Page 268 of Champagne Nights

“I love you too. We can cuddle later and watch a movie.” I smiled.

“Among other things,” he signed as he gave me a wink and walked out the door.

I texted my mom when we landed, and I promised her I would come over when I got home. Setting my suitcase on the bed, I unzipped it, took out the gift I bought her, and went down to her apartment.

“AH! It’s good to see you, sweetheart.” She hugged me before I could even get through the door.

“It’s good to see you too, Mom.”

Stepping inside, I handed her the bag with the gift and took a deep breath. I knew the questions about the so-called art dealer would be coming any minute.

“Thank you, baby. So, tell me all about this art dealer guy. What’s he buying and for where?”

“Can you make me a cup of tea?” I asked.

“Of course. You talk while I listen.

My belly was a nervous wreck because I wasn’t sure how she was going to react.

“There’s something I have to tell you,” I spoke.

She turned around and looked at me with a worried expression.

“What is it?” she signed.

“There was no art dealer. It was a plan Henry orchestrated to get me out there so we could talk.”

“WHAT!” she signed with an angry look on her face.

“Mom, calm down. I’m happy he did it because I love him, and he loves me, and we put everything behind us. We talked the entire week, and I’ve never been happier.”

She stood there as a look of disapproval crossed her face.

“What about Frankie?”

“His role was just to get me there. Once he did, he left. Henry and I spent the entire week alone and got to know each other on a deeper level. I love him, Mom, and I won’t allow you to stand there and be mad at me or at him.”

She placed her hands on the counter and lowered her head.

“Everyone makes mistakes, mom.”

“Just a couple of weeks ago, you hated him,” she signed. “And now he sweeps you off your feet by bringing you to Malibu and treating you like a queen, and that makes everything okay?”

“I told you we talked. That’s what people do after they fight. They talk it out.”

“And you couldn’t have done that here, why?” Her brow arched.

“Because he knew I wouldn’t. My anger clouded everything, and I never gave him a chance to properly explain. He’s an amazing man, Mom, and he loves me for exactly who I am. He doesn’t care that I’m deaf. He loves me for me, and no man has ever done that before.” Tears swelled in my eyes.

“I thought he was a good man until he didn’t tell you about his fiancée, but if you forgave him, then so can I. I guess.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I walked over and gave her a hug.

We both sat down, had some tea, and I told her all about the things we did in California.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Henry

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