by Lori Ryan
“Mom, you were always there for me.”
She shook her head. “No, I wasn’t. I didn’t protect you from your father. I know you left to escape him. I should have left, too. A lot sooner. But I’m here now.”
“Have you heard from him?”
“Oh, yes. You know Gunnery Sergeant Darby doesn’t tolerate insubordination.”
Devlin grinned. “True. Have you called him back?”
Her mother shook her head. “Nope. He’s not my commanding officer. Not anymore.” She smiled and Devlin saw the determination in her eyes. “I have a daughter and a granddaughter who need me now.”
“We don’t know what the baby is yet.”
“She could be a girl. I’m going to call her girl until I’m told otherwise, so get used to it.”
“So you’re really not going home?”
“Not yet.” Her mother stroked Devlin’s arm. “Valerie said I could stay here for a while, with you.”
Devlin’s gaze fell and she picked at the yoga pants she was wearing. “I don’t know if I’m staying or not.”
“Well, of course you’re staying, silly,” her mother said as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
“Mom, I’m serious. Max is giving me ultimatums and saying he’s not going to control my life, but then he is.”
“Has it ever occurred to you that he’s just as scared of this as you are, Devlin? Scared of you hurting him?”
Devlin thought about her mother’s words. She hadn’t. Max had always seemed so strong, so sure of himself. She loved her cocky Max. She’d never want to change him.
“What exactly did Max say that has you so upset?”
Devlin sat in silence trying to recall their conversation.
“Did he say you have to stay here?”
Devlin shook her head, remembering the hundreds of times her mother had wanted to do things, go places, but her father had forbidden her.
“Did he say you have to give up your profession?”
“No,” Devlin said quietly. “He actually said the opposite.”
“What did he say?”
“He said…” Devlin swallowed, finally understanding just what Max was willing to give up. For her. He was willing to let go of the things most precious to him—his family, and his own dreams of staying in Canyon Creek. “He said he’d give up everything just to be with me. To be with the baby.”
“Do you love him?”
Devlin swallowed. Did she? “I barely know him, Mom.”
“Well, maybe that’s where you start?”
Devlin looked up at her mom. “What do you mean?”
“Your father whisked me off my feet when I was nineteen. I felt like I was Debra Winger in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’”
“Who?”
“Never mind.” Her mother waved her off. “The point is, I didn’t take the time to get to know your father. I just said ‘yes’ when he asked me. He was a big tough Marine and I was a love-struck girl, high on romance novels. I thought I was in love. I thought he’d carry me off for a life filled with romance and adventure.”
“But he didn’t.” It wasn’t a question.
“No, he didn’t. I’ve always regretted not getting to know your father before I said ‘yes’. Maybe I would have seen the signs of his controlling personality.’” Her mother’s gaze met hers, love shining deep inside her. “But one thing I never regretted was having you. I’d do it all again, put up with everything he did to me just to have you. The only thing I would change would be in staying with him for so long. Putting you through all of his abuse.”
Devlin’s chin quivered as she bit back tears. She was so tired of crying, but her mother’s words warmed her like a blanket. Devlin understood the unconditional love a mother had for her child. She already felt it for her unborn baby. She’d just never believed her mom felt that for her. She always saw her mom as choosing her husband over her daughter.
But maybe her mom had needed to get to the point where she could love herself enough to allow herself to be strong for Devlin.
And maybe Devlin needed to do that for her own child. Maybe she needed to heal, to get past the way her dad had crippled her, so that she could make the right decisions for herself and her child instead of always just being on the defensive.
“Get to know him,” her mother said. “Find out what Max is really like. I think you’ll be surprised. It’s okay to need him. He’s not like your father, Devlin.”
“How do you know?”
“Call it mother’s intuition.” She winked. “I’ve developed better instincts over the years. You spend thirty years with a man like your father and you come to recognize him in others pretty quickly.”
Devlin shook her head. “But you haven’t met Max, in person.”
“I didn’t have to. I talked to his mother. Valerie is the one who picked me up from the airport. We talked all the way from Denver to Canyon Creek.”
“And?” Devlin raised her brows in question.
“Give him some time, Devlin. He’s just as worried as you are. Let him prove that he’s not going to try to change you. Prove that you’re not going to try to change him. But you have to remember something.”
“What?”
“Love isn’t about changing someone. It’s about being changed, because of their love.” She brushed a piece of hair from Devlin’s face and tucked it behind her ear. “Your father didn’t give me that kind of love but it doesn’t mean every man is like that.”
Warm tears trailed down her face. “And what about for you, Mom?”
She smiled. “Maybe. Who knows, maybe your father can change. I’m not going to wait around and find out, though. He’s kept me away from you for far too long. I’ve kept myself away. I’m here for you now, wherever your life leads you and the baby.”
“That’s what Max said.” Devlin said on a sob.
“He said he’s going to be there for you?”
“And the baby, wherever that is,” Devlin said.
“Well, that’s a good place to start.”
Devlin had to agree. Max and she needed to start over. An idea popped into her mind, but she’d need some help. She was surprised to find that this time she wasn’t afraid to ask for it.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Max stood in his mother’s kitchen, staring at her as she peered into the oven. He’d smelled the lasagna baking from upstairs, the mouthwatering aroma drawing him down to the kitchen.
She stood up straight and smoothed her dress. “You sure you don’t want to come? Karaoke is at the lodge tonight,” she said. “You could come after you eat.”
Karaoke, Max thought. The lodge and the resort alternated hosting it each week as part of their effort to increase their revenue. He’d met Devlin on Karaoke night at the resort. He shook his head to rid the memories.
“I’m sure,” he said. “How much longer on the lasagna?”
She smiled knowingly. “About five minutes. Just make sure it sits for at least ten to twenty minutes after it comes out to soak up the juices.”
“Sure.” Yeah, like that was going to happen. Max was starving.
“Is everything all right, sweetie?” she asked.
“I’m good,” he said. “Just tired. I’m going to eat and probably call it an early night.”
“Aaron!” his mother shouted. “You coming?”
Max had completely forgotten that his brother Aaron was still in town.
“Man, what smells so good?” Aaron asked behind him. “You didn’t tell me you were making lasagna.”
“It’s not for you,” his mother said. “We’re eating out tonight.”
“Why can’t I have lasagna?” Aaron’s eyes darted from their mother to Max.
“What are you still doing here?” Max asked. “I thought you were flying back this morning with Grant.”
“Doc Olson wants to meet with me.” Aaron shrugged. “I had a few more days leave from the hospital, so I stayed.”
“You didn’t
tell me you were meeting with Doc Olson.” Their mother looked at Aaron.
“You were kind of busy with wedding stuff, Ma.”
“What does Doc Olson want?” Max asked.
“Don’t know.” Aaron shrugged.
Max could tell by the way his brother wouldn’t meet their gaze that he was lying, but Max wouldn’t pry.
“Kayleigh Montgomery is going to be at Karaoke tonight, Aaron, and I want you to be nice to her.”
“I have been nice, Ma,” he almost whined.
“Dude, you called her a pet doctor.” Max laughed.
“What? She is a pet doctor. I still don’t understand what’s so offensive about that. People call me a heart doctor.”
“Well, you should apologize.” His mother smiled and Max recognized that look.
“You better get the hell out of Canyon Creek while you still can,” Max said. “I think Ma’s got her matchmaker hat on again.”
Aaron rolled his eyes. “Not a chance, Ma. I love you but my career is in Chicago. You know that.”
“I know,” his mother sighed, “but you can’t blame a mom for trying.” She checked the lasagna again, then turned back to them. “Max, are you still working on your special project with Shawn?” His mother said, switching topics. She was a master at changing the subject.
“How the hell did you find out about that?” Max had wanted to keep the project a secret until he was done but apparently Shawn and Emmett were unable to keep their big mouths shut. Shawn was a quiet guy, so his bet was that Emmett had spilled the beans.
“I’m your mother.” She laughed, tapping her temple. “I know everything.”
“I really need to find my own place,” Max muttered.
“Does that mean you’re staying?” His mother’s brows rose as she smiled.
He shrugged. “It was a figure of speech.”
“Hmm,” his mother said, moving quickly around the kitchen.
Max’s gut tightened. She was up to something, he just didn’t know what. And he probably didn’t want to.
“You going to Karaoke tonight?” Aaron asked.
“Nah, I’m going to stay home and take it easy tonight.” His knees were giving him trouble, and his heart wasn’t in much better shape. The last thing he wanted to do was be social.
“How’s Devlin doing?” his mother asked.
He looked at his mother suspiciously. “What brought that question on?”
She remained silent.
“I haven’t seen her since I got back from Denver,” he said. “Her mom took her to the doctor. She said she’s still in a lot of pain. Mostly from her ribs, I think.”
“Why haven’t you seen her?” his mother asked.
“She doesn’t want to see me, Ma. Leave it alone.”
Aaron laughed.
“Okay, okay.” She waved her hand in defeat. Max noted she had conceded way too easily. Valerie Sumner didn’t do that. Ever. “Broken ribs can take a while to heal,” she said, slipping on a bracelet and reaching for a pair of earrings she’d left on the counter.
“How do you know? And what are you getting all dressed up for?”
“I know because I cracked a rib one time while we were building the bed and breakfast. And I like to look nice. Is that so wrong?”
Aaron walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, tossing it to Max before getting one for himself. “How’d you manage to break a rib, Ma?”
“You two aren’t the only ones who can swing a hammer.” She smirked.
Max glanced at his brother. “Apparently I’m the only one who can without hurting himself.”
She laughed. His mother’s laugh felt like home. Suddenly, visions of Devlin flashed in his mind.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing.” He shook his head.
His mother leaned a hip on the counter. “So, Devlin really likes the B and B doesn’t she?”
“Yeah. She said it’s the first place that’s felt like home to her in a long time.”
“Yes, her mother was telling me a little about that on the way here from Denver. That reminds me.” His mother went to the desk drawer in the corner of the huge living room.
“What did her mother tell you?”
“That Devlin really hasn’t found her place in this world yet, but that she really liked Colorado.”
“Neither have I,” Max said under his breath. Although, thanks to Warner Noble, of all people, he had a feeling he just might figure it out.
“Here.” His mother slid an envelope across the bar.
Max reached out and took it, turning it around to open it.
“No, don’t open it yet.”
“Why?” he asked, brows up. “What’s going on?”
“Just, open it later, after I’m gone.”
Max studied his mother then looked at Aaron. She was definitely up to something.
“So what did you find out when you were in Boulder at the university?” His mother asked, trying for casual, but not really achieving it.
Max slipped the envelope in his back pocket and sat down on one of the stools. “I found out I don’t want to coach. Too many hours, too many long drives and flights to away games. It’s not what I want, especially with the baby on the way.”
“I still can’t picture you as a dad,” Aaron said.
“Me neither.” Max had no idea how he would handle it, but he would. Of that much, he was sure.
He didn’t mention that the University of Colorado had also offered him a consulting job. They wanted him to analyze game film and offer suggestions on play and strategy. They’d even offered him the opportunity to do it from home, wherever that was, but Max wasn’t sure if he wanted that life any more. He wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
No, that was wrong. He was sure of one thing. He wanted Devlin, and the baby, even if she didn’t feel the same way.
“What about their rehab facility?” his mother asked. “Didn’t you want to look at that as well?”
“Yeah, U of C has one of the best in the nation. I think we could learn a lot from them, if Warner is serious about opening up a camp and rehab place here.”
“With your college degree and clout in the NFL, and Warner’s land and business background, I’m sure you two could build a state-of-the-art training and rehab facility here in Canyon Creek,” she said. “And it would be a real boost to the economy. If that’s what you want.” His mother turned to Aaron. “And your brother could consult for you. He’s a doctor.”
“Ma,” Aaron warned. “I’m a cardiologist. Big difference.”
His mother swatted the air and turned her back, effectively dismissing his objection.
Max didn’t say anything.
Warner had approached Max several weeks ago, before Max had found out Devlin was pregnant, about opening up some kind of athletic facility in Canyon Creek. Warner had played college football, as well. Once Warner discovered Max had a degree in biomedical engineering, the conversation had quickly turned to rehabilitation as well as training.
Oddly enough, Max had found himself sharing his story of addiction to painkillers with Warner. He’d told him about the rehab and how he’d turned to alternative medicines for help. Warner believed that with Max’s degree and Colorado’s commitment to alternative medicines, they could create a place where people could come for all kinds of healing.
Max had stayed in Denver for two days after dropping his brothers off at the airport, touring two rehab facilities. He knew Devlin needed distance after the accident, so he’d used the time to gather more information about whether opening a place here in Canyon Creek was even an option.
Warner and Max’s plans were still in the infancy stages but Max had quickly realized that opening a sports rehab facility was a possibility. He’d also realized it was a possibility that he liked. But he would give it all up in a heartbeat if Devlin didn’t want to stay here. Warner knew that and said he would support Max’s decision either way.
The doorbell rang at the
same time that the timer for the oven went off.
“Can you get that, Maxwell? It’s probably Aunt Sally and Warner,” his mother said as she opened the oven to remove the lasagna.
Maxwell? He hadn’t even cursed. Yeah, she was definitely up to something.
“Why would Aunt Sally ring the doorbell?” Aaron asked.
“Come in,” Max shouted.
“Maxwell!” his mother scolded. “If I wanted you to yell, I wouldn’t have asked you to open the door.”
Again with the Maxwell. “Calm down, Ma.”
“Go get the door,” she growled through gritted teeth.
Aaron moved toward the entry.
“No! Not you, Aaron. Max, you go.”
Max shot a look at his brother as he slid off his stool.
Aaron shrugged and shook his head as Max walked cautiously toward the entryway. He pulled the door open and his mouth fell in surprise as he stared down at the person in front of him.
“Hi,” Devlin said, a bottle of wine in her hand.
Max’s gaze traveled down her body and noticed one leg cased in a walking boot.
“Did you drive here?” he asked. Where the hell had that come from?
“No,” she nodded behind her. “Your Aunt Sally and Warner gave me a ride.”
“Oh, hello Devlin,” his mother said, scooting around him. “What a lovely surprise.”
Max rolled his eyes. This was no surprise.
“Good night, darling.” She kissed Max on the cheek, then Devlin. “Aaron, come on. Aunt Sally’s here.”
Aaron pushed past them, squeezing Max’s shoulder in sympathy. “Sorry dude, I had no clue,” he said quietly.
“You kids have a lovely time. There’s lasagna fresh out of the oven, Devlin, and a salad in the fridge. Aaron and I will probably spend the night at Aunt Sally’s tonight.”
“Wait, what?” Aaron said.
His mother grabbed his arm and in an unusual display of strength, dragged his brother across the yard toward the car.
“Have fun kids!” Aunt Sally yelled from the passenger’s window. “I would say not too much fun, but that ship has sailed!”