AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ahh…thank you.” Everleigh takes a cautious step closer. “It’s such a pleasure meeting you.”
Mama stares at Everleigh until my woman gives me a panicked look.
I move closer to Everleigh and take hold of her left hand. “We’re going to get married.”
“Daddy!” Vincent shouts from behind me.
I head into the house and catch my little man. With my son in my arms, I turn around so I can introduce him to his grandma.
Intense shock hits my mother, and I quickly move closer. Her eyes are transfixed on Vincent, and lifting a trembling hand, she touches his cheek. “He looks like…” A sob overwhelms her, but she holds her arms open, and I pass Vincent to her.
She gently bounces him the way she used to do with us when we were little.
“My vnushka,” she coos, and for the first time since my brother was killed, I see the cloud of sorrow lift from her shoulders.
“Who are you?” Vincent asks.
“I’m your babushka…your grandmama.”
His eyes flit to Everleigh and me. “I have a grandma!” He claps his hands. “I’m so lucky. Mommy! Daddy! I have a grandma.” He looks at her again. “Jonas’ grandma always gives him candy. Do you have candy?”
“We have cupcakes,” Everleigh says. “Let’s head inside. I’m sure your mother is tired from the long flight.”
“Come, Mama,” I say, waiting for her to enter the house before I shut the door behind us.
Mama doesn’t let go of Vincent as she sits down on the couch, where she starts to cry.
Vincent gives her a concerned look, and there’s panic in his voice when he asks, “Why is grandma crying?”
“Because I’m so happy,” she sobs, hugging him tightly. “My little Vincent.”
“Aww…don’t cry, Grandma.” He pats her back in an attempt to comfort her. “There-there. It’s all better now.”
“It is.” She looks at him with so much love my heart clenches. “How old are you?” she asks, her voice much gentler than I’ve ever heard.
“I’m a whole three years old. I’m turning four soon.”
Christ.
I look at Everleigh. “When’s his birthday?”
“September twenty-third.”
“When’s your birthday?” I feel like shit for only asking now.
Everleigh lets out a chuckle. “June tenth.” She lifts an eyebrow at me. “And yours?”
“October sixteenth,” I answer.
I wrap my arm around Everleigh, and she leans closer to whisper, “It doesn’t look like she likes me.”
“She does. If she didn’t like you, she would’ve told you straight to your face you’re not good enough for me.”
“You’re lying,” she gasps.
“My mother is old school and very direct. Trust me, she’d tell you if she didn’t like you.”
No, she wouldn’t. My mother is wired to obey the man of the house, which is me. She’ll do anything I say, and she knows I love Everleigh. By default, she’ll accept her into the family.
