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But I read the concern on her face. “I’m trying to be careful.”
“You need to be honest with her,” Mom said, nodding toward the house.
“I have been. She knows my past.”
“I think she’s good for you,” Mom said with a small smile, getting into the car.
I held on to the frame of the door. “You do?”
“I really like her.”
I liked her for me too. “You don’t think I’m moving too fast?”
“If it feels right, then you’re not,” Mom said.
“It does.” It was my fucked-up past screwing with my head and making up worst-case scenarios in my head that was the problem.
“Then you can’t go wrong. You were always so open, so quick to fall, and I never thought it was a bad thing.”
“Really?” It certainly felt bad when it didn’t work out.
“It’s what makes you—well… you. I love you more for it, and the right woman will too. You’re a special man, and she’d be lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I closed the door, and she pulled away from the curb.
I liked how she thought of me, but she was my mother. Being too open had hurt me in the past. I wasn’t sure I was ready to be that guy again.
Inside, Delaney was on the couch, watching a cartoon.
“I’m going to try to get some work done.”
“We were hoping you’d join us for dinner,” Natalie said.
I looked at Delaney watching TV and Natalie standing in the kitchen and said, “I have a better idea. What do you think about helping me pick out a puppy?”
Delaney looked over at me. “Are you serious?”
“I could use the help.”
Delaney shut off the TV and ran into the kitchen. “Yes, yes, yes. I want a puppy.”
Natalie held up her hands as if to fend her off. “No,we’renot getting a puppy. Mac is.”
“You have to help me pick out the best one.”
Delaney sobered, nodding. “I can do that.”
I ruffled her hair. “I knew you could. That’s why I asked.” Then I asked Natalie, “As long as you’re okay with this?”
“I’d love to help you pick out a puppy, but are you sure this is what you want?”
“I’ve been putting it off, but I think it’s finally time.”
Delaney was a bundle of energy while she waited for us to get ready. I needed to put away my tools. When we were in my truck, I couldn’t help but think this was right. They belonged here with me.
“Where are we going?” Delaney asked.
“Good question. Let me call my friend Gray and see if he has any ideas. He’s the local veterinarian.”
