Page 83 of About That One Night
I feel a lump form in my throat at her words. “She knows?” I mutter, a little miffed at this. What happened to telling them together?
“Yeah, I had to have a long talk with my adorable mother, didn’t I, Mom?” he says, pulling her away from me. “We agreed, no meddling or being overbearing.”
My cheeks heat up at the secondhand embarrassment. “Umm . . .” What am I supposed to say here? “I . . .” I trail my voice.
“It’s all about boundaries. Someone suggested Iset them before today because sometimes she can get carried away,” he explains.
“I do get carried away,” she confirms. “My therapist and I are working on that. It’s something I’m trying to do for my children—and grandchildren too.”
“Which we appreciate you doing,” Max says, his voice warm as he steps forward to give his mother a hug. His arms wrap around her, and I can see the gentle squeeze he gives her, the easy affection between them making my heart ache a little.
Linda’s face lights up, her eyes sparkling with unbridled excitement. She clasps her hands together, practically bouncing on her toes as she calls out, “Steve, come over to greet Max’s girlfriend—and the mother of our first grandbaby.”
Steve McCallister’s tall frame comes into view, his expression soft and welcoming. “Congratulations, Zoe,” he says in a gentle voice that instantly puts me at ease. “It’s good to see you.”
I manage a smile, my nerves slowly unwinding. “Same,” I reply, surprised by how genuinely I mean it.
Linda’s enthusiasm is infectious as she beams at us. “Ready for dinner? I prepared all the things you like—and are safe,” she says, her eyes twinkling with motherly concern.
A sigh escapes my lips, but it’s not one of frustration. Instead, I feel a sudden pang of longing. This is the kind of talk I need to have with my own parents. One where we set boundaries and start understanding each other.
As we follow Linda and Steve into the dining room, the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air, I find myself lost in thought. I adore my parents, and deep down, I believe they’ll be great grandparents if we work things through. The realization hits me: instead of looking for ways to avoid them, maybe it’s time to bridge the gap.
Max’s hand squeezes mine gently, pulling me from my reverie. He gives me a questioning look, and I offer him a small smile. Later, I’ll tell him about my newfound determination to mend things with my family. For now, I allow myself to be enveloped in the warmth of the McCallisters’ welcome, hoping that one day soon, we can all sit around a table like this, united in our love for the little one on the way.
Chapter Fifty-One
Maximillian
MaxMc: Move in with me, love.
Zoe: Good morning.
MaxMc: Do you know that if you were staying with me, I would’ve been able to kiss you good night when I came backfrom my assignment?
Zoe: You’re stubborn.
MaxMc: Not as stubborn as you. What’s the plan for today?
Zoe: I have a couple of meetings—possible clients.
MaxMc: Pro bono or paying clients?
Zoe: Paying clients. I do have a pro bono client coming in tomorrow.
MaxMc: You’re already in the office?
Zoe: Yep. And this time you can’t see me, ha!
MaxMc: Move to the security building. We have a great office for you—it’s next to mine.
Zoe: Are there any perks associated with this relocation?
MaxMc: Other than sex any time you need it? Probably food, your man, and . . . there might be more. Come and check us out. (wink emoji)
Zoe: That’s a terrible sales pitch, but I might swing by to visit you after my second meeting.
MaxMc: How are you feeling?
