by Vella Day
“I’m not sure I know how.” Her mom’s voice shook.
“Here’s one way. When I call you, don’t put me on hold right away. It always makes me feel like I’m not as important than who you’re with at the time.”
Her mom slapped a hand over her mouth, and her eyes ping ponged around. “I do that, don’t I? Amber, I’m so sorry.” Tears ran down her mother’s cheeks. She opened her purse and actually had a tissue. She wiped her eyes.
Amber waited for her mother to say more, but even that small admission was a big step.
Her mom cleared her throat. “So, show me this ring the boys gave you.”
Amber’s heart pounded in her chest. For the sake of possibly forging a new relationship with her mother, she held out her hand. Cade and Stone would want her to. And she did, too.
“Not that I’m asking your permission, but you seem rather calm about me being with two men.”
“It’s beautiful.” Her mother shifted her gaze to the side then back up at Amber. “I won’t lie. I’m having a hard time dealing with the idea. It isn’t natural, you know.”
Amber counted to ten, waiting for her mother to ask what she was going to do when her patients and fellow doctors found out. But she never did, and Amber’s pulse slowed. There might be hope.
The doorbell rang, and seconds later, Zoey and Melissa rushed in bearing trays of food. Jamie was right behind them.
“Excuse me. I have to see to my friends.” When Amber turned away, a piece of her heart crumpled. Her mom looked so lost. With time, her mom might figure out how to do better.
If Amber ever had children—and she wanted a ton—she would be the best mom ever. Before she reached the girls, Stone got there first and hugged her friends while Cade wrapped an arm around Amber’s waist.
He leaned over. “How did it go?”
“I’ve said my peace.” To her surprise, expressing her opinion brought some closure.
“Good. Did you promise her mercy?”
Amber chuckled. “No need. I gave her some already.” She glanced back at her mom who was sipping her wine, staring off into space.
Amber wanted to mend the wall that existed between them. For now, she wanted to love her men and love them hard.
Her mother set down her glass and stood. With straight shoulders, she strode toward them, looking like she used to so long ago.
“Amber, Cade, Stone. May I speak with you three for a moment?”
Amber’s stomach tumbled. Would her mom dash Amber’s hope of a possible healing between them? “Yes?”
Her mom closed her eyes for a moment then nodded. “I’ve come to ask if I could help you three plan your wedding?”
Goose bumps raced over Amber’s body, and joy spread through her veins. “Oh, Mom. I’d love that.” The tears she’d held at bay let loose.
Amber was filled up with hope and so much love. Her life just got better.