Page 18 of Season of Mercy
“Um, yes.” She still hadn’t gotten accustomed to her new last name.
“Please sign for the delivery.” As soon as the man got her signature, he handed her the bouquet and left.
Mercy peered at the flowers in her hands. There was only one man she could think of who’d send her flowers.
Hmm.
Did Ethan feel guilty for something? And she knew exactly what he could feel guilty about.
Pushing doubt out of her head, she walked inside. If she let jealousy consume her, she’d ruin her marriage before the one-year mark, even if Ethan had done nothing wrong.
She didn’t own a vase, so she poured water in a tall glass, placed the flowers there, and searched for a card.
Yay!There was one. She hurried to open it.
To my beautiful wife. I hope these flowers will brighten your day as you always brighten mine.
Mercy smiled. Ethan was a smooth-talker, but she hoped he meant it.
“Youalways brighten mine,” she whispered.
The flowers were a nice touch. It was like they’d skipped the period of courtship, and Ethan was making up for it now.
I know it’s short notice, but I’d love it if you could join me for dinner tonight at Mamá Rosa’s.
Mercy frowned. Was Ethan tired of her cooking? Oh, no. Why was she finding negative in everything? She didn’t use to be like that.
She continued reading.
I love your cooking, but I want you to have some rest. I also want you to meet someone. Dress code is casual.
Mercy stopped reading. What about Stevie? She wasn’t going to leave her son by himself. But knowing Ethan, he’d probably thought of that, too.
My parents would love to babysit Stevie. They are eager to spend more time with him. And they have a large dog I’m sure Stevie would love to play with. Please do me the honor of being my date tonight. I can’t wait to see you.
Her heart beating fast, Mercy read the note several times and rushed to check on her son. It was ridiculous to get so nervous about a date with her husband.
Stevie ran to her, a sheet of paper half of his size in his hands. “Mommy, look what I drew for Daddy. Will he like it?”
Mercy froze. Her son was already calling Ethan Daddy. Ugly scenes appeared in her mind, of Cole threatening to leave, of her asking him to hush his voice so Stevie wouldn’t hear, begging him to stay for his son’s sake.
She hiked her chin. She wasn’t going to beg now. But deep inside she already knew Stevie would miss Ethan way more than he missed Cole. While Cole had been Stevie’s biological dad, Ethan was his real, loving one.
“I’m sure he’ll like it.” She plastered a smile on her face as she studied the drawing.
Sure enough, there were three people there, holding hands and standing near a large house. A man, a woman, and a little boy.
Her heart made a painful move in her chest. “I think Mr. Etha... Daddy would love to have another drawing. And... how do you feel about spending an evening with Daddy’s parents? They have a dog.”
“My new grandpa and grandma? And a puppy? Good! But later you and Daddy will get me, right?”
“Of course we’ll get you.” Mercy swallowed hard.
Was she wrong to introduce more people into her son’s life he could get attached to and then lose?
“Really?” Stevie hugged the painting as if it was something precious to him.
Mercy had a stab of guilt.
