Page 73 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

“Benson and I would like to hire someone to help you out around the house.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I’ll be just fine.”

“Mom, you almost died. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t know you were being watched over.”

“Oh, fine. If it makes you feel better, you can hire someone.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. I want you to go on and live your life. You don’t need to be constantly worried about me.”

“You know it’s really hard for me to live away from you, right?”

“You’ve been hovering over me for far too long. I’m ready for a bit of breathing space.”

Tessa laughed. “And here I thought I was abandoning you.”

“You’ll still come back to visit, right?” her mom asked.

“Yes.”

“Then that’s all I need.”

“I want to make sure you’re getting the best care.”

“I am. Your dad has been immensely helpful.”

“I’m glad he was able to come through for you.”

“I had a long conversation with him. I think it’s time to let him go.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“There’s something about knowing that he’s still there for me that makes me feel like I don’t have to cling so tightly.”

This was the most honest conversation Tessa had shared with her mom in years. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

Benson was waiting back at the car. He wanted to give Tessa some time alone with her mom when they reunited.

“Benson’s here too,” Tessa said. “He’s fully on board with getting you whatever help you need. And I’ll be flying back as often as I need. He even offered to hire people to pack up my house so I could spend more time with you.”

“That’s wonderful. My daughter is pretty loaded now.”

“Speaking of, I just got a job in New York City.”

“Already?”

“Let’s just say it pays a lot more than what I was making in Maple Creek.”

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of you,” her mom said.

Tessa could tell that something seemed different about her mom. “You look good, Mom. More present.”

“Oh yes. My doctors changed my medications all around. I feel fantastic, better than I have in years. I’m practically a brand-new woman.”

“That’s amazing!” Tessa marveled at the news. “It’s crazy what medication can do to help.”

“The good news about bipolar disorder is that it’s treatable. I could be much worse off. I met some people in there much more ill than I have ever been. I don’t want to get like that. This is why I’m going to be diligent about taking my pills on time. I even set up reminders on my phone.”

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