AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Near my son, then?”
“Actually, next door to Caleb.”
My mom lights up. “Well, isn’t this lovely. Two neighbors shopping together.” Mom scans down and sees Gwendolyn gripping my hand. “More than neighbors, maybe?”
Mom’s good! Gwen’s face turns a bright pink, and she’s clearly at a loss for words.
“More than friends, Mom. Yes, we are dating. It’s new, and we’re not talking about this anymore.”
“For heaven’s sake, Caleb, I’m simply asking a question. I’m not interrogating your young lady.” She glances toward Gwendolyn. “I’m sorry, dear. I hope I haven’t offended you. You seem like a lovely person, and I hope to see more of you.” Mom takes a step back, “I’ll let you get back to what you were doing.” Just when I think we’re free and clear, I hear Mom’s parting remark: “See you soon, my dears,” and I know that’s not a casual goodbye, but a promise.
I wait until we have the groceries packed in the trunk and we’re on the way home before I speak. “Brace yourself, baby. That was my mom. Chances are we’re going to see her again sooner than you think.”
I expect Gwendolyn to start freaking out. Instead, she bursts out laughing. “You’re a lucky man, Caleb Thorne. Your mom loves you so much and wants to be part of your life. Trust me, honey, it’s a good thing.”
I know she’s talking about not having her mother around to be part of all the significant moments in her life.
“Yeah, you’re right. I love my mom, but she can be intrusive, and I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed. Mom is a force of nature, and if she had her way, she’d have us married by the end of next week. Not to mention the gazillion times she’s mentioned wanting to be a grandmother.”
“I like kids,” she teases, then starts laughing again, taking me with her this time.
FIVE
Ladies’ Impromptu Tea Party
CALEB
Last night, I found out that Gwendolyn was being very humble when she mentioned her cooking abilities. Once we get back, she begins making her glazed chops with Parisian potatoes and balsamic brussels sprouts, while I put away the rest of the groceries.
I pour her a glass of red wine, grab myself a beer, and sit with her as she sets about working in her kitchen. I tell her all about my mother and father and the connection our families have with Damian and his mother.
“Damian’s dad died a few years back. Our fathers were best friends. They were cops too, and partners on the force. We grew up together with Alex and his family.” I tell her about Alex losing his parents and how Damian’s parents took him in and treated Alex as their own. Even after Alex’s parents died, our families stayed close. My father and Kevin, Damian’s dad, were friends to the very end.
My father took on the role of being the mentor and father figure for all of us, including Zeke. When Zeke came onto the team, he was having trouble finding his groove. I saw him struggling and couldn’t figure out how to get him over the hump. I went to my father for advice.
It was good to know I was on the right track, and I needed to give Zeke a bigger place on the team to have him thrive. He’s never been less than fantastic at whatever he does.
“It’s good that he had all of you to lean on,” Gwendolyn says as we sit down to dinner.
“I’m sorry you went through all you did alone.” I hold her chair for her, then sit across from her.
“I used to have moments where I wondered, why me? But along with the hurt and sadness came some lessons that made me what I am today. I learned how to budget. I found out how great I am with kids and how much you can learn from those amazing little people. When you see the world through a child’s eyes, it’s like living a memory all over again.” She pauses, then adds, “I found out how brave I can be, and how to dust myself off and pick myself up.”
I’m in awe of this woman. She’s suffered through so much tragedy for one so young, and yet she still manages to find the silver lining. The first bite of dinner is so good, I practically inhale the plate. I even have seconds. After dinner, we crash on the couch and watch a movie.
It doesn’t take long before Gwendolyn falls asleep with her head on my shoulder. I carry her to bed, but I don’t want to leave her. As I lay her down, her sleep-filled eyes open.
“I don’t want to leave,” I say.
“Stay,” she whispers. I grab a pillow, but she stops me from taking it. “You can sleep here.”
“Gwen…”
“Just sleep. I’m not sure I’m ready for more.”
I’m not sure what’s worse, sleeping on the couch and not touching her or holding her in my arms and feeling the strain of my blue balls. It seems that my mind has already made its decision. I strip down to my boxers and slide in beside her, reach over, and spoon with her in my arms.
The scent of her shampoo, the little sigh she emits as she relaxes, is a delight to my senses. I fought to keep her at a distance because I knew once I had her, I wouldn’t be able to let her go.
