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“Have you finally decided she needs to do that on her own?” Gran asked, her gaze shrewd.
I nodded. “This morning.”
“Good for you,” Gran said with a nod.
Mabel assessed me for a second before adding, “You have a family in us.”
Tears pricked my eyes as I crossed the room to hug her.
Mabel patted my back. “I need some help peeling potatoes.”
I smiled, pleased we were moving on from talk of my mother. “That’s what I’m here for.”
It was different here in Mabel’s bright kitchen, the gourmet island a dream to prep meals. Holiday music played from a speaker resting on the counter, and scented candles were lit throughout the house, giving it a warm glow.
“I just love the holiday season,” Mabel said, humming along to the music.
“You know, I do too.” I’d always been sad this time of year, but I didn’t have to be. My parents’ actions didn’t affect my life anymore. I was moving on, and if my mom couldn’t do the same, then she’d be left behind.
I prepped the sides with Harrison’s mother, enjoying our time together. She told me about mishaps at past holiday celebrations, and I laughed, enjoying being with her.
She was like a second mother to me.
“I think it’s time for football.” Mabel nodded toward the window facing the backyard. Sure enough, Sage and Harrison were lobbing a ball back and forth.
“You go ahead. I’ve got the rest,” Mabel said.
“Are you sure?” But I was already washing the scent of onions from my hands.
“Go on now. Enjoy the rest of your day,” Gran said.
“Thanks for letting me help,” I said, kissing Gran’s cheek.
When I moved to Mabel, she said, “Any time, Everly. We love having you here. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you and Harrison are together. It’s like a mother’s dream come true. You’re like a second daughter to me.” His mother surprised me by enveloping me in a hug.
“I love your family too,” I said, a little stunned by her emotional reaction.
When she hugged me, I couldn’t help but think about what would happen after. Would everything change? Would she think badly of me?
I pushed away those thoughts, determined to enjoy the rest of the day.
Eighteen
HARRISON
When Everly arrived at my parents’ home earlier than expected, I was worried. Was her mom worse than usual, or had Everly finally decided she’d had enough? I had always trodden carefully when she talked about her mother.
I knew Everly’s mother was all the family she had, and she didn’t want to sever that connection, but I’d seen how upset Everly got after spending time with her. I suspected her mother was toxic, so I would support Everly in whatever decision she’d made. My family was hers.
When Everly came out to the backyard, she asked, “Can I play too?”
“Of course,” I said, lobbing the football in her direction. She caught it easily. She had plenty of practice playing catch with me over the years. We formed a triangle to continue warming up.
Dad was staking the end zones with Wren. They were currently arguing over the perfect location.
“They both think they’re right about everything,” I said, observing them arguing about the proper width for the end zone.
The sharp corner of the football smacked me in the chest. “Hey, I wasn’t looking.”
