Page 67 of Sunset

That gives me two hours. Nothing like short notice, but my mom knows I’d drop anything for her, if she needs me, no notice needed.

I head out to find Brynn in her office. I tap lightly on the door frame to get her attention.

She looks up and smiles.

“Hey, how’s your day going?” She asks.

“Good, so far. Mom called and wants me home for dinner. I guess, she needs to talk. Why don’t you see if you can do dinner with Kade and Lin and catch up with them? I’ll be back tonight.”

“You know you can stay with your mom tonight. She probably misses you.”

“I’m not sleeping without you in my arms. If you want me to stay at my mom’s house, you better be coming with me.” I tell her.

“You know she won’t allow that.” Brynn shakes her head.

“Then, I’ll be back after dinner. Don’t fight me on this.”

“I’ll be waiting.” She takes a deep breath and reaches for something in her desk drawer, before standing up and walking over to me.

She holds her hand out to me, and in it, is a key.

“What’s this?” I ask her.

“It’s a key to my room. You’ve been staying here every night, and you work your butt off. I thought it might be a good idea.” She shrugs her shoulders, but she won’t look me in the eyes.

This small gesture means the world to me. It’s a big step for her. I know this, and I’m not going to waste it.

I take the key with one hand and hook my other hand around her waist, pulling her into me.

“Thank you, Firefly. I’ll use it tonight.” I whisper against her lips right before I kiss her.

She wraps her arms around my neck and sinks into me. It’s the best feeling in the world, and one I don’t know how I went so long without.

She pulls back and runs her hands down my chest.

“Now, go have dinner with your mom. I’ll see you tonight.” She says.

I kiss her cheek, and then head out. I stop at the kitchen and grab one of the pies we made yesterday. Even though, all I want to do is walk, I take my car. All the good walking paths are packed with tourists this time of year, and I don’t want to deal with them.

I pull into my mom’s drive away, and before I even get to the front porch, the smell of her cooking fills the air. It feels like home. Smiling, I jog up the front porch steps and go inside.

“Mom?” I call.

“Kitchen!” She yells back.

I slip off my shoes and head her way, setting the pie down on the counter.

“What are you making?” I ask.

“Meatloaf with a sage gravy, mashed potatoes, bacon, green beans, and rolls.” She says, as she stirs the pot on the stove.

“All of Dad’s favorites,” I say more to myself than anything. Then, it hits me. Sometimes, my mom says the exact same thing.

“I figured it was only right with the one year anniversary of his passing coming up. Plus, I had a craving for this gravy something fierce.” She says.

I barely make it to one of the bar stools, before my legs collapse. How did I forget it’s next week? I didn’t forget. I just wasn’t thinking of it, because I’ve been so wrapped up in Brynn.

“Oh, Jasper, this wasn’t to make you sad. You have been so happy, and that’s all I want for you. But I figured we’d do something to celebrate your dad together, and also, I wanted to chat. Plus, I hadn’t seen you for a bit.”

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