Page 24 of Barely Breathing
“Yeah, you are.But I don’t get it.Why wouldn’t you want to see your mom married and happy?”
“It’s not that.Of course, I want my mom happy.”
“But you don’t get why can’t she be happy just being your mom?Why does she need someone else outside of what she had with your father?”
Bingo.Someone finally got it.
“You can’t be that selfish.”
Maybe, she didn’t get it.He wasn’t selfish.He shook his head, but she nodded.
“Yes, you are.Why should your mom’s life end with your dad’s?Why can’t she have a second chance?Doesn’t she deserve to feel loved?Cherished?Needed?”
“She had all those things.With my dad.”
“And?Tell me you don’t think she was supposed to bury her heart with your father?That’s not fair, Griff.Not to her and not to your dad.”
“What do you mean?”
“Think about it.Did your dad love your mom?”
“That’s a stupid question.She was his entire world.He was completely devoted to her and us.They were perfect.”
“They never fought or argued?”
He laughed.“They’re Irish.Of course, they fought.It’s in the blood.Everything with passion, Dad used to say.Even fights.He never did more than raise his voice, and even then, he lowered it real quick when Mom gave himthelook.God, they made it appear so easy to loved each other and us.”
“He sounds like an amazing man.”
“He was.The very best.”
“I’m sure it was hard on your mom when she lost him.”
“It devastated her.She was suddenly alone with four kids.She said focusing on us was what kept her going day after day.”
“She sounds like a strong woman.”
“Incredibly strong,” he agreed.“I don’t think she could be anything less if she tried.”
“She took care of all of you until you moved on and found lives of your own.What brought her to Legacy?”
“Gil was here, and Katie and I both followed.Mom ended up moving here to be closer.”
“Then she met Roman.”She squeezed his hand.“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“You tense up at the mention of his name.Don’t you like him?Isn’t he a good person?”
“Roman’s okay.”
“Then what is it you don’t like?I’m not judging you, Griff.I’m trying to understand.My dad never dated.Or if he did, he never did it around me.Still doesn’t.I often wonder what it would be like if he did.Would she have accepted me?Taken some of the rough off me?”
“You’re perfect the way you are.”
She laughed and rubbed the back of her hand along his thigh again.“No, I’m not.If you get to know me better, you’ll see it.”
“I’d like that.To get to know you better.”
