“What are we, Mikey,” I asked, needing to hear him say it out loud.
“I’m hoping we’re a couple. I’d like that to be the case.”
“Me too,” I acknowledged.
Mikey touched his lips. “Seal it with a kiss?”
I’m glad my eyes were closed. I wanted to cry.
CHAPTER FIFTY: Mike
“Mike,” Coop’s mother whispered while curling her finger to gesture for me to get closer. Mom, Coop, and his dad were in my kitchen.
“What’s going on, Charla?”
“Can I just get a word real quick?” she asked when she adjusted my bow tie before smoothing my tux’s lapel.
“Sure thing.”
“Well, son. I just hate getting involved in things that perhaps a mother should keep her nose out of.”
“Okay,” I interrupted. “What can I do to make you feel better, Charla?”
She gazed at me for an extra moment before continuing, “Gosh, Mike. You do seem so grown up lately, honey. Cooper was right.”
“He told you I was acting more like an adult?”
She nodded, studying me closely.
“I’ll admit I’ve been trying. You know, since Dad died and everything.”
“Well, truthfully, Mike.” She paused, searching for her words.
“You’re worried,” I interrupted. “About Coop, right?”
“Well, I guess I am,” she admitted. “I know I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, but you know us mothers.”
“I love him, Charla.”
“You do,” she verified but needed more evidence. “And you love him like he loves you?”
“I do. I get it, trust me,” I said. “This may seem out of the blue and all so I understand what your concerns are, but I aminlovewith Coop.”
“Oh, honey. I just worry so much about you boys,” she said. “And you know my son. Cooper is sensitive and I worry about that.”
“Please listen to me,” I began, hoping I could help her feel better about our relationship. “I love you and Roger like my own folks and I promise you, Charla, that my heart is in the right place. I know I’m young, but I realized that I have always loved Coop. I guess it just took me longer to figure out.”
Her eyes welled up after I finished and she reached for my hands. “Roger said the exact same thing,” she said. “He said it probably took you longer than Cooper, and he told me to trust you because you’re a wonderful boy who we’ve known for your whole life, Mike. I’m sorry I stuck my foot in my mouth.”
“I’ll do my very best. I promise,” I said. “I appreciate you speaking with me and hope you’re there for both of us if we need you in the future.”
“See? Right there,” she remarked, stepping back and appearing mystified. “Cooper was right. You seem so . . . so . . . grown up. Kathleen must be so proud of you, honey.”
“I’m trying.” I leaned in and hugged her then held at arm’s length when I stepped back. “I love him. I always have.”
“I believe you.”
“Shall we go see what they’re up to?” I asked, gesturing toward the kitchen.
