Page 58 of Salvation (Clover-Hills #1)

Blake

A fter answering a fire of questions from Elain this morning, I had an unyielding urge to see my mom.

She was ecstatic to see me show up. She made us some coffee and stuffed me full of so much food I’m surprised I haven’t puked.

Granted, I’ve missed her cooking, so that part's on me just as much as it’s on her.

I haven’t been avoiding her per se, but I know I’ve been distant.

Trying to figure out where we stand, and what lies between us.

Where I fit in this new world. But I’ve never questioned my mother’s love for me, and I owe her a visit at least once or twice a week.

Even if it’s so she can show me my baby album for the millionth time.

Or so that she can gossip about this week’s town drama.

I was just leaving when I decided to share some of the new developments in my life with her. “I’m…seeing Wesley. Officially.”

“I know.”

My face scrunches, and a nervous laugh escapes. “What?”

“Oh, please. I’ve seen how that boy has watched you since you two were running around in the field and flinging mud at each other. It’s about time.” She then waves a finger up and down my body. “Plus, you’ve got that sex glow going on. And my new favorite daughter told me he stayed the night.”

“Mom.” I bury my face in my hands. This woman has no filter. And Elain has a big mouth.

When I look back up, she’s smiling at me though, all trace of humor gone. Her eyes, a bit watery, but so full of love. “I’m happy for you, baby. You know that, right?”

“I know.” I smile at her, and it’s genuine. A survivor, just like myself, stands before me. And while we may have survived two different things, I know I got the strength to pull myself back together from her. The thought makes me stay just a moment longer.

“Mom?”

“Hmm?”

“I just want to thank you for getting Elain’s mother help.” Her eyes snap up to meet mine once she hears the shake in my voice. “And…and I just want to say that I’m not mad at you. I never was. I left because it’s what I thought was best. And maybe it was for the best…or maybe it wasn’t.” I shrug.

"I don't know if I could have healed if I stayed." Tears threaten to burn the back of my eyes, but I blink them back, "The only thing I was sure of when I left was that I was not ready to face my monster. I was not ready for the entire world to know what he did to me. But I don’t blame you for anything that happened. And I hope you don’t blame yourself either.”

She doesn’t hide her watery smile as she comes forward to take my hands in hers.

"I am so, so proud to be your mother, Blake.

I'm sorry that I wasn't there. That you felt like you couldn't run to me.

I can't change what happened, but I can promise that I'll be here for the rest of it if you'll let me. As your mother, it breaks my heart that this life has never been easy on you, but it made you the woman you are today. Not because of me or your father, but because in spite of us. You choose to be better. Do better." She hugs me, and for the first time in a long time, I feel the crack in our relationship begin to mend. One I’ll make sure to keep filled for the rest of our lives. At the same time I go to bounce off the steps, a familiar sheriff’s car pulls into my mother’s driveway. I look over my shoulder; my mother’s face is beet red as her eyes bounce from me to the car.

“You know you deserve to be happy, too, right?" I ask. Some of the color lessens from her face, and it softens when she realizes I’m not as oblivious as she hoped. “Just…no little siblings. Little late for that.”

We laugh, and she rushes forward to kiss me on the cheek once more before I leave. I meet Sheriff Eaton halfway from where he exits his car, and he nods in acknowledgment. Swallowing nervously and looking from me to behind my shoulder at where my mom waits. “Blake.”

“Mr. Eaton.” I smile and cock my head at him. “You love her, don’t you?” His eyes widen just enough for confirmation, so I land a hand on his shoulder and give it a shake. "Then what the hell are you doing?”

He nods, sucking in a breath and continuing the rest of the way to mom. That look . I don’t need to stay around to know what happens next. My chest fills with a blinding happiness at my mom’s happy ending.