Page 10 of Mistletoe Misses
“Great. Barry proposed.” Her left arm shoots out to show me the large diamond on her hand, and I fight the urge to withdraw. Engagement rings and proposals rank high on my list of things I detest, right under mistletoe. And who the hell is Barry?
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations,” I force out before changing the subject. “Is Mom in?”
“Yes, sirree. Want me to call her?”
“No. Thanks. I’ll surprise her.”
“Oh, what fun.” She claps her hands together then checks the appointment schedule on her computer. “Good timing. She’s in a staff meeting, right now. Go make your grand entrance.”
Relying on my childhood memories and signage, I locate the Human Resources offices and walk right on inside—unlocked door, no one staffing the front desk, no bells, or security. What is it with this town? Crime happens everywhere—even small towns—and these people need to get it together.
Walking down the hall to the conference room and unsuspecting staff as any criminal could do, I slowly creep closer and peek inside. Mom is sitting at the head of the table in a festive white sweater, her auburn hair tied up into a youthful ponytail.
She reminds me of my sister when she was younger. Kendall wanted to dress and be like Mom in every way. After having three rowdy boys, Mom ate that shit up. They’d spend hours together trying new hairstyles or makeup while we boys played sports or got into messes outside. Whatever Mom did, Kendall shadowed her. She learned from the best how to be the unstoppable woman she is today. They’re both strong, fearless, and selfless with their love. Kendall just does it with more attitude.
Mom stands to write something on the whiteboard behind her, and I slip into the room. They’re planning for her absence, divvying up responsibilities and adjusting schedules, and I’m struck with curiosity again. Why does she need to take so much time off work?
A woman in a black Town of Ember Falls-logoed shirt notices me, and I silently plead with her to keep the secret. She grins,and I figure that means we’re accomplices now. Two more women at the table nod, promising to keep the heist and Mom’s oblivion intact.
The mission remains uncompromised until she turns back to address the group, catching me before I have a chance to duck behind something. My fellow SWAT team members would have ridden me for weeks on my lack of ingenuity. Good thing they’re not here.
“Maddox?” On the way to her mouth, her hand drops the marker.
“Hi, Mom.”
We embrace to a chorus ofawws, cheers, and applause, and it feels like I’ve won the lottery. Sunrays, sugar, rainbows, and all things soothing and beautiful pour into the dark cavity of my bland existence.
She backs away to say, “Meeting adjourned,” to her staff then brings me close again. “I can’t believe you’re here. Is it because of the shooting?”
With Mom working in Human Resources, she understands the complex investigative process that follows an officer-involved shooting. She releases me for the answer and to study me for any emotional stress. She worries incessantly about all five of her children, but I hear that’s a mom thing.
“I got a month off and couldn’t stay in Boston for that long not working.”
“And you thought to come home?” She shakes her head in wonder, matching my sentiments. “All I have to say isfinally. I’ll have to send a thank you note to your superior.”
“Please don’t.”
“I’m only kidding, dear.”
“No, you’re not.”
Her guilty smile ruffles the peace I found in her arms only minutes ago. “Well, I won’t embarrass you … this time.”
Sitting in the pair of chairs in her bright, corner office, I settle in for another unsettling topic. “Mom, what’s going on? I ran into Wally, and he said you’re preparing for a baby.”
“You saw Wally?” She grimaces, assuming that would have been awkward for me, and she’s right.
“Yeah, but that’s not important.”
“Right. You know we continued fostering after you graduated, and we adopted Oliver and Opal soon after.” She continues following my confirming nod. “We had our hands full with twin toddlers but couldn’t say no when a child needed us.”
“Of course.” Not being here while the twins grew up is another regret I carry. We barely know each other—something I hope to correct while I’m here. “But why does this one feel different?”
“Because it is.” She lets out a long exhale, her hand pressing against her navel. “It’s Isabelle’s.”
“Isabelle Raine? Cooper’s Izzie?”
She grins at the title and nods. Although he’ll say Isabelle is his best friend, he’s secretly been in love with her since he figured out what that meant. Everyone knows it, except Izzie.
