Page 187 of Holy Hearts
“I didn’t think…” She trails off. “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”
“I know, Soph. I didn’t, either.”
“I mean, you p-prepare yourself for this day your whole life, but…”
“I know. But nothing can prepare you for this feeling.”
She continues to cry, resting her cheek against my chest as I rub my hand down her back. Kissing the top of her head, I pull away slowly.
Her eyes are bloodshot, and her lips tremble as she lets out a small laugh. “God, I’m a mess, aren’t I?”
I give her a gentle smile as I run a hand down the side of her face. “Still as gorgeous as the first day I saw you.”
It’s true. Other than a few fine lines, Sophie looks incredible for fifty. I still think she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Her hair might be a little shorter now, just below her chin. And there may be a few gray strands mixed in with her honey blonde locks, but watching her still takes my breath away, even now.
She gives me a watery smile and runs a hand through my hair. “I know you’re just trying to flatter me because I’m sad.”
Taking her hand, I bring it to my lips. “So what if I am?”
She sniffs and shakes her head, and her smile drops off her face immediately. “It helped momentarily. Thank you.”
Reaching into her back pocket, I pull her phone out. “Do you want to call him?”
This perks her up. “Should we? I mean… is it too soon?”
I huff a laugh. “I don’t think so. If it’ll make you feel better, why not?”
She pulls her lower lip between her teeth and nods vigorously. “Okay. Let’s call him.”
I try to hide my smile at the hopeful tone in her voice as I dial. Holding it in front of me, I put it on speaker as it rings a few times. When it finally picks up, Sophie jumps once and reaches for the phone.
“Rowan?”
“Mom?”
“Hi, sweetie,” she says, her voice breaking. “I’m just calling because, well, I missed you.”
I hear Rowan huff a laugh on the other end. “I miss you too, Mom. A lot.”
Sophie’s eyes leak more tears, but she holds it together. “Make sure Dad doesn’t eat too many Flamin’ Hot Cheetos before your flight, okay? It’ll upset his stomach.”
“Too late,” Rowan says, laughing. There’s an announcement in the background, and I hear Julian say something to Rowan in the background. “Mom, I have to go. We’re boarding.”
“Okay. I love you. Have a safe flight. I’ve already sent your first care package, so it should arrive at your flat sometime this week. And then of course we’ll be there to visit in a couple of weeks?—”
“Mom?” Rowan’s voice is softer now. “You’re spiraling. I promise I’ll be fine. Dad’s here to help me get settled, and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”
Sophie nods, squeezing her eyes closed. “Okay. I love you.”
“Love you too, Row,” I chime in.
“Love you, Dad,” he replies. “Do you want to talk to Dad?”
Before Sophie and I can answer, Julian’s voice flicks through the speakerphone. “Couldn’t even wait an hour, could you?” he asks, amusement tinging his voice.
Sophie chokes out a laugh. “I know.”
“He’s fine, Soph. I promise. I’ll get him all settled and show him the lay of the land.”
