an ulterior motive, but hoping she won’t catch on.

“You know, you really need some help with this addiction,” Violet says with a laugh.

“And you need help with your baking, but I don’t complain.”

“No, because you reap the rewards.”

She’s not wrong. When we got back from California, she baked a lot. It soothes her, and both my staff in the office and the teachers at school beam with joy when they see a wrapped basket in either of our hands.

“That I do, love, that I do.”

Violet laughs. “All right, let’s get some coffee. Besides, I want to see Hazel and tell her it’s a girl.”

That is the plan.

Plus a surprise.

We get to Prose & Perk after driving way slower than I ever have, to which I explained that I didn’t want to chance anything since the temperature has dropped into freezing levels, which means ice.

Even though the roads are fine.

I help Violet out of the car, and she clutches my arm with a huge smile. I love this woman so much. Seeing her happy fills me in a way I never thought possible.

She’s sunshine and stars and comets and heaven. All the brightness that illuminates the dark that used to surround me is inside her, and I’m blessed to bask in it.

When we get inside, Violet stops short as she sees the assembly of people who yell, “Surprise!”

Her eyes come to me and I grin. “They wanted to celebrate your official address change.”

“And baby shower!” Ainsley yells.

“And joining the Ultimate Frisbee Significant Other Club!” Penny adds.

“You guys! This is too much.” Violet slaps my chest. “And you knew?”

“Of course I knew. Now, where’s my coffee?” I ask, looking at my best friend, who rolls her eyes but brings a cup to me.

“You’re such a pain in the ass,” Hazel complains.

“Yes, but you love me anyway.”

She snorts. “Only because I get to have Violet back do you get to stay in my good graces.”

I laugh. She’s so full of shit.

Violet pulls Hazel in for a hug. “Thank you for this. I seriously can’t believe you’re all here for me.”

When I was in California, I got to witness firsthand all the people who love her. They were there, like an army behind her, ready for battle. Ana she never questioned, knowing there is nothing Ana wouldn’t do for her. But Eleanor was paid to be with her all the time, and while I believe their friendship was real, it was also transactional.

Here, there’s none of that.

We don’t care about what you have, just what we can give.

Violet walks through the crowd, hugging Miles, Lachlan, and Killian, then all the girls. I walk over to the guys, giving them a handshake and a pat on the back. “Thanks for being here, guys.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lachlan says with a smile.

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