Page 115 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

“Glad I could be of service.”

Little chit-chat fills the table, and as I look around for people’s reactions—especially my mom’s—I see Quinn staring at me.

“What?”

“It isn’t really PR is it?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I mean, I know, but I didn’t realize I was that easy to read.

“You love him, don't you?"

Yup. Busted.

"I do.“

Wow, I said it out loud for real.

And judging by everyone’s faces, they’re just as shocked as I am about that.

"I wasn't expecting it. I didn't see it coming,” I continue. “And God knows if you would’ve told me a year ago that I'd be married to a twenty-nine-year-old billionaire, I would have laughed in your face, let alone being in love with him.”

"But you are," Ainsley says, a loving look in her eyes like she just finished reading a fairy tale. “Your smile says it all. You’re happy.”

“I am.” I can’t help but realize that now Ainsley is the second person I love who has commented that I’m smiling again. “He was unexpected, I admit. But I'm happy.”

Every woman’s face around the table softens, including the head of our family.

“Mom? Anything to add?”

She takes a second to gather her words, and when her eyes meet mine, I know that she’s one-hundred percent Team Maeve and Logan.

“I hate to rehash the past,” Mom begins. “You would’ve never married Josh if it wasn’t for getting pregnant with Jayce. And while he was a surprise, I know none of us can imagine life without him. But what I also can’t imagine is you still being married to Josh. Y’all did it for the baby, and I respected it. But you weren’t happy. Neither was he. No one ever thought it was going to work out. Andthat'swhy I never told him to call me Mom.”

She pauses for a second and glances back out into the living room where Logan is still in video game heaven with the boys. They’re loud, and screaming, and my dad is the most unbothered man on the planet.

“That man out there, though you might’ve married him for reasons that weren’t originally for love, I could tell from the second that he walked in my front door that he was somebodydifferent. The pictures I saw of you two the other night online, I've never seen you look happier or glowing in my life. I saw my daughter in love. And that's all we ever want for our children. That’s all I ever wanted for you.”

I stand up and walk over, embracing my mom in a hug as the tears start leaking from my eyes. “Thank you.”

Before I know it, a group hug has engulfed me, with all my sisters wrapping their arms around me. The sentiment is wonderful. The love that I have for these women is unmatched. But I also can't breathe, so I need this to stop.

“All right, air is necessary.” My message gets across as everyone walks away while laughing and dabbing tears from their eyes. “I do, though, want to apologize to all of you. I hated having to keep the reasons quiet and not be completely honest.”

Quinn shakes her head. “You did what you had to do.”

Stella follows. “Like you always do.”

Just when I think we’re done, Mom clears her throat. “Yes, you did. You’re a fighter, and you do what you need to do to protect your family.”

“I feel a but coming on…”

“You’re right.” Demetria Banks is nothing if predictable. “But if this is going to be something that’s going to last, I would love to see my daughter get a proper ceremony. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, and your father and I will pay for everything.”

“Mom, she’s married to an actual billionaire. I don’t think they need you to help with flowers for their redo.”

“Shush, Quinn.”

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