Page 54 of The Sweet Part
“Yes!”
Sophie runs over to Dad and throws herself at his legs. He picks her up, holding her upside down. She laughs madly as he carries her into the kitchen.
Mom studies my expression. “So things are going well with Mason?”
I bite back a smile, almost afraid to let myself feel happy. “It’s early yet.” We texted every day this week and talked for hours last night. I woke up this morning giddy about seeing him. I keep that to myself since Mason and I agreed to keep our nosy families out of it, but Mom knows all.
“You look happy. I think he’s good for you.”
“Let’s not jump ahead. Like I said, it’s all new. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“When do we get to have him over for dinner?”
“Not anytime soon.”
“Have you met his parents?”
“Once at the wedding and once when his mom came to my house and told me he wasn’t ready for the responsibility of a family, so I should back off. That was pleasant.”
“Is that true? He’s opposed to a family?”
“She said his ex had a pregnancy scare, and he freaked out, so I guess so. We agreed to take it slow.”
She glances behind her. Dad and Sophie are still in the kitchen, probably getting hot cocoa. Dad’s specialty. “You know I once had a pregnancy scare, and I freaked out, even though I love kids.”
I stare at her, shocked. “Mom, you never told me that.”
“It was with your dad before things were solid between us.”
“Wow.”
“A surprise pregnancy takes time to get used to. I wouldn’t hold it against him for freaking out. Kids change your life forever. Well, you know that.” She squeezes my arm. “A child that’s planned for and very much wanted is a different story.”
I blow out a breath. “Okay, I don’t want to think about this right now. Tonight’s just dinner.” I kiss her cheek. “Bye, Mom. Thanks for watching her.”
“She’s my one and only grandchild. I’d have her over every day if I could, but I think you’d miss her too much. Have fun tonight and take your time getting her tomorrow. Sledding can take a while, and then there’s hot cocoa.”
Sophie appears in the living room, chewing on something. “Grandpop got the tiny marshmallows.”
“Is there any other way to drink hot cocoa?” Mom asks.
Sophie shakes her head, smiling.
I walk over to Sophie and kiss the top of her head. “Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Mom. Have fun with your old friends.”
Mom stifles a laugh.
“Thanks, Sophie. Be good.”
“I’m always good.” She hugs me. “I love you, Mommy.”
My heart squeezes. “I love you too.”
I leave with heavy feet. It’s okay, I assure myself. I’m allowed to have dinner with a man. Sophie’s having her special time with her grandparents tonight, and I’m having me time.No guilt, no guilt, no guilt.
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