Page 60 of Rooster

“It’s just been a couple of weeks.”

“That’s too long,” she fussed. “We’re old. We need to see our sweet babies as often as possible.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Please do.” Mom motioned us all inside as she teased, “Now, get in here and tell me what’s been going on with you all.”

We followed her inside, and I was immediately hit with the familiar scent of vanilla and lavender—Mom’s favorite scent. She and Dad guided Nathan and Samantha into the living room, and they all sat on the worn-out couch. They’d barely sat down when the kids delved into animated tales of the past few weeks. Nathan told them about being nominated to the Student Council, while Samantha shared her experiences on the volleyball team.

My dear, sweet parents listened with affectionate ears and seemed genuinely disappointed when they had no more tales to tell. I could hear the pride in Dad’s voice when he said, “You two have done quite well. I’m very proud of you both.”

“Thanks, Grandpa,” Nathan replied with a smile.

“There’s some ice cream in the fridge if you’re interested.”

“Yes!”

They both hopped up and rushed towards the kitchen. I could hear them giggling and whispering as they opened the fridge and started searching for the ice cream. When I heard the bowls clinking together, I knew they had everything they needed. That’s when I turned to Mom and said, “I have some news, too.”

“Oh? What kind of news?”

“There’s a reason why we haven’t been around very much lately.”

“I figured as much.” Mom and Dad exchanged a knowing glance before Mom announced, “You’ve been seeing someone.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.” Dad shifted in his seat as he listened to me continue, "His name is Ronin, and we’ve been going out for several weeks now. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before. He’s smart and funny and handsome. And he’s so thoughtful. He’s always doing these little things to help me and the kids, and I don’t even have to ask. He just does them... and I really like him a lot.”

“He sounds like a very nice young man.”

“He is. He really, really is.” I swallowed the knot that was forming in the back of my throat. “The kids have met him several times, and they really like him, too.”

“That’s good.”

“I thought so.”

I went on to tell them about his job and that he lived in town. They both listened attentively and once I’d finished talking, I leaned back and braced myself for their response. The room held a moment of suspended silence before Mom finally broke into a warm smile. "It sounds like you are very fond of this Ronin fella.”

“I am, but don’t worry. I’m being careful.”

“What do you meancareful?”

“I’m not letting myself get carried away. I’ve already messed up once. I’m not going to let my heart get broken again, so I’m keeping my guard up.”

“Oh, honey. You can’t go into this like that,” Mom fussed. “It’s not fair to him, and it’s not fair to you.”

“I know, but I just...”

“You have a good heart, Maggie. You always have, and if you liked him enough to introduce him to the children, then that tells me all I need to know.” She reached over and patted me on the leg. “Now, when are your father and I going to get to meet him?”

“I’m not sure. He had to go out of town today, and I’m not sure when he’ll get back. But we’ll figure out a time to come by soon.”

“Good. We both look forward to meeting him.”

I thought having their blessing would ease my mind, but it didn’t. Instead, it made me feel even more anxious. That’s when I realized that my worry had nothing to do with them and everything to do with me.

Rooster

“So, what’s the deal?” Torch motioned his head over to Wrath’s truck, where he and Two Bit were watching over us. “Why do we need all the extra precautions?”

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