The inside is just as stunning as the outside, with high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and a grand staircase leading to the second floor. As we pass the sitting room, I take in the elegant marble fireplace and the chandelier hanging overhead. Unlike Ben’s house, this space is filled with framed photographs on every surface, and despite its size, the place feels welcoming.
“In here!” a voice calls out, and Ben squeezes my hand before leading me down the hall.
“Hey,” Ben greets as we step into the kitchen, the rich aroma of something delicious filling the air.
“You must be Ashlyn,” a woman says, stepping away from the stove. She crosses the room with a warm smile, taking my hand before pulling me into a hug. I return it, smiling at her kindness.
“Mom, this is Ashlyn,” Ben says. “Ash, this is my mom, Mary.”
“It’s so wonderful to finally meet you, Ashlyn. I’ve heard so much about you,” she says, casting a knowing glance at Ben.
Heat rushes to my cheeks and Ben chuckles, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me close.
“It’s great to meet you too, Mary,” I reply, feeling a bit shy.
“Where’s Dad?” Ben asks.
“He’s lying down. He didn’t have the best night,” Mary replies, stirring whatever she’s cooking on the stove.
Ben’s brows knit together. “What? Why didn’t you call me?”
She waves a hand dismissively. “He’s fine. He has nights like this now and then. He’ll be awake in time for dinner.”
“You should have still called me.”
“Don’t fuss,” she says lightly. “Get Ashlyn a drink. I’m almost finished here and then we can sit down.”
“Can I help with anything?” I offer.
“That’s sweet of you, but everything’s under control,” she assures me with a smile.
Ben releases his hold on my waist and heads to the fridge. “What do you want to drink, Ash?”
“A soda, if you have it.”
“Sure.”
He grabs two cans, handing me one before Mary gestures toward the living room. “Let’s go and sit. Dinner will be ready whenever your dad wakes up.”
We follow her into the living room, where Ben and I settle on one of the large sofas next to the impressive fireplace. Mary takes a seat across from us, her expression warm and welcoming.
“Your home is beautiful, Mary,” I tell her.
“Thank you, dear. We moved here when Jeff retired.” She smiles. “We thought we might have had more grandchildren to fill all these empty rooms, but it turned out, Ben was the only one to give us that.”
“There’s still time, Mom,” Ben says. “Kirsten and Milo might settle down yet.”
She laughs. “I doubt that. Neither of them seems to have the time.” She looks at me.
“Ben mentioned you come from a big family, Ashlyn,” she says with genuine interest.
I nod, smiling. “I do. Four older brothers.”
She chuckles softly. “And I thought raising three kids was a challenge. Your mother must have the patience of a saint.”
I laugh. “Oh, my brothers definitely put her patience to the test over the years.”
Mary grins then glances at Ben. “Speaking of testing patience, where’s Laney this weekend? We haven’t seen her around.”
