“Mmhmm,” I hum, rolling my eyes. I tip our son into his arms. “Well, there’s not much to see. I’m in my Spanx.”
“Ugh …” he groans, following me to the fence. “What happened to the days of thongs?”
I point to him and his mini-me. “You two happened.”
I’m feeling pretty good about my climbing skills as Brody hands my son down to me. He’s giggling. “Are Mommy and Daddy being silly today?” I ask, tickling him under his chin.
“Daddy,” he says, reaching for Brody as soon as he’s on the ground.
The boy loves his father. I try not to let it hurt my mommy heart. I know he loves us both, but there is no doubt he likes spending time with Brody. I can’t say that I blame him. I love spending every second with Brody too.
Brody hands me the bag and then lifts Jack up on his shoulders. Jack instantly reaches for the leaves on the trees, trusting his father to keep him balanced. We walk together, enjoying the sun that peeks out every now and then.
“It’s really beautiful here,” I say, slipping my fingers through the back of my husband’s belt loop. “I should have brought my paints.”
“Well, if things work out, maybe will be up here again.”
I take a deep breath as the house comes into view. “Oh, oh I see what you mean.” Brody chuckles as I lean over the fence to admire all of the things growing on the other side. “Willow is going to be beside herself.”
Brody turns me to face him, and I smile up at him and our son. He runs a finger over the side of my face. “The next letter is yours.”
“What?”
“Lexie and I met up when I got back to town last night. Obviously, we don’t know what the letter says, but our guess is that Rachel wants you to be the one to tell Jackson.”
I start to back away from him. “No. No way. I can’t tell Jackson. Why me? You’re his best friend, his brother.” My hands rest on my head as I spin in a circle. This is insane.
“Like you told me, let’s not worry about it right now. We don’t even know what Maggie wants to do here. She might have already taken matters into her own hands.”
Ray steps out onto the porch. “Thought you’d be showing up. The girls have lunch on.” He waves for us to join them inside.
The minute we cross the threshold, I know my husband’s right in his assessment. Grandma Maggie and a younger woman have their heads bowed together over what looks like a recipe book. There are several pots boiling on the stove.
“It’s a little warm inside. We can eat out back,” the woman says, turning to speak to Ray. When she spots my husband, a smile instantly lights her face. “Brody! You’re back!”
Brody nods then looks away, guilty. Maggie also turns to face him.
Maggie steps in front of him and places her hand on his cheek. “Don’t you turn away from me. You were only following Rachel’s instructions. You’re a good boy, Brody. Now set my grandbaby down so Grandma can fill him with snacks.”
Jack wraps his arms around Maggie’s legs as soon as he’s on the ground. “Gma, cookie,” he says, flexing his little palms high above his head, indicating he wants her to pick him up.
Jenny hurries over to a ceramic mushroom, taking the top off. She comes back with a big chocolate chip cookie. “I don’t know if these are as good as Grandma’s, but I try.”
Maggie chuckles, hoisting my son into her arms. She hugs her daughter from the side as Jenny hands him the cookie. “This is Jack, and he’s Grandma’s boy, isn’t he?”
Jack shoves the treat in his mouth, nodding.
Jenny blinks rapidly as she studies our son. “You have a very handsome name,” she tells him.
He tucks his face against Maggie, a little unsure of meeting someone new.
My heart clenches painfully for her. She didn’t get this with Jackson. I can’t imagine loving my son from afar.
A few minutes later, we all end up sitting outside at the cutest little table, enjoying soup, sandwiches, and fresh baked bread.
My husband unabashedly fills his bowl for a second time as Jenny takes Jack’s hand and begins to walk him around a little stone path, showing him all the whimsical things in her backyard.
I lay my head on Brody’s shoulder. “She reminds me so much of Willow,” I say quietly.
