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36
BRYNN
Brynn shoved the last of her clothes into Aaron’s dresser as Dani ran into the room.
“They’re here!”
Brynn shut the drawer with her hip as her eyes wildly scanned the room for anything amiss. Dani had already transferred most of her things to a pile on Aaron’s bed by the time Brynn returned home, so all she’d had to do was put them away.
“Are there fresh sheets on the bed in the guest room?”
Dani nodded. “Yes. Everything looks good there.”
Brynn walked out of the room and down the hall, taking a quick peek inside. Everything was spotless. She breathed a sigh of relief and swiped a hand over her head. Oh my God, I must look a mess.
Brynn ran to the bathroom across the hall as Aaron’s voice filtered up the stairs.
“Honey, I’m home.”
“Be right there!” She glanced at herself in the mirror and winced. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair a wild mess. She grabbed the brush and pulled it through her hair quickly.
“You look beautiful, Mom,” Dani said, leaning against the door.
Brynn put the brush back and turned to her daughter. “If his mom makes you uncomfortable, we can leave. Okay?”
“Aaron told me he would take her to the inn if I felt uncomfortable at any time.”
Brynn’s shoulders relaxed and her heart quickened. He cares that much for Dani? Of course, he did. He married her so that her daughter could get lifesaving medical treatment. So why did I doubt him? “Ready?”
“Yup.”
Brynn slipped her hand in Dani’s and led the way downstairs where Aaron waited with his mother and her belongings.
Iris looked up to them, a warm smile tilting her lips that looked so much like the man’s next to her. “Hello, ladies.”
Brynn forced a polite smile as she stepped off the last stair. “Hello.”
Dani leaned against her. Brynn wrapped her arm around her daughter’s waist.
Iris’s gaze volleyed between them. “I think I’ll take a note from my son’s book and get straight to the uncomfortableness. Last time I was here, I know I hurt the two of you. I’ve done a lot of soul searching since then, and I realize I have a lot to learn about love and kindness. I was hoping you’d be kind enough to give me the opportunity to do so?”
Brynn’s gaze flicked to Aaron. His hands were in his pockets as he met her eyes. Patience exuded from him as they waited for her answer. Brynn turned to Dani. Her daughter offered her a smile and a nod.
Brynn faced Iris again, her throat tight. It was still so hard to speak up. “I understand it’s a lot to wrap your head around. As long as you’re respectful of my daughter, I’ll give you the same courtesy. I would never want to come between you and your son. And I know we all need a second chance in life.” Brynn reached out her hand to shake her mother-in-law’s. “I’m Brynn, and this is my daughter, Danielle.”
Iris slipped her hand into Brynn’s, her eyes growing glassy. “A fresh start?”
Brynn nodded.
“In that case, I’m Iris, and I’d love for Dani to call me Yaya if you’re both comfortable with that. I truly am excited to get to know my new daughter and granddaughter. Can I give you both a hug? I’m a hugger.” Iris opened her arms to them.
Dani walked into the woman’s embrace first, her child more trusting. At least their past hadn’t taken all her innocence away. Iris released Dani and gave Brynn a quick squeeze.
“I’ll take your things to your room, Ma. Why don’t you guys get dinner plated? It should be ready by now.” Aaron picked up the bags by his feet.
Brynn headed towards the kitchen, her steps a little lighter. One confrontation down, one to go.
A couple hours later they were still at the table. Dinner had started out a little awkward, but Aaron had been the buffer they all needed. He told more of his corny jokes, and Iris had shared stories of past holidays with Aaron as a child. It was the first time she’d gotten a glimpse into Aaron’s life before he was a man.
