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“Morning, Franklin. We are, at your mother’s wishes.”
I place the gift to my mother, wrapped in a gold ribbon, on the table. “What has my mother requested for breakfast?”
“Her favorite fruits and yogurts followed by eggs and mushrooms.”
“No bacon?”
“No, Franklin, she is minimizing her meat in meals.” She tries to hide her smile.
“It is Mother’s Day.”
My father appears and pats my shoulder. “Franklin, did you sleep well?”
“I did,” I lie. “I didn’t consume my body weight in alcohol like my brothers. Though it might have helped me.”
“Your sister tried to keep them in line. She lectured Brandon and Byron on their professional appearances if they were serious about getting drafted.” His expression is one of amusement. “Made it clear that being drafted isn’t just about talent but about appearances and discipline as well.”
I smirk at my father. “Lottie could surprise us and be CEO material.”
Dad rubs a finger and thumb over his chin, grooming an invisible beard. “Sophia has high hopes for Charlotte. She might just come through and prove her brothers wrong.”
“She has more assertiveness in her at this age than all of us.”
“Not you, son.”
“I think she does. I had no one to compare to with Jobe being five years younger than me.”
“In fairness, Byron is five years younger than him.” Is Dad showing leniency to my brothers?
“And Charlotte is only fifteen months younger than Byron,” Mom says as she steps outside. “Franklin is right. Charlotte’s potential stems from being a strong woman… something I taught her.”
“You?” Dad acts offended.
“Yes, me. You were barely around, Carson, and while I was playing referee to the older boys, I juggled two young toddlers. Charlotte quickly learned to defend herself from her older brothers.” She takes a seat beside my father. “The credit is mine.”
I can’t help admiring my mother. “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.” I stand and kiss her cheek before handing her the gift.
Lola appears with the bunch of peonies I also organized, all neatly arranged in a vase. “For you.”
“Franklin, you always manage to put a smile on my face even though I say I need for nothing but to have my children with me. Oh, my darling,” Mom says after she’s unwrapped the box. “My favorite Roja perfume. Ah, what’s this?” She pulls out a candle. “Oh, Franklin.” She studies the Jo Malone London label. “Peony.” She removes the lid and inhales the scent. “You always seem to know what I like.” Her expression is filled with gratitude.
“I’m glad you approve.”
Mom smiles at me. “Thank you.”
Dad wraps an arm around Mom’s shoulder. “You deserve the world, my love.”
She leans a head on his shoulder. “I’m too tired to argue.”
“Talking about last night…” Dad looks at me, “… did Penelope have an enjoyable evening?”
“She appeared to, although it was not the plan I had for her meeting you all.”
“My apologies. I met her for lunch and invited her. Jobe had told us how much she means to you. And if we were to wait for you for an introduction—” Mom stops and stares at me.
“You’re lucky it’s Mother’s Day.”
“Morning,” Charlotte almost sings as she comes to the table. She hands Mom a small box and kisses her cheek before sitting beside me. “Something small since I’m on a student’s budget.”
