Page 105 of I Choose You
“Yeah. I guess so. It’s a small town, so you get to know people pretty quickly.”
“You’ve made an impression on them though. They like you.”
I shrugged, but I couldn’t stop a small smile from tugging at my lips.
“Thanks, Mom.”
After breakfast, I brought my mother to the library. The sun was glistening off the lush green grass that blanketed the property. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more different from the first time I saw this building on a rainy and dark October afternoon. The stone building still stole my breath every time I saw it. Nerves whirled through me, my heart beating harder than it should have.
I was so proud of this project and all the hard work I’d put into it. I was even more proud of Reid and the Wilder Construction crew. This was the first project they had ever taken on of this scale, and it was utterly perfect.
“Well, this isn’t some small community library, is it?”
I didn’t respond. I didn’t need to. The Delano Library spoke for itself, with its stone spires and intricate etched details. The large oak doors stood open to the public, inviting people in.
I watched as my mother’s gaze shot around the space, taking it all in, a look of awe on her face.
“This is truly stunning, Claire.”
A weight lifted in my chest. I didn’t think I needed her approval anymore. I had made my choices, and I was happy with them, but hearing her acknowledge my work, admiring it, made me feel giddy.
“Thanks, Mom. You should see the third floor. There is a small nook in the back corner with a love seat, the leaded glass window overlooking Calla Bay. It’s beautiful.”
“I’d love to.”
We walked the length of the library, toured both mezzanine floors, and browsed the selection of books for the next two hours. I was, surprisingly, thoroughly enjoying our time together.
“I’d better get going soon,” my mother said as we walked back to my car after leaving the library.
“You don’t want to stay for dinner? Sheila’s a great cook.”
“It’s a long drive back, and I’d like to be home before your father is.”
“Does he know you’re here?”
For a minute, I didn’t think she was going to answer me. Her lips pulled into a flat line, and she started fussing with her hair. It was answer enough. I nodded at her.
“He didn’t think it would be a good idea to visit,” she said sadly.
“Well, he is more than welcome to come, if he can be civil. Otherwise, I think it might be best if we have some distance for now. But you can come anytime you want, Mom. You don’t need his permission.”
“Right. Well, like I said. It’s a long drive home. I should get on the road.”
My mother had been in my father’s wake for as long as Icould remember. I hoped that one day, she would see that she deserved so much better.
I brought us back home and gave her a hug before she left. It was an oddly nice visit, and I realized that I actually did want her to take me up on the offer to visit more.
After she had gone, I put some things away that I hadn’t gotten to yet and puttered around the house. It was nice to have some time off. I had thoroughly enjoyed my day wrapped around Reid in bed. But now, I was getting a bit restless. The dishes were done, the floors were swept and mopped. I was debating about scrubbing down the already clean bathroom when the front door opened.
“Hey, love,” Reid said. His eyes bounced around the room before settling on me.
“She’s gone. She wanted to get home before my father.” I shrugged.
“How was she?”
“Really good, to be honest. I kind of liked having her here,” I laughed.
Reid toed off his boots and greeted me with a deep kiss.
