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“I hope so. It’s something your dad and I need to discuss.” She glanced at me, and for once, she seemed…defeated. Broken.
I crouched down to the kids’ level. “If I give you some money, can you be responsible and go shopping without me to get Rex’s and Hedgie’s presents?”
“Um, yeah.” Savannah practically squealed. She held out her hand for some cash, then pocketed it before grabbing Maddox’s hand. “Come on, Mads.” They ran down the sidewalk toward the pet shop.
Oh boy.I waited until the kids had entered the store to turn and face my mother-in-law.
“I want to apologize,” Gloria said.
Huh.Was this a trick?Gloria—apologize?
“I was out of line to suggest what I did.”
“And what was that?” I crossed my arms over my chest. I wasn’t willing to let her be intentionally vague, not after what she’d done. After what she’d put me—and Elle—through.
“Insinuating that you had an inappropriate relationship with Eleanor. That you were unfit to care for the children. You’re a good father, Tristan. I never should’ve said what I did.”
Wow. Okay.That was big. Definitely a start. At least, if she was being genuine, which I honestly thought she was. Still, it was Gloria. Which meant she likely had an ulterior motive.
I didn’t want to be petty. I wanted the children to know, and spend time with, their grandparents. Family was important, even if it wasn’t always easy. Tessa would’ve wanted the kids to have a good relationship with her parents; I wanted that too. So long as Gloria could respect Elle, and my relationship with her.
“I appreciate your saying that. Though you were right about one thing.”
“Was I?” she asked, tucking her scarf tighter around her neck.
“Elle and Iaretogether, but there’s nothing inappropriate about our relationship.”
She stilled, her expression going cold. “What about Teresa? What would she think of you moving on so quickly?”
It wasn’t said with malice, but it was still a low blow. And in the past, her question might have derailed me. But now, I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way.
“Grief, love, moving on, none of it has a timeline. But even if it did, it’s been a year and a half. I love Elle. She makes me happy, happier than I’ve been in a long time, and I want to be with her.”
“Your wife’s younger sister…” She shook her head.
I lifted a shoulder. I wasn’t going to apologize for who I loved. “Trust me, I fought it. But in the end, we’re happy together.”
“What will the children think?” she asked in a sharp tone. If she was trying to intimidate me, it wasn’t working.
“I’ve talked to them about it, and they’re thrilled. They’ll always love Tessa, just like I will always love and honor Tessa. But we can make room for more love too.”
“So that’s it, then? Eleanor’s moving home, and you’re going to be one big happy family.”
“Actually—” I shoved my hands into my pockets. “We’re going to Japan for the summer to be with her. After that…” I shrugged. “We’ll see.”
She was quiet for a moment, considering. So I said, “Look. I want you and Dan to be part of their lives. The children want that too. But only if you can be respectful of Elle. If you can at least…” I sighed. “I don’t know. Remain neutral about our relationship.”
She was silent. Contemplative. I braced myself for her refusal. For another list of reasons why I shouldn’t be with Elle.
But then Gloria inclined her head. “I will try.”
I tried to keep my jaw shut. Had she really…relented?
It wasn’t nearly enough, but it was a start. We’d be leaving for Japan next summer; maybe that would give Gloria time to work through her feelings on the matter.
“I shouldn’t have to tell you this,” I said. “But at the very least, Elle deserves to be treated with respect. It’s not her fault that—” I stopped myself and sighed, noting the way Gloria’s expression had changed. “You don’t have to love her, but I wish you’d apologize to her. For both your sakes.”
She seemed to consider my words, to consider me, finally saying, “Perhaps you’re right. I’ve been blaming her for something that isn’t her fault.”
