“Oh God, I can’t watch.” I side with his mom and squeeze my eyes shut, and my brother and Kevin both cheer for Sutton’s superhero character on the screen.
“Seriously, this is gross…” Annabelle scrunches her face as she watches Sutton’s character fight, and I’m sure there’s blood and all sorts of things flying around. I wouldn’t know; I can’t look at it.
“I much prefer the library…” I say quietly, wincing at the loud noises from all the action playing out.
Sutton’s mom looks at me, and we share a smile, because she knows exactly which library I’m talking about.
To say I was stunned when Sutton brought Preston and me here, immediately showing us his library, would be an understatement. He thought of everything; from non-fiction books that Preston might need for school and a vast fiction selection too, lots of environmental and gardening books and, of course, I saw his little stash of beekeeping materials, the ones that seem to grow almost every day.
I know he built it with me in mind. I almost couldn’t believe it. He’s added cute reading nooks along the windows, a desk where Preston can do his homework, and a really cool ladder that runs across the length of the shelves, which Preston loves swinging from. There’s even a fireplace with the comfiest sofa that might as well be a big bed in front of it, covered with pillows and surrounded by end tables that hold snack baskets and a mini fridge of refreshments.
It’s perfect. Just like him.
“I’m so glad that Sutton has finally found someone who cares about him. I knew the minute I saw him, by the big bright smile on his face, that his heart is whole. It’s a wonderful thing for a mother to see,” she whispers to me.
My chest aches in the best way at having her approval. “He’s a pretty great guy. You raised him well. I’m lucky to have met him.”
Her eyes are full of warmth.
“And to have little Preston with us too. Oh, it’s just such a delight to have all these kids around… Although, as much as I love my son, I do prefer my game shows.”
I chuckle at that. She’s amazing. I can see where Sutton gets his love of life from. She arrived yesterday and was such a breath of fresh air. She took to Preston and me the moment of our introduction, and while I was nervous to meet her, it’s clear she has a lot of love for her boys.
“Oh! Love this scene.” Sutton walks in from the kitchen, wearing a pink frilly apron, coming to stand behind the sofa where I sit. I look up at him as he squeezes my shoulders.
“Why didn’t you tell me it was so anxiety inducing?” I whine playfully, his mom giggling beside us.
“Don’t worry, Tinker. I save the day.” He winks at me.
“At least I’m not the only one who can’t watch it,” his mom says, to which Sutton gives her a teasing huff.
“How is it that my two favorite women in my life can’t watch me onscreen?”
“Because we love you, that’s why. We don’t want anyone to harm you,” I tell him, and he leans in to press a sweet kiss on my lips. It’s quick, just showing his affection, feeling so natural, I don’t even care who’s around.
When we pull apart, his mom is looking at us both with hearts in her eyes.
“Well, it’s the last movie I’ll do, so you both can breathe a sigh of relief.”
My breath catches, head snapping back to him.
“Last one?” his mom asks with just as much shock in her tone.
“Yep. No more movies for me, Mom. I’m retiring.”
“Retiring?” I’m in complete disbelief. How has he not mentioned that before? I was wondering how we would make it all work. But I didn’t want to be a woman who demanded his time or forced him into making decisions that he wasn’t ready to.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I love it here. I love you, and there’s no way in hell I can be away on a movie set for six months of the year without you. Plus, I’ve hit every goal an actor could. I’ve won awards, done well for myself. I want to leave on top. So, I’m going to hang up my acting boots. I have a few things coming down the pipeline with Tanner and the distillery that will keep me in the game for a while, but I’m really itching to get the beehives going.”
“Are you sure, honey?” his mom asks, her expression shifting to one that shows she couldn’t be happier about all this.
“I am, Mom. I really am. It’s time.” Once he reassures his mom, he looks back to me. “You going to get tired of having me in Whispers, baby?” His tone is light, not serious, but I answer him anyway.
“Not possible,” I say sweetly, then add, “But I might need to keep you out of the kitchen for the major holidays. Is something burning?”
“Shoot!” He jolts, eyes wide, like he forgot all about the meal he was preparing. “I’m not sure turkey chef is my next adventure.”
His mom and I laugh as he rushes back to the kitchen, catching Sawyer’s attention.
