Page 69 of Honey Bun
Maddie left my side and walked to the galley kitchen and took her daughter’s hand. I followed but then stood outside the archway between rooms.
Maddie’s voice was clear to everyone. “Your father died.”
My mother’s hand went to her heart.
Aurora asked, “How?” and walked back into sight.
Maddie followed. “He was in an accident with a deer.”
Aurora spun around, and Maddie hugged her.
Roxanne clasped her hands. “Whatever you and Maddie need, we’ll help.”
I would get the story later on what had happened with Cyrus and Elon. I said, “I promised her the jet already.”
Aurora straightened and tensed. “I don’t want to go to Montana, Mom. I never want to go there.”
Maddie took a step forward. “Okay. You can stay here with Arman…”
“And me.” Roxanne hugged her.
Maddie said, “Thanks. It’s just for the day. I’ll leave tomorrow morning and be back before dinner.”
I squeezed her palm and realized that no matter what happened, as long as we talked everything through, love was enough.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Maddie
The night before, we’d “slept” in my apartment. I’d tossed and turned and hadn’t found much comfort. I wanted to ask Arman if he wanted to move in together permanently. His penthouse had a bedroom he never used, which would be perfect for Aurora. We would get to live as a family. And I would get to be with the man I loved.
Arman dropped Aurora off at his mother’s, brought us breakfast, and we drove in the limo to the airport. We hadn’t said much of anything, and I hoped he knew that the only reason for the change was my mother, who would head back to the beach once the trip was complete.
I kissed him goodbye and walked onto the plane with my mom. It was metal, an ordinary cylinder shape, but inside, the cream walls, cushioned sofa, bar area, and desk chairs that spun around were the opposite of the stationary, uncomfortable seats I’d sat in when I moved to Montana.
I refused to dwell on my thoughts, so I poured us orange juice and coffees. Then I handed them to her as she slid into a dining area. “Mom, thanks for coming today.”
She held onto the table dear life. “I’ve never been on a private jet.”
I took the seat opposite her. “Me either. It’s our first time together.”
She uncurled her hands. “Do you love… Arman?”
The pilot started the engine. I stared at her and didn’t blink. “Yes, very much.”
We took our drinks and went to sit in the leather chairs that had seat belts. I put my coffee on the tray beside me and buckled, and my mother did the same thing. Then I sipped my coffee.
My mother said, “You’re throwing all of Jesus’s teachings out the window.”
I choked on my drink. Years before, my father had used this line on me. I lowered my arm, though it didn’t shake, and met her blue eyes. “No. I’m not. I’ve been going to a meditation group. We’re all different faiths in there, but we all want the world to be better for our children, to be good people, and to let our hearts guide us. Religion doesn’t define the heart of a man or a woman.”
“Working with plants keeps me centered.” She pressed her lips together as we flew through the sky.
I finished my coffee. Eighteen-year-old me had cared about what she thought, but I’d been on my own or protecting my daughter for years now. And being with Arman taught me I’d be okay expressing myself.
She broke the silence. “Plants grow better with kindness, which isn’t something I ever surrounded you with.”
“I’m happy now.” My heart stirred. I undid my seat belt. “Mom, I wish you would see how happy Arman makes me and Aurora.”
