I smile, huge. “Are you serious? It’s the best day ever.”
Travis goes into host mode, and says, “Let me make you some coffee, Mandy.”
My heart feels so happy.
We follow him down the staircase to the kitchen. I don’t let go of her hand, so happy to see her. Travis makes us sit, while he prepares the coffee and makes it exactly how she likes it. He remembers it, even after all this time. I didn’t think I could love this man more, turns out I’m wrong. We both just watch as he starts making breakfast, humming to himself.
“So, when did this happen?” she smiles at me, before sipping her coffee.
“Recently. Things just...I don’t know, felt right again.”
She beams. “You look happy.”
“I am happy. Nervous, but happy.”
“You and Travis always had something, honey. I’m sure it is meant to be. The very fact that it has all gone down the way it has, tells me the universe has plans for the two of you.”
I laugh. “Well, as long as the universe is kinder with its plans this time.”
Travis puts a plate of eggs in front of her, grinning. “I remember you like them fluffy.”
She laughs. “You have a good memory. Thank you. This looks delicious. So, what are you two planning for the day?”
I look at Travis. “Nothing planned. Maybe the lake? The farmer’s market. But we could just hang out with you, too.”
My mom waves a hand. “Don’t change your plans for me. I just wanted to check in. I’ve got a few errands to run in town. We should do dinner tonight, though.”
“We’re in,” Travis answers for me, and I laugh.
“Well then,” she grins. “I guess it’s a plan.”
When she finishes up her breakfast, she leaves and I spin, hugging Travis. “It feels like everything is just going perfect, you know?”
He squeezes me. “Yeah, I know.”
Finally.
After breakfast, I tell Travis I just want to go to Chief’s house to ask a question about my car. He winks at me, before dropping his pants and backing into the shower, telling me he’ll meet me there soon. Horrible man. I leave laughing. When I arrive, the house is quiet. Jasmine isn’t here, but the front door is open. Stepping in, I walk up the stairs, expecting to see Chief in his office. I open the door and hear voices, not loud but hushed. They are coming from his room.
Great, he has a woman here.
Not bothered at all, I walk over and fling the door open.
I pause, eyes wide and mouth agape as I take in the scene before me.
My mom is coming out of Chief’s bathroom. She’s in a towel, hair wet, skin flushed.
I blink, then shriek. “Mom!”
She freezes, towel clutched at her chest. I swear to God, she even makes a little squeaking sound.
Before I can say another word, Chief follows her out, shirtless, pulling up his sweats. His tattooed arm glistens with water.
“Oh my GOD,” I yell. I slap my hands over my face. “Mom, this is not the kind of errands I thought you were going to run...”
My mom’s voice stammers as she tries to come up with a response. “We were just—”
“Nope,” I cry. “Don’t even finish that sentence. I’m leaving. I am actually leaving the state. I am never coming back. You will need to sign my adoption papers.”
