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Martha gives Charlotte a warm smile and answers with confidence. "It means that you were right. Your mom is the best baker in the world."
"I told you that already," she says, not impressed with the statement.
Everyone bursts out in laughter, and we enjoy eating the rest of the sweets while we talk over small things. Charlotte talks about school and tells them about our trip to the zoo. Martha and John both listen with patience, and I notice my emotions rise as we sit here around the kitchen table. Seeing these strangers being this kind to a child they just met touches my heart. They're caring and interested in both me and Charlotte. There is nothing fake about their reactions. They treat us like family. That realization hits home, and I get overwhelmed with overpowering emotions. I try to control them by biting my lip, but it's hard keeping control of the cyclone of feelings that runs through me. I have to keep it together.
"Nick dear, why don't you show Charlotte our house?" Martha says out of the blue.
"Yes," my girl says, already jumping off her stool.
"I want to chat with Emma about baking and I don’t want the kid to get bored."
Nick's eyes meet mine. He's searching for answers."You're okay with that?" he whispers.
I nod.
After staring at his mom for a second, he stands up and holds his hand out to Charlotte. "Come with me, Smarty. I’m going to show you all the cool places in the house."
They walk out of the kitchen with John on their tail.
Martha strolls over to the tap and refills my glass, then she places it in front of me, while taking a seat next to me. "Better?" she asks when I take a sip.
"Hmm, yes, thank you." I take a deep breath.
"I'm glad you met my son, Emma."
My eyes dart up and meet Martha's, and she sends me a warm smile.
"And I'm even happier you've come over to meet us."
For a moment, we stay silent, as I don't know how to respond. Gazing at my hand that's holding the glass, without looking at her, I ask, "Why are you that happy?"
"Because you and your beautiful daughter are perfect for my boy. It's been too long since he has been this cheerful."
A tear rolls over my cheek as her words penetrate me.
"I know this situation must be scary for you. Opening your heart for another man and letting him in your child's life is a risk. But you let him in, and I'm thankful for that."
I meet her gaze, and they show tenderness and patience.
"From the moment Nick told me he met a woman who made him feel things he hadn't felt before, I knew you were special. And now I know why. You're a lovely and kind woman, Emma. After Cindy, he acted like he was fine, but a mother knows when her child isn't... And today, when he walked in, I saw my Nick again." She grabs my face and places a kiss on my cheek. "Thank you. You and Charlotte are gifts from heaven, and I pray things will stay this good between you two."
"Thank you," I say while the tears get the better of me.
She opens her arms. "Come here, darling."
Without hesitating, I let go of my glass and lean in. She wraps her arms around me, and while my tears fall, she keeps holding me in a warm embrace. It’s been so long since someone has hugged me like this, like a mother, like a loving mother that’s proud of you. The contrast of his parents with mine is like comparing day with night.
For years, I've heard nothing but my father's harsh words in my dreams. No man will ever love you or your bastard child. You're a disgrace and a disappointment as a daughter. And now here is this woman telling me I'm a gift from heaven, that she's thrilled I'm with her son.
After a few deep sobs, I wipe away the remaining tears.
"I'm sorry," I say. "It's just a little much. You and your husband have welcomed us with warmth and friendliness. I'm just not used to that. Nick is lucky with parents like you."
She takes one of my hands and holds it. "Don't you have a good relationship with your parents, Emma?"
I shake my head. And to my surprise, I explain my past to Martha as I did with Nick. And like her son, she listens without interrupting or judging. When I'm done, she lets out a deep sigh.
"You're a strong woman, Emma. To go through what you've been through at that young age is hard. So be proud of yourself. You've done an amazing job raising your beautiful girl on your own. She's a delight and a ray of excited sunshine. And I've noticed the connection between her and my son too."
