Page 288 of The Baby Twist
I stood up, walked over to the island, and removed her food from the bag.
“Here.” I smiled, setting the food in front of her. “I knew you’d change your mind about the Taco Bell.”
“God, I love you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I chuckled, pressing my lips against the top of her head.
“I’m going to visit my mom tomorrow,” she said.
“Oh yeah? How come?”
“It’s been a while. I figured I better see her before the twins arrive.”
“I’m sure she’s happy you’re coming. Be nice.” I pointed my fork at her.
“Excuse me? I’m always nice. Can we play a video game together after we eat?”
“Music to my ears, baby.” I winked.
Chapter Thirty-One
Marley
I walked up the steps to the front door of my childhood home and took in a long breath. This talk was years in the making, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready.
“Marley, honey.” My mom smiled, hugging me. “Goodness, look at that belly.” She placed her hands on it. “I still can’t believe you’re having twins.”
“Me either.”
“Would you like some tea?” she asked as I followed her into the kitchen.
“Yeah. That would be great.” I sat at the table. “We need to talk, Mom.”
“About what?”
“About how messed up I am because of my childhood and what happened.”
“We already talked about that years ago, Marley.”
“No, Mom. You told me things happen in life we can’t control. I need to know why you did it.”
She set the teacups on the table and sat across from me.
“When Peter and Miranda moved in next door, I felt this instant connection to him—a connection I’d never felt with anyone before. It scared me. After years of trying to deny it, I couldn’t anymore. I loved your father but wasn’t in love with him. Honestly, I’m not sure I ever was.”
“Then why did you marry him?” I asked.
“I was going through a rough time. Your grandmother was very ill, and he was there for me through it all, even after she passed away. He was the comfort I needed at the time. One afternoon, my friend Linda and I took you and went shopping. A new cute little shop had opened up. It was a shop that sold crystals and different metaphysical items. The owner, Hallie, had different classes you could take, and she offered psychic services. Linda thought it would be fun to get readings, so we made an appointment, went back, and had them done. Hallie told me that I had met my soulmate, but it wasn’t your father. I knew right then she was talking about Peter. You have to understand, Marley, that I was unhappy.”
“Then why didn’t you just divorce Dad first?”
“I don’t know. I guess I was trying to protect you.”
“Protect me? Do you have any idea what that did to me, seeing you in bed with him at eleven years old? And then telling me to lie to Dad about it?”
“I was wrong, and I’ve apologized to you for that already. I know I’ve ruined our relationship because you never forgave me.”
“Maybe it’s time I did forgive you because the twins will need their grandmother.”
