Page 45 of Love Me Gently

“I still can’t believe…she’s so hurt…what kind of monster…” My mom shook her head as she started and stopped a half-dozen more sentences. Couldn’t blame her there, either. There wasn’t much to say and certainly no explanations to give where anything made sense.

“Dr. McElroy says nothing is broken, so that’s a good thing. She’ll heal, Ma. And she’s here and safe. Be thankful for the small things.”

“Right.” The edges of her lips curled up. “You’re so wise.”

“Had wise parents. What are you cooking?”

“Soup. Figured broth would be good for her, and she always liked my rolls so I’m baking some of them, too.”

A memory of eating dinner with Trina’s family came to mind. Sunday family dinners were a big thing around here and Pastor Mills, Trina’s dad, always insisted on having a potluck at his house. Mom always made sure to bring her rolls, and Trina, the picky eater she was, would have half her plate piled high with them, the other half usually macaroni and cheese.

“She did.” I chuckled at the memory and kissed my mom’s cheek. “Thanks for helping out and doing this. I appreciate it.”

Her warm, soft palm pressed to my cheek. A good eight inches taller than my mom, I’d towered over her since I was fourteen years old and in eighth grade. Being disciplined by a woman I could pick up and move out of the way had been unsettling, but lucky for Mom, she’d done a good job raising me to be respectful.

Plus, Dad woulda had my hide if I’d treated her any less than the good and sweet woman she was.

“I’m glad she’s here. Her face, though…”

I couldn’t think about how bad she looked without wanting to punch something. Which was why I kept trying to focus on the positive. “Good thing is it’ll never happen again. Not to her.”

Tears swelled in her eyes as she smiled and stepped back. “I still can’t believe she’s here, after all these years. Her parents will be so thrilled.”

“Don’t call them. Or don’t tell them. Not yet.”

“Why not?” Her shocked eyes jumped to me as she tasted her soup.

“That’ll be her choice, her timing and her decision.”

She’d had enough of them taken away. This wasn’t one I would push on her too soon.

“But—”

“Don’t, Ma. I know what you’re going to say, and I know they’d love to hear from her, but you gotta keep this quiet. At least until she’s awake and we can talk.”

Her lips worked back and forth before she finally nodded. “All right. I get what you’re saying.”

“Thank you. How were the kids and Marie?”

“June was upset you weren’t here. Ella didn’t seem to react. I told Marie you got called in for a case, so she happily took them.”

“Good.” I patted my back pocket and pulled out my phone. “I need to give her a call, let her know what’s going on.”

“You’re going to tell her?” My mom froze as she took bowls out of the cupboard and peered at me over her shoulder. “All of it?”

I couldn’t very well hide the fact I had a woman in my home from my kids. And that was if Marie was okay with them being here in the first place. “Of course not all. But this messes with her life too, right now.”

I dialed her number and while I expected her voice to be the one who answered, I wasn’t at all upset by the tiny little voice that did. “Daddy!”

“Hey Junie bug.” I grinned into the phone and headed downstairs. “You having fun?”

“Where were you today? I missed you, and I didn’t get my hug.”

“I know, kiddo. But things came up with work. I’ll get your hug soon.”

“I don’t like it when I can’t hug you.” Her little pouty tone started to shake. My heart hurt hearing it even if I knew she’d move on in a moment.

“I know, kiddo. It’s okay though, right? It’ll just make the next one extra special.”

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