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“Not really. I mean, I’d still like to have my food cart, but that won’t be baked goods.”
“I feel bad that you can’t do that, Morgan. A girl your age should be building her dream, and here you are stuck with me cleaning toilets. Speak of being a burden.”
I put down my spoon, going to my mom and kneeling in front of her. “Don’t ever say that again.” I took her hands in mine. “I love you mom, and you’re not a burden. I don’t mind cleaning. It’s honest work.”
“But not your passion. I’d hoped I’d do well enough that you could go out into the world and become whatever you wanted.”
“I don’t want any more than to be here with you,” I said to her. Of course, I had dreams that were on hold, but I didn’t blame her for that. She was a wonderful mom, and we were making due. I’d rather have this life with her, than a perfect one without her.
“You’re not being truthful.”
“I am. Would I like to have more money? Sure. Work with food. Yes. But I’m not unhappy, Mom. I like the idea that it’s you and me against the world.”
She smiled, and a tear fell down her cheek. “I’m afraid I’m not a very good fighter anymore.”
“So, I’ll fight for the both of us.” I squeezed her hands. “You and me, Mom.”
She nodded and sniffed. “You and me, baby.”
Thirty minutes later, I finally pulled out finished lemon lavender cookies. As they cooled, I changed clothes to get ready for dinner at Beth’s while my mom rested.
Beth sent a car for me, and as I rode toward their multimillion-dollar condo on the river, I began to think that while part of my problem with Kade was the fact that while I wasn’t part of his world, I did, on occasion, have a chance to be in it. In my everyday life, I didn’t have a car or chauffeur. I didn’t even splurge on an Uber. I rode the subway. Perhaps being friends with Beth was giving me ideas about a life that I shouldn’t be having. I’d need to watch for that.
I arrived at their place, and the doorman let me in. I rode the elevator up to their floor. When I knocked, Hannah opened the door.
“Morgan!” She threw herself into my arms.
“Hey munchkin. I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you. I was with my Uncle Chase and Aunt Sara. She’s fat because she’s got a baby in her tummy. She let me put my hand on it when the baby moved.”
“Wow.”
Hannah made a face. “It was weird.”
I laughed, and wondered how long it would be before Ash and Beth decided on expanding their family.
“There you are,” Beth said as she met me in the living area. She looked tanned and beautiful, and so, so happy. I was happy for her, even as I envied her.
“I brought some cookies,” I said holding up the plate I’d put them on.
Beth opened the plastic wrap. “Lemon?”
“And lavender.”
“God, how decadent. Ash, Morgan is here.” She took my arm. “Come. We’re grilling out on the terrace.”
“Are you going to give me every detail of your honeymoon?” I asked as I followed her out.
“Yes.” She waggled her eyebrows.
“There’s a child in the room,” Ash said, his cheeks coloring probably at the idea that I was going to hear all activities they’d done on their honeymoon. Of course, she wouldn’t go into every detail. But it would be enough that I could live vicariously through her.
“We’ll talk later,” she said. “White wine? Or do you want something stronger?”
“Wine is fine.”
It was so nice to sit with Beth and chat as Ash grilled and cooked.
“It must be nice to have a man cooking for you,” I said.
“It helps that he has a brother who taught him all he knows. Kade can be an ass, but boy can he cook.”
I flinched and drank my wine.
“You seemed to enjoy his food at the rehearsal dinner. And him.”
I looked at her to see if she was fishing or if she knew something. Had Kade told them something? The expectant look suggested she was fishing.
“You know me. Food is my love.”
“Well, speaking of which,” Ash said as he set dinner on the table. “Honey, are you going to tell her?”
Beth grinned and bounced a bit like Hannah did when she was excited. “I’ve got good news.”
So, they’d started on the family during the honeymoon.
“I’ve got a gift for you, and before you say no, you have to hear me out.”
Uh oh. Every now and then, she’d try to give us money or pay for things, but unless it was life or death, my mom and I were adamant that we make our own way.
“Sara and Grace have started a foundation with Raven Industries, and while I’m all for charity, I’ve been looking at other ways I can be a part of the family.”
