Page 90 of Talk About… Secrets
We made a large donation to her patient account, hoping to cover most, if not all, of her costs while she was there. Including funds for necessities they didn’t provide.
The Omega Network made sure costs were low, but this treatment facility was long-term, so the expenses could still add up.
I was just glad that the situation had a semi-happy ending, and we’d set her up to find her own peace, just like I’d found mine.
At the end of the day, we were safe now. That was the important part.
The packs made sure we knew we weren’t alone, something I was grateful for. It helped us move on and stop looking over our shoulders every time we stepped outside.
Now, it was all about the baby that was coming soon.
I didn’t even want to talk about the pile of gifts waiting on the table nearby. Honestly, I didn’t need anyone to get us anything, we could afford it. But Mama Whitaker waved that off the moment those words left my lips, offended that I would even suggest it.
"Family takes care of family, no matter what’s in their bank account," she reminded me. Something I was still getting used to.
Honestly, the woman probably made it her goal to give me twice as much just because I protested.
The best part? No one told my mom about this. It was all about me.
She hadn’t shown up to Hailey’s baby shower the week before, and I knew damn well she wasn’t showing up to mine. She hadn’t called or texted us since. I even sent her a text last week, not apologizing, just saying that when she was ready to let them go, we’d be waiting.
Honestly, even that was a lie. I wouldn’t be waiting forever. I was no one’s second choice.
I just needed to know if she would respond. When she didn’t, I officially closed that door over my heart. It didn’t even hurt this time because I knew what was waiting for me here in this town.
"They know we’re just having one baby, right?" Drew asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Yes, because the guys were at this party, including all the men attached to my friends. We were breaking all kinds of traditions today, and I absolutely loved it.
"Yes, they do. And I tried to tell them that we didn’t need them to buy us things, but Mama Whitaker wouldn’t take no for an answer."
"Now that I’m not surprised about."
He chuckled to himself before he looked out the window and grinned. "My mom just pulled up. Are you ready to see her again? Do you want to come outside with me so you can have a moment without the whole crowd watching the reunion?"
It felt like so many lifetimes had passed that I was glad to have a moment without prying eyes.
"Actually, yes. That would be perfect," I agreed, sliding my hand into his and letting Drew lead me out. I caught Cade, Spencer, and Beckett’s eyes as we left, all of them falling in step with us because it wasn’t just me seeing Drew’s mom again, it was our pack meeting her for the first time.
Bailey had Drew’s same emerald eyes. She already had a smile on her face as she stepped out of the car. Her strawberry blonde hair hung down her shoulders. Her smile was wide and sweet, and even her dress was a beautiful green that matched the theme of the shower, soft little florals making it stand out.
Everything about this woman screamed kind and sweet, and when she opened her mouth, that lilting voice echoed in old memories. All those summers hanging out and her giving us cookies, little pep talks when my family was being awful. She always met me with such kindness.
I hate that I lost years with her around as well.
"Hey, Mom," Drew greeted.
"Oh, you’re old news," she waved him off, giving me a wink. "I’m here to see my girl!"
She pulled me into a hug. The woman even smelled like sugar cookies and exuded warmth. She hugged like Mama Whitaker, though a bit more delicate. I soaked it in with a smile on my face.
“It’s so nice to see you again,” I said as I squeezed her back.
She was going to fit right in with this crowd.
"This town is so cute, still, and you’re even cuter!" she gushed. "Look how you grew up. Gorgeous. Oh, and the boys. Let me guess... Cade?" She pointed right at him.
He grinned and nodded.
