Page 138 of Three Pucks and a Baby

While Vivian and I froze, an irritated look flashed in Theo’s eyes. “You better watch what you say. You know how possessive Bennett is of Vivian.”

Appearing sheepish, Grayson replied, “Sorry. I was just teasing.”

Laura grinned as she patted his arm. “I think it’s wonderful that Vivian has you in her life as well.”

After glancing around, Vivian asked, “Mom, if the shower doesn’t start for another hour, why did you tell us to get here so early?” Vivian asked.

A secretive smile curved on Laura’s lips. “I have a surprise for Bennett that I thought he might like to enjoy before the others arrived.”

“You do?” I asked.

Laura nodded. “Close your eyes.”

“I’m not sure I like the sound of this,” I teased.

“Oh, just humor me, sweetheart.”

After pinching my eyes shut, I said, “Okay, I’m ready.”

A few moments passed, and I could’ve sworn I heard heels clacking along the floor. Just when I started to get agitated about looking like an idiot, Laura said, “All right. You can look.”

As I opened my eyes, my breath hitched. Just a few feet in front of me was my mother. “Mom?” I choked out.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Hey, Bennett.”

I blinked in disbelief. “You’re really here?”

She nodded. “It took me far too long, but I’m here.”

Her words sent an ache reverberating through me. All the years of hurt swirled in an angry cloud around me. She’d let him throw me out. She’d let him beat me bloody that time to try to drive the gay out. She’d let him cut me out of her life.

As if she could read my thoughts, Mom took a tentative step forward. “I’m so sorry, Bennie. The greatest sin of my life was allowing the hurt from your father.

Although I knew a few words would never be enough to erase the past, the young boy who adored his mother couldn’t be held back. I then rushed forward to draw her into my arms.

Closing my eyes, I let the tears stream down my cheeks. She rubbed wide circles along my back just like she had when I was little and got hurt.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered.

“So have I, sweetheart. So very much. I promise I’ll never let us be apart again.”

I pulled back to stare into her eyes in disbelief. “You won’t?”

She shook her head. “I’ve already lost almost six years of your life. I don’t want to lose another day. Especially not when you’re having a baby.”

How did you know?”

“Laura tracked me down.”

Turning around, I looked at Laura. She stood with her arm around Vivian. Both of them had tears streaming down their cheeks. “Thank you.”

“You’re so very welcome, sweetheart.”

Looking back at Mom, I asked, “And you flew up here all alone?”

She grinned. “I had some company.”

A volatile mix of fear and anger swirled within me at the thought of my father. At a noise in the doorway, I swept my attention away from my mom. My heart leaped into my throat at the sight of my younger sisters, Lindsey and Hannah.

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