Page 95 of Untroubled Heart

Mason jogs past me and down the porch steps as a car comes down the driveway.

“I’m sure Caspian would love having his place back. I really need to look for somewhere of my own.”

“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mind,” I say. “We both know he’s a mama’s boy.”

Mum chuckles, and it brings a smile to my face. I’m sad for her heartache, but I’m so grateful that it’s allowed us to grow closer. Dad never deserved her loyalty, but I’ve always craved her love and attention. It feels like I’m in a place to have a deeper relationship with her now.

“I’m so lucky to have you both.”

Mason comes back with a take-out bag in hand, and I join him at the table.

“I know you never got married, but you lived in that house for almost thirty years. I’m sure you should get some sort of compensation from the relationship.”

Mason bumps his knee against mine, stealing my attention. When I look at him, he’s nodding his head vehemently and pointing to his chest.

“What?” I whisper, amused.

“The house technically belongs to Grandma,” Mum says as Mason mouths, “I’ll sort it,” while tearing up a napkin.

I cover the mouthpiece with my hand. “Sort what?”

“What was that, sweetie?”

“Nothing, Mum. Mason was just saying something.”

“Oh, yes. Tell me about this boy. I’ve only heard bits from Caspian, who’s heard things from Westley.”

“Those two gossip worse than when Grandma used to come home after bingo.”

Mum bursts out laughing. “I hear he’s wonderful with Navie,” she says.

“He is.” I smile at him. “He’ll feed her and change her. He always makes time for the both of us.”

Mason leans over, holding up a rose he’s fashioned from his napkin.

“Well, I think I should definitely come to the city and meet him. And, I would love to spend time with you and my granddaughter.”

“Put it on speakerphone,” Mason whispers.

“Just a sec, Mum, Mason wants to say something.” I change it to speaker and hold the phone between us.

“Hello, Miss Moore.”

“Hi, Mason. Please, call me Elena.”

“I just wanted to let you know how much I’m looking forward to meeting you in person, and if it’s alright with you and your daughter, I’d love to treat you to a nice hotel stay while you’re here.”

“My goodness. How very sweet.”

“We can go out to dinner. I have a boat too! Oh, and you can meet my parents.”

My chest fills, almost exploding, as Mason keeps listing all the things we can do together when my mum comes to visit. I always wanted a big, uncontained love, and Mason shouts his from the rooftops.

“Looks like I may need to stay a while.” Mum’s voice is beaming with happiness.

“Whenever and however long you need, Mum.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I should let you two go. I’ve got the late lunch shift at the pub.”