Page 75 of The Sweet Part
“That would be wonderful,” May says. “Her other grandparents live in Hawaii, so we don’t get to see them often.”
Sophie attempts a cartwheel and nearly knocks into someone.
Mom smiles. “Finally, I get to be a grandmom. Four grown sons and no grandkids. Good job, Mason.”
“It was more May who deserves the credit for Sophie,” I say.
“But you won them over. Did you like the tire-changing kit?” she asks May.
“Yes, very nice.”
“I have one, too, and it works great. So much better than cranking the jack by hand. It’s justzzziip. Car up, and you’re ready to change or pump the tire depending on your situation. I’ve learned a lot about cars from my husband. I’m practically a mechanic myself.”
I give her a kiss on the cheek. “Bye, Mom. Thanks for looking after Sophie.”
Sophie’s running in place now.
May smiles. “Yes, thank you.”
Mom grabs May in a fierce hug. She lets out a tiny shocked exhale as Mom squeezes the breath from her. Mom leans back and pats May’s shoulder. “You can call me Mom. I always thought a daughter would be interesting.”
“I’ll try to live up to that, Mom,” May says.
Mom wipes her eye. “Damn allergies.”
“In winter?” I tease.
She narrows her eyes at me and leans down to Sophie. “Let’s go ask the band to play fast songs so we can really dance.”
Sophie takes Mom’s hand and skips along beside her. Now there’s a girl with an open heart.
I take May’s hand and kiss her palm. “Now it’s our time.”
She kisses me and turns to the crowd. “Bye, everyone, thank you!”
Everyone keeps talking.
I hit a fork on a glass. “We’re leaving. Thank you very much for coming. May and I have a Valentine’s reservation at the best inn in town. Serenity Inn is open for business. Spread the word.”
May squeezes my arm. “This isn’t the time for business.”
“We’ve got to get word-of-mouth going. This is gossip central, and my family loves to help out people with suggestions.”
I scoop her up in my arms and walk out the door with her. She presses her head against my chest, right over my thumping heart.
* * *
May
My head is spinning from tonight’s events. Mason was the celebrity behind booking the inn, an engagement, an engagement party, and now we have the night all to ourselves. It feels like a dream.
When we get back to my house, Mason helps me off with my coat. I turn and smile at him.
He takes off his coat and smiles back. “You look happy.”
“I am. I knew I loved you, but some part of me held back.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “Not anymore. Mason, I’m all in, body, heart, and soul.”
He wraps his arms around my waist. “That is a beautiful thing. I’m honored.”
