Page 134 of The Things That Hold Us

My mom.

Slowly, I sit up and grab it as I reach for Logan's flannel to toss on so I can go downstairs.

I hit the answer button as soon as my chest is covered, “Hi mom.”

“Hi sweetie! I hope I didn’t wake you?”

I laugh, “No, mom, you didn't. Is everything ok? It’s only..” I pull my phone away from my ear to check the time, “8 in the morning.”

“Oh yes, everything is fine. I just haven't heard from you in a while, besides a few texts here and there. I wanted to check on you.”

I open the front door, and walk out onto the front porch. “I’m sorry, things have just been non-stop here with the new space. I’ve hardly had time for anything.”

I hear her laugh, “I know sweetheart. How is the shop? Is it fully set up?”

I explain to her everything we’ve done, and send a couple pictures. I really have been bad at staying in touch with her over these last few weeks.

“Listen, I was thinking.” she starts, “I want to come visit that new town of yours, what is it? Rosemary something?”

I throw my head back laughing, “Sage Valley mom. Sage, not rosemary.”

“Oh close enough. Anyway, I was thinking of visiting again. There’s a cute little cottage for sale, not too far from your new shop, and I wanted to take a look at it.”

My jaw drops, but my heart swells. Having my mom close to me again would be like a dream come true.

“Mom, that sounds amazing. When were you thinking? You could stay with Logan and I? I would just have to get some things set up first.”

“I was thinking in two weeks, for Thanksgiving?”

I smile to myself, “That sounds perfect. I’ll let him know to get his butt in gear on the house.”

My mom laughs, and the sound makes me smile more. I miss my mom so much. Having her live in the same town as me would be amazing.

“You sound so happy, Charlie.”

A lone tear slips from the corner of my eye just as I hear Logan come out onto the porch. He looks at me concerned, but I wave him off, assuring him I am ok.

“I am happy, mom. I’m so happy.” I say as my eyes meet Logan’s.

And for the first time in a long time, I believe it.

We finish talking, and I hang up, wiping at my face.

Logan reaches over and caresses my cheek.

“These are happy tears, right?” he asks.

“Yes, they are happy tears.”

“Good. What did your mom have to say?

I fill him in on everything, letting him know he has two weeks to get this house up and running decent enough for my mom to come stay with us, and I swear the amount of excitement in his eyes about my mom coming just warms my heart even more.

Sam might have been the first one to hold my heart; but I couldn't have asked for a better person to get my second chance at love with.

Logan is my home and my new forever.

But Sam will always hold a special place in my heart.

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