Page 89 of Stroke of Fate

Damn, there really is a reason they say there’s no place like home.

“I’ve missed my baby boy.”

“Missed you too, Ma,” I say gruffly as she squeezes the life out of me.

She gives me one last squeeze before finally stepping back. Her eyes find Bear standing behind me, and I swear her smile gets even bigger.

“Bear, it’s so lovely to meet you.” My mom embraces Bear like she’s known her forever.

Based on how much she already knows about her, courtesy of our phone conversations, she isn’t exactly a stranger in my mom’s eyes.

“Thank you for letting me stay this weekend, Sophia.”

Bear’s eyes drift briefly to me, then back to my mom. On the drive over, I told her my mom prefers being called by herfirst name. Being referred to as Missus anything makes her feel old. Her words, not mine.

“Of course! I’m excited to have another girl around.”

“Jeez, thanks, Ma. You sure know how to make your only child feel loved,” I grumble.

Bear laughs, and despite it being at my expense, I’m glad to see her shoulders relax as some of the nervous tension disappears.

“Oh, please. You know I love you.” She pats my shoulder and walks us to the stairs. “I wish we could catch up, but I know it’s late, and we have to be up early tomorrow.”

She’s right. Meets are typically an all-day thing, sometimes even spanning across multiple days.

“We’ve got tomorrow night to talk,” I remind her. “You still making my favorite for dinner?”

“Yes, I bought the good steaks for you. I hope you’re fine with steak and veggies?” Ma asks, directing the question at Bear.

“Yes, I’m excited to try it. Levi told me it’s one of his favorite dishes and that you make it the best.” Bear smiles, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You’ll need to come visit more often. Now that Levi’s away, food lasts longer around here.”

Everyone laughs because my never-ending appetite is no secret. I grab our overnight bags from the floor and lead us up the stairs.

“Bear, I’ve set you up in Levi’s room. And Levi, the pull-out couch in the study is ready for you,” my mom says from behind me.

I stop outside my old bedroom. “Ma, seriously? The pull-out couch?”

She gives me her signature mom look. The one that says, "Don’t fight me on this. You won’t win."

“I know you’re all grown up now, but my house, my rules, remember?”

Next to her, Bear covers her mouth with her hand to hide a smile.

“Fine. Pull-out couch it is,” I mumble.

“Thank you for getting everything ready for us,” Bear says to my mom, who beams at her like a long-lost daughter. It’s clear she’s already won her over.

“You’re welcome. Get a good night’s rest, you two. I’m going to lock up and turn in for the night.” She hugs us both one last time before heading downstairs.

I drop Bear’s bag on the bed as she toes off her shoes.

“Your mom is great.”

“Told you there was nothing to worry about,” I say, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her to me.

“Levi,” she mumbles, eyes darting to the open door.

---