I smirk. “I’ve got two edibles in my pocket as we speak.”
“What?” She moves over next to me, studying my face.
I flick a glance at her. “I’m serious.”
“But we’re a close-knit family and get along well.”
“Yeah, we are, but that doesn't mean spending multiple hours with everyone doesn’t wear on me.” I repeatedly press the masher into the potatoes.
“I didn’t realize you had to resort to drug use to be around your family,” she says, sounding insulted.
I bark out a laugh. “You’ll drink wine, and I’ll take an edible. Tomato—tomahto.”
“Why’d you bring two?”
“One’s for Reed to get him to chill out.”
She pats my back. “Good thinking.”
“I’m more than just a pretty face, Mom. You should know that.” I tap the masher on the side of the pan and then set it on the counter.
She laughs. “I do. You’re the only son I don’t worry about. You’ve always been great about making your own way and finding solutions whenever one of life’s challenges pops up.”
“Thank you, but I don’t know any other way to be. Honestly, I’m surprised to hear you worry about the others.”
“Don’t share that with them. I’ve never wanted to burden the four of you with my concerns. I worry less about Travis now, but he was so closed off before he met Nina. Reed…” She sighs, shaking her head. “He’s the one who’s giving me gray hair.”
“But why? His business is thriving, and he’s a respected member of the community. Is he a pain in the ass? Yes. But he’s a good guy. Don’t tell him I said that.”
“I know he’s doing well financially, but I worry he’s going to be a perpetual bachelor.”
“You don’t worry about that with me?”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “I think you’ll eventually meet a girl and she’ll knock your socks off.”
I’ve already met her, and she knocked more than my socks off.
“Why don’t you think the same will happen with Reed?”
“He’s used to thinking of himself first, and he’s all about having fun.”
“What’s wrong with that if it makes him happy? Not everyone wants to be married and have kids.”
“You’re right. But I know how amazing being a parent is, and I want that for you all.”
“You just want a passel of grandkids,” I point out.
She grins. “Guilty.”
“We’re all here on our own journey, Mom. Not yours and not Dad’s.”
“I know. One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is allowing your children to walk their own path, rather than the one you think they should follow. I mean, look at you opening a dispensary. That was not something I imagined.”
I clutch my heart. “Oh, the shame.”
“I didn’t say that. But it was unexpected.”
“We’ve covered everyone but Drew,” I say. “He’s the one I worry about.”
