Page 91 of Pieces into Place
“Right?” Blake’s smile widened. “But it got me thinking that I wantedmymama and mommy too. Because this Mother’s Day is just hitting me differently.”
“Postpartum will do that to you.”
“Yeah, but it’s more than that, too.” Blake turned over slightly to face Vera. “This time last year I couldn’t imagine we’d be here now. I was so scared to let you orMom or anyone in. I realize now how much I needed you both. I’m so sorry it took me so long to realize that.”
“It’s okay, baby.” Vera tucked Blake’s damp hair behind her ear. She must have just gotten out of the shower before heading over because Vera could smell her shampoo and body wash still lingering. “All that matters is that we have this now. And Mom and I aren’t going anywhere. Ever.”
“I love you, Mama.”
“I love you, too, Blake.” Pulling Blake closer to her, Vera kissed her forehead. “Let me know if I’m holding you too tight.”
“Uh-uh. No way. Your hugs are better than any weighted blanket.” Blake nuzzled her head under Vera’s chin. “They’re so warm and comforting.”
“And they’re always here for you.”
On the other side of Blake, Isla stirred awake. She rolled over, facing them as she opened her eyes. Isla looked confused for a moment before she realized it was Blake in bed with them.
“Hey, baby girl. Happy Mother’s Day.”
“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.” Blake scooted over closer to Isla, but Vera kept her arm around her. “I was telling Mama I just needed some time with my mama and mommy, so I came over here.”
“I’m glad you did. We love having you.”
“You’ll love it even more when you find out Alexis will be over soon along with Mason, Chase, Ellie, Brayden, Evie and the kids to make breakfast for you.”
“You kids are too much.” Vera felt a lump forming in her throat. “You didn’t have to do that for us.”
“Are you kidding me? You two are the best parents ever. Honestly, making breakfast on Mother’s Day for you is the least we can do.”
“And exactly how did you get out of helping them?” Isla laughed as she wrapped her arm around Blake.
“I’m freshly postpartum. I’m supposed to be resting, right, Mama?”
Vera chucked. “Absolutely, baby. Doctor’s orders.”
“See?” Blake looked over to Isla, smirking. “I can’t help. So you get quality time with me instead. What could be better?”
“Nothing,” Isla and Vera said in unison.
Isla put her hand on Vera’s arm, squeezing gently as they looked at each other. They had been together so long and knew each other so well that they didn’t need words to convey what they were both thinking. Both Isla and Vera knew how lucky they were to have Blake back in their lives. And how much the moment they were currently sharing meant to all three of them.
Vera wished she could go back to a year ago and tell that version of herself that on her next Mother’s Day, her life would be completely changed for the better. And it was all because of the women she currently had her arms around. How could life get any better?
Bonus Chapter
Avery
One Month Ago
Avery Jacobs couldn’t possibly count the number of cesarean surgeries she had performed over the course of her career. One a week for the last seven years would be on the low side. She’d made a name for herself at Taylor Memorial Hospital as the doctor who willingly took on all the high-risk patients. There wasn’t a patient that walked into the labor and delivery floor of the hospital that Avery wasn’t positive she could help with. She thrived in high stress environments, which was why she’d chosen to become an OBGYN in the first place. Not once had Avery felt so overwhelmed she couldn’t think straight about a patient.
But that was until Blake Holland showed up with all the classic signs of preeclampsia.
Blake had been Avery’s patient for the last few years and, so far, there had been nothing out of the normal for her or her pregnancy. Both Blake and the baby looked perfect at every appointment and Avery had been confident that Blake would have an easy delivery. Avery knew things could change on a dime, but still she hoped all her patients had a stress-free pregnancy and delivery.
Especially Blake.
Because Blake wasn’t just the former star of one of Avery’s favorite television shows. But she was also…
