Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
She huffed. “Never thought I would see that boy settle down with one girl. Are you sure you can trust him, Haven?”
I reached for her arm and gave it a light pat. “Yes, Mom. And don’t you also say never judge a book by its cover? Nate is an amazing man, and if I told you what he has done for me…well…let’s just say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I have to keep pinching myself because it doesn’t feel real. I feel like all my dreams are coming true, and honestly, in the short time we have been seeing each other, Nate has been a part of those dreams being able to come true.”
She walked over and pulled me to her, hugging me. “No one deserves that more than you, Haven. I am so proud of you.”
Once we sat down at the table to eat, I told her about Doug and Nate and all that had happened in the last few days.
“How wonderful that things are turning out as they are, Haven! I know Doug. He’s a patient of ours. He did a playground in town for free one year. It turned out beautiful. I’m not the least surprised he would also take on this project. And how amazing you can open it to those who cannot afford the membership. I know having to charge the membership was a hard decision for you to make.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Mom looked back at me and smiled. “So, Nate Shaw, huh?”
I felt my cheeks heat. “Yes, Nate Shaw.”
“I know you said you just started dating, but how serious is it?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I think it’s progressing along nicely.”
“I’m so happy for you, sweetheart. I know how much you liked Nate and what he did for you with your father.”
A feeling of sadness swept through the air, and I decided it was time to change the direction this conversation was going.
Taking my napkin, I wiped my mouth and set it on the table. “Nate has invited us to Thanksgiving at his grandmother’s house tomorrow.”
My mother stared at me for a few moments before saying, “He did?”
“Why are you frowning?” I asked.
Mom cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, sweetheart; I didn’t mean to frown. I guess I’m just surprised. What made him invite us if you’ve just started dating?”
“Well, he invited me, and I told him I would most likely be having you over to my apartment. He asked me if you would like to come as well. After all, you are good friends with his mother, Mom.”
My mother nodded. “Yes, Timberlynn and I go back many years. Since you kids were in elementary school.”
“Mom, there isn’t anything behind the invitation. I think Nate simply wants to be with me and he knows family is important.”
My mother smiled and said, “I think it’s a lovely idea. I’ll ask Timberlynn if she wants us to bring anything. Come to think of it, I haven’t spoken to her in a couple of months. We need to catch up.”
I nearly exploded with happiness while at the same time sighing in relief. “I’m so glad you agreed to go. This means the world to me. I care deeply for Nate, and I know things are new between us, but…well…it means a lot to me that we can all be together on Thanksgiving. I’m sure it will help Stella as well.”
“I haven’t seen Stella in years. I did send her a card after Ty passed away. I can’t imagine what she is going through. My heart hurts for her. For the whole family.”
“I still can’t believe he’s gone. He was such a nice guy.”
“That he was. So, are you up for dessert?” Mom asked.
“Wait, you made dessert as well?” I asked with a giggle. “Now I can call you Better Crocker.”
Mom stood. “I did, indeed. Lemon bars. You stay here and I’ll get them cut up and bring them out.”
After setting down a plate of lemon bars and handing me a small plate, Mom smiled and asked, “How is the sex?”
“Mom!”
“What?” she asked, all innocent. “It’s a valid question.”
“Maybe from my best friend, but not my mother!”
She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “I’ve seen those Shaw men. I’m going to assume it’s good. Otherwise, your face wouldn’t be so red.”
“My face is red because my mother just…” I lowered my voice. “…asked me how the sex was with my boyfriend.”
She winked. “Gotcha.”
“No, I don’t think you do!”
“I was a girl your age once, I get it. I hope he pleasures you first. It’s important that you have a lover who doesn’t just think of himself.”
Dropping back in my chair, I stared at my mother. “Please tell me you’re not going to tell me about your past lovers.”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t do that to you, darling. But, when I was your age–”
I quickly stood. “No. Just no! I’m going to do the dishes.”