Beautiful Broken Promises(45)

“Hey, ma.” I smiled into her hair and wrapped my arms around her.

“My prayers have truly been answered,” she cried into my shirt.

“Well, if you were praying for your son to be a sexy, handsome devil, then yes, ma, I’ve come to tell you that you should be satisfied.”

She swatted at my stomach. “Oh, you cheeky boy! Still as smug as ever, I see.”

“Missed you, mom,” I muttered. “I know I’ve been a shit son, I just want to—”

“Oh, love, don’t you even say it. You followed your instincts and went to find your daughter. I raised you right.”

“I didn’t protect her when it counted though.” I hadn’t really planned on getting into this conversation with her, but there was something about a mother that made you want to spill your deepest sins.

“I dropped you on your head when you were a baby,” she shrugged so damn casually. “We can’t be perfect, Laney.”

“Ma!” I shouted. I didn’t know whether I was indignant because of her first comment or her old nickname for me. Both were ridiculous.

“Quit keeping me from my granddaughter. I know all about the hours your dad got with her today. If I have to hear him rub it in my face one more minute, I’ll smack him.”

“I don’t think he was bragging,” I laughed.

“That’s exactly what he was doing. He’s just like you.”

I stopped her before she could continue further. “Remember, she doesn’t know anything. Let’s at least try to keep the tears at bay,” I insisted. She huffed past and headed straight toward the living room.

“Hello,” I heard Raegan say tentatively.

“Hi!” Kate’s voice called out shortly after.

“Hey guys, this is my mom,” I informed them. “Kate, this is your grandma.”

“I have a grandma too!?” she shouted. Her little feet carried her quickly across the room until she collided with my leg. She wrapped her arms around it and stared up at my mother.

“You sure do, you precious darling,” she cooed. “I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you, but I never expected someone who looked like a real live princess.” My mother gasped dramatically and held her chest in the most playful manner.

Kate giggled and slowly released my leg. “I have pink shoes!” she declared.

“Exactly what I expected a princess to wear,” my mom said, nodding her head.

“What’s a grandma?” Braden asked, moving to Kate’s side.

“A grandma is the most important job in the world, don’t you know? A grandma brings surprises.” She tapped her large bag mysteriously. “A grandma brings cookies and lets you stay up way past your bedtime. Grandmas are fun!” she exclaimed.

“Wow!” Kate clapped enthusiastically.

Braden’s face fell for a moment, but we all caught it and I immediately moved to console him. I couldn’t stand that sad look spoiling his adorable face. My mom got there first.

“I can be your grandma too. Well…” she started, trying to appear glum, “that’s if you’ll let me.” My mother should have been on Broadway with those acting skills. Had I been so easily charmed as a child?

“You can! You can!” Braden called out excitedly.

“Wow, I am a lucky lady.” She smiled brightly. “Alright, my sweet grandchildren, let’s go play with the new toys I’ve brought you.” She pointed down the hall and Kate and Braden happily led the way. “Oh, I also brought you some things, Raegan. I have plenty to talk to you about as well, but I’ll save it for a better time. Just know how grateful I am for you, darling girl. I hope you like everything, but if not, it’s still a win for me because then we can go shopping together.” Mom quickly scooped a speechless Raegan into her arms and dropped a large bag onto the couch near her.

When my mom finally took off down the hall and I could hear her announcing her surprises to the kids, Raegan finally looked in my direction.

“That’s your mom?” she asked with awe in her voice. I nodded my head, smiling. “Why did you ever move out?”

I shrugged. “You know how it goes. Teenage guy thinking that all he wanted was independence. Besides, I don’t think girls really go for the adult-still-living-with-mommy-and-daddy type of guy.”

“I don’t know. She could win over almost anyone.” She pointed toward the bag and asked, “What do you think that is?”