Page 70 of The Maverick (WaterFyre Rising #7)

CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

VANESSA

After another sprinkle of salt, I scooped up a small spoonful of porridge to taste. Satisfied with the flavor, I prepared a bowl for Attikus and one for me, leaving them out to cool.

“All you need is a sprinkle of scallions and black pepper,” I told each bowl.

Recently, I’d been talking to myself or humming when I painted, cooked, or did the chores Attikus didn’t want me to do. He had a cleaning service that came once a week. Still, there was something satisfying about removing your own mess.

The self-talk and hummingwere probably my version of Attikus’s whistling. It was joy coming through us.

I didn’t know why, but I felt a lightness around me. Just pure happiness. Perhaps that was love. I’d never considered myself a wonderful cook, and I’d never enjoyed being in the kitchen. But seeing Attikus’s face when he gobbled up my food warmed my heart.

I heard the garage door open and placed the lid on the pot. Removing my apron, I hung it up. Footsteps sounded behind the door that led to the garage. Lots of footsteps.

When I opened the door, my heart erupted with shock and sheer happiness.

I screamed with delight. “ M? !” Fearing this was a dream, I veered back and looked at her. “Is it really you?” Tears flooded my eyes and spilled over.

She cupped my face and cried, “It’s me, baby.”

“Hi, Vanessa.” Gigi poked her head out from behind my mom.

“Oh, my gosh. Let me get out of the way.” M? scooted to the side to let Gigi, Ellen, and Attikus through.

I methis smiling eyes. Though Ididn’t know the entire story,I knew my mom was here because of him. How much more could I love him?

“How did you get here? The news said there was a casualty during the highway cleanup, but they didn’t give details.”

“Hannah Lam no longer exists. Your mom is now Heidi Lam.” She looked over at Attikus and offered an appreciative nod.

I’d been devastated worrying about my mother’s safety, but Attikus told me not to worry. My love had been orchestrating things behind the scenes. I assumed the rescue wouldn’t happen for another month. Now I understood why he’d been working late.

“Thank you,” I told him and looked back at my mom. “I’m so happy you’re out of that horrible place.”

Attikus led Gigi and Ellen to the kitchen table, where he placed a tray of food from Saigon Bistro.

I embraced M? for a long moment. We sobbed with happiness, relief, and gratitude. I couldn’t believe I was hugging her. It was surreal. Only days ago, she was still in prison, and now she was in my home.

“Let’s eat, and we can catch up.” M? grabbed my hand. “We have all the time in the world now. I bought some bánh mì for us.”

As I walked to the table, Attikus placed flowers in a vase and smiled at me. Then he took out the scallions, preparing to chop them.

“I can do it,” I said.

“No, you catch up with your mom. I’ve got this.”

“Let me.” Gigi yanked the scallions from him. “Don’t want my son losing a finger.”

After Gigi chopped up the scallions, we moved to the spacious dining table instead of the kitchen table. We’d never had this many people in the house eating. The joy on Attikus’s face showed he didn’t mind it at all. This was his found family—my found family too.

We chatted, ate, laughed, and cried. My heart filled with joy as I looked at Attikus, sending him invisible kisses, hugs, and all the gratitude he deserved.

The doorbell rang, and Attikus furrowed his brow, heading out of the kitchen. “I’m not expecting anyone.”

“I am.” Gigi lifted her hand.

Attikus and I exchanged puzzled glances. I hadn’t even had time to inquire how Gigi knew my mom, and now someone else was at the door.

When Attikus returned, he brought Agnes with him.

Attikus looked at Gigi and Agnes. “Do you have something to share?”

M? got out of her seat and threw her arms around Agnes. “So good to see you!”

Attikus moved to stand beside me. “Is it me, or did this day just get even stranger?”

“It’s like a movie that makes no sense, but somehow, it does.” I looked at Ellen, who didn’t seem bothered by any of this. She scooped up a spoonful of porridge and shoved it into her mouth.

When she saw me looking at her, she offered me a thumbs-up.

“I think we’re the only clueless ones.” I gripped his arm.

Agnes looked over at us. “Come on. Sit down, and we’ll explain everything.”