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I nod. “We do, but I’ve been so focused on dealing with this family, that I’ve managed to hurt her in the process.”
“You need to make it right.”
“I intend to, Mom. The love I share with her is special. I’m going to grab it with both hands and never let it go. But it means making a few sacrifices.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m going to lay it out for you, Mom.”
I spend the next thirty minutes telling my mother exactly what I’m going to do. She’s in tears by the end.
“Carter, please don’t do this. It will destroy this family.”
“I have to. I’m sorry if you feel I’ve failed you, but this needs to be done. You can leave him whenever you want. I’ll take care of you. You’ll always have a place with me.”
She shakes her head. “My place is with your father.”
I love my mother, but she’s not half the woman Reagan is.
* * *
REAGAN
It’s the night before Jess and Hayden’s wedding. Somehow, I’ve gotten myself involved in a big slumber party in the bridal suite. It’s just about the last thing I want to do right now.
It’s Jess, my sisters, Mom, Kylie, Melissa, Aunt Cass, Jess’s mother, a few of Jess’s friends, and me.
I see Melissa and Mom in a corner talking. I assume things are a little awkward since Melissa’s drunken behavior at Mom’s house.
Harley throws her arms around me as she and Skylar surround me. “Are you okay?”
I shrug. “Not really. Though I’d rather be me right now than have to suffer through that awkward conversation.” I motion my head toward Mom and Melissa.
They both laugh. Skylar shakes her head. “Ouch. That definitely doesn’t look fun.”
Mom walks over to us. We look at her in question. “She apologized for her behavior. She’s embarrassed about the whole thing. She was so far gone, she doesn’t even remember exactly what she said. We’re letting it go. It’s water under the bridge. Life is too short to let that kind of nonsense bother you.”
Mom rubs my arm. “Carter came to see me again today. He’s a mess.”
“Mom, please stop talking to him. We’re over.”
She looks at me like I’m broken. I think I am. She runs her hands through my hair like she did when I was a little girl. “Sweetie, do you still love him?”
I don’t answer, but tears well in my eyes.
She gives me a small smile. “I thought so. He loves you. Very much. I know you have things to work through, but I’m sure of his feelings for you. He’s head over heels in love with you. You mean everything to him. He’s a lost soul without you.”
I shake my head. “Mom, he’s just not the man I thought he was. I need a strong, principled man. I want the whole package. I want perfection. Like Dad.”
Mom lets out a laugh. “Dad wasn’t perfect.”
“Yes, he was.”
“He’s your father, and I’m glad you saw him that way, but he had flaws too. Everyone does.”
“Like what?”
“Like insecurity regarding Nelson. Like lying to me about it. His fractured relationship with his brother.” I don’t ever remember meeting our uncle on his side. “His damn motorcycle obsession and disregard for my safety rules.” She gives me a knowing look, and I attempt to hide my smile. “I know he kept certain things from me under the guise of protecting me, but it’s still not right.”
