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“Because I know my son,” Marlene said simply. “And I need to know that you’re really coming back. Because if you’re not…”
Alesha lifted a hand, stopping her.
“Twenty years ago, I didn’t have a choice,” she said gently. “I was a child. If I’d been able to stay, I would have. I cried for months after we left, but it didn’t change anything.”
Marlene nodded, but the worry didn’t fully leave her expression.
“I understand why you’re asking,” Alesha continued. “You’re looking out for him. But this time, it’s different. I am coming back.”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice steady.
“It’s not going to happen overnight. I have a life in Oregon—people I need to say goodbye to, things I need to wrap up. But nothing is going to stop me from moving here. Nothing.”
Reaching over, she gave Marlene’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“I love your son,” she added softly. “And this is where I want to be.”
Marlene visibly relaxed, her shoulders easing.
“Okay,” she said with a small smile. “I guess I just needed to hear that. I was worried he might be getting ahead of himself.”
Alesha laughed softly. “No. We’re very much on the same page. If he didn’t have work starting in Albany, I probably would’ve dragged him to Oregon with me.”
“Well, maybe he can still come out for a few days,” Marlene said. “Meeting him might help your mother feel better about everything.”
Alesha smiled wryly. “I’m not sure anything will, but I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I hope I didn’t overstep,” Marlene added. “I just… needed to ask.”
“Why would I be offended?” Alesha said. “You love your son. You’re worried about him. If anything, it makes you an amazing mom.”
Marlene squeezed her hand. “I hope your mother surprises you and supports this. But if she doesn’t… just know you have people here who love you too.”
“Thank you.”
Her phone chimed, effectively ruining the moment.
She glanced down and smiled. “That’s Reece. He’s on his way. We have an appointment with Harlow to look at houses.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Marlene stood as Alesha began packing up her laptop.
When she rose, Marlene pulled her into a quick hug. “Good luck. I can’t wait to hear what you find. I hear you’ve got your heart set on a Craftsman.”
“I do,” she said, smiling. “Hopefully we’ll find one we both love.”
Marlene grinned. “The two of you have always been in sync. I doubt that’s changed.”
Alesha smiled… and silently crossed her fingers.
“Okay, remind me again what we’re looking for?” Reece asked as they drove across town. “I talked to Harlow, but I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
“I’d love a Craftsman,” Alesha said. “Updated kitchen, fenced-in yard… and I’m flexible on everything else.”
He glanced over at her. “Why a fenced-in yard?”
She smiled. “I probably should’ve mentioned this sooner, but I really want a dog. I always have. My mom never allowed one, and none of my rentals did either. But now…” She shrugged lightly. “If I’m finally settling somewhere, it feels like the right time.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m completely on board,” he said. “If I had a dog, I’d want a yard too.”
