Page 30 of When I Found You

“Don’t forget to stop by the bank on the way home.” Mom’s voice drifts through the room and I’m transported through the past thirty odd years of my life.

“Oh, you’re here. Good.” Dad comes up to the desk with his arm around Mom’s waist. “Kate, I’d like you to meet my wife, Nora.” He radiates love as he gazes at Mom. “Honey, this is our new secretary, Kate.”

Mom holds her hand out. “Lovely to meet you, Kate.”

I want to burst into tears. But even more, I want to launch myself across this desk and hug her. God, I miss her so much. I swallow the emotions clawing at my chest screaming for release. My gaze drifts between my parents and I muffle a sob behind a gentle cough before taking her hand.

“Nice to meet you as well.”

Mom looks the same as I remember even though she’s younger than I’ve ever seen her, except for photographs. Her dark hair holds no trace of gray and no worry lines mar her fair skin. She’s positively glowing. Even beneath the flowing fabric of her gown, I note the soft curve of her stomach.

“Kate. Is that short for Katherine?” Mom muses tapping her finger on her chin.

“Yes, it is.” The words spring from my lips without hesitation.

“It’s so elegant.” She laughs. “I’ll add it to the list of possible girl names. What do you think, Victor?”

“I like it.” He grins. “Very classy.”

“You’re having a baby?” I play it off wanting a bit more time with both of them, together.

“Yes. Our first.”

“Congratulations.” I force a smile remembering the stories Mom told me about how lucky they were to have me. I was her little miracle. “That’s wonderful news.”

Her hand rests protectively over her stomach. “We’re extremely fortunate. Our little miracle.”

My heart aches at the words I heard so often over the years. Tears form at the corner of my eyes and I blink furiously in a vain attempt to stop them.

“Arthur, there you are.” Mom turns away, thankfully missing my emotional display.

I dash the tears away with my sleeve and swallow hard while their attention shifts to Arthur.

“Nora. You look radiant.” Arthur hugs Mom and places a kiss on her cheek. “Did you get the flowers I sent?”

She slaps his shoulder playfully. “You charmer. I don’t know why you sent me such an ostentatious bouquet.”

“You didn’t like it?” He frowns.

“She loved it,” Victor adds. “Don’t let her modesty fool you.”

“How did you know my favorite flowers were peonies?” Mom teases him. “Did you ask Victor for help picking them out?”

“Actually, I chose them at Kate’s suggestion.” He steps closer and rests his hand on the back of my chair. “She’s very detail oriented.”

The compliment melts over me and I stare at Arthur in shock.

“You have wonderful taste, Kate.” She grins. “I think we’re going to be good friends.”

Oh, Mom. “I think so too.”

No matter how much I want this moment to last, how much I want my parents wrapped in a protective shield to be happy and together forever, reality lingers in the back of my mind hovering like a storm building a dangerous momentum.

“Well, I should get home.” Mom waves. “I enjoyed meeting you, Kate. We’ll talk again soon.”

“I’d love that,” I reply as Dad leads her to the exit.

“Is the letter ready yet?” Arthur’s voice startles me.

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