Page 151 of Make You Mine

“I don’t think I could have ever done anything on my own.”

“Hush, Mama,” I reassure her. “Like I said, there is nothing to thank us for. This is what’s right. We just made sure to take care of you.”

“You’re angels,” she says. “I’m so glad to have you, and that you have each other.” Mom turns to Kayden. “Take care of Maddy, okay?”

“Of course.” Kayden clears his throat, fixing his suit and digging his hands into his pockets now. “I may be Lucas’s son, but I’m not him. I’m here for the long run. I’ll always cherish your daughter. In fact, while we’re on the topic, I think it’s okay to tell you I’m never letting her go.”

Kayden intertwines his fingers with mine and raises our hands, startling me.

I did not expect him to do that, to give Mom the news like this.

My shiny ring is evident to the naked eye.

My heart races as he says the words. “We’re engaged.”

Mom gasps, a hand flying to her mouth. Tears spring down her face.

“I know it’s a little soon…” I say.

Mom shakes her head. “When you know, you know.”

“Exactly,” Kayden agrees.

“Don’t cry, Mom.” I caress her face, wiping away her tears.

“I’m just—My baby’s getting married.”

And that’s not all. I wish I could tell her the other news I have, but I’m scared this might do more harm than good. I need to let her process at a slower pace, make sure she’s okay with every step we take.

Hell, I need to talk to Kayden first.

“They’re tears of joy, baby.” Mom’s mouth curves up slightly. To everyone else, it looks like I’m comforting my grieving mother, not telling her I’m getting married to my stepbrother.

“Okay, I’ll let you cry now because it fits the situation,” I say. “You can’t be laughing at a funeral. But no more crying after this, okay? You’ve done enough crying for a lifetime, Mama.”

“Okay, darling.” She tries to compose herself.

“Excuse me, Miranda.” A short woman with red hair in a bun and a long gray dress interrupts us, placing a hand over Mom’s shoulder. “I just wanted to give my most sincere condolences.”

“We’d better get going,” Kayden says, seeing as more people near us, all wanting to talk to Mom.

“Thank you,” Mom says to the woman. “Just give me a minute, please.”

The woman nods and backs away, waiting in a line that starts to form.

“I have to talk to all these people, but how about you come home in a couple of days, and we have dinner together again?” She gestures to both Kayden and me. “To celebrate. Something private and small. I still need to sort out the details about the will, but I want to give you guys some money. It’s the least I can do. Okay?”

I’m about to complain, but Mom grazes her finger against my mouth.

“Shh. I’m not going to hear any complaints. I’m giving you money. You can do as you wish with it. We’ll talk to my lawyer later to arrange the details. Okay? I’ll see you soon?”

I nod, lean forward, and envelop her in a hug. Kayden hesitates once we break apart. Staring at Mom like he wants to hug her, but he isn’t sure if he should. She lifts the burden off him, reaching for his big, wide shoulders and wrapping her hands around them.

Kayden holds onto Mom, and I think I see a tear smear down his cheek.

“I’ll see you soon, darlings.”

“You got it, Miranda.” Kayden gives her a small nod. “We’ll see you soon.”