Page 48 of The Only Heart that Matters

“Now if you keep that up, you’re gonna make this old man go all watery, too.” Dad pulls me into his arms.

Mom comes up behind me and rubs soothing circles on my back. “Sweetheart, we’ll be home to visit, and you and Sawyer will come see us. Besides, we’ll FaceTime. Often.”

Mom always finds the silver lining, no matter the situation. She’s my rock, helping me see the light at the end of every dark tunnel.

“I miss you already.”

“Sweetheart, we’re so proud of you.” Dad kisses the top of my head. “You are a wonderful mother, and the best daughter we could ask for.”

“Thanks. But why do I feel like there’s abutcoming?”

“Because you know your old man well.” He releases me, holding me at arm's length. “You need to take care of yourself, not just Sawyer. Live a little. Have some fun. Fall in love.”

If only it were that easy, Dad.

“What do you mean? I’ve been out more in the past few weeks than I have in the last few years.”

“You have, and there’s a light in your eyes we haven’t seen in a long time. I’d like to see more of that. Your mom and I worry that with all the wedding festivities ending, you’ll go back to work and Sawyer and never leave the house. It’s a beautiful house, but there’s more to life. Promise us you’ll get out?”

“Do Sunday dinners with the McKinnons count?”

“It’s something, but how will you ever meet someone if you don’t put yourself out there?” Mom asks, genuine concern in her voice.

I’m surprised, today of all days, we’re discussing my love life.

“I’m fine. I don’t have time to date.”

“Sure you do. You just have to make time for it,” Mom says, tugging on a piece of my hair.

“What I need to do is get this job, so I can afford to get my own place and stop mooching off old family friends,” I retort, hoping to change the topic.

“Nonsense. You are not a mooch. And you are going to get that job. Mark my words, Mia. It’s a new year and I have a feeling it’s gonna be a good one for you.”

“I sure hope you’re right.”

“I know I am.” She walks down the hall to Sawyer’s room, leaving me with Dad.

“Mia, tell me you heard me?”

“I heard you,” I say sheepishly, embarrassed my impending spinsterhood has them worried. I had no clue.

“You need anything, we’re just a phone call away. We’re always here for you.

That doesn’t change.”

“I know. I appreciate it, but it’s time for you and Mom to stop worrying about me and focus on sunshine, beaches, golf, and gators.”

“It’s our job to worry about you.”

“I’ll be fine.We’llbe fine. You need to worry about those gators. Tell me you heardme,” I say, throwing his concern back at him.

“Always the smartass.”

Glad to have put a smile on his face, I grin. My first genuine one today. “I learned from the best.”

Mom returns with Sawyer in her arms. “You promise to be a good boy for your mommy?” she asks.

He nods his blond head and now it’s time for Mom to get emotional. She kisses him on both cheeks and gives him a squeeze before handing him to Dad. As soon as her arms are free, it’s my turn. She doesn’t speak, and she doesn’t hold me for long.

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