Page 62 of This Mate Thing

He does, but of course, it doesn't look like Atlas' painting.It's November.The garden looks pretty depressing.There are a variety of kale plants, but that's about it.No flowers, no overflowing garden beds.

"It's the same fence."

"Sure is."I turn in on the driveway and park next to the chicken coop as always.Mom steps out on the doorstep and watches us as we exit the car.

I wave, then open the trunk to grab her order.Ten packs.Jesus.Though I'm grateful she's willing to support Ira.

I jog up the stairs, hug her with one arm while trying to balance the cookies.I inhale her scent and know I'm home, know I'm safe, know I'm loved.It's what I want Simon to know too.I want him to know deep in his bones that he's safe and loved.

"Mom, this is Ira."I gesture at Ira, and she pulls him to her before he has a chance to understand what's happening.

"Sweet boy."She kisses his hair."I've been waiting so long to see you.A lifetime almost."

My eyes burn, which is stupid, but for so long it's only been Mom and me, apart from the pack, of course.But I've always known she wants more.

Ira gives her a shy smile, and she straightens only to pull Simon into a hug.His eyes widen so fast I can't help but smile.

She kisses his cheek."And there you are."

"Eh...hello, Mrs.Gifford."

She snorts and squeezes his shoulder."Maia, please."

Simon nods and shoots me a stunned look.

"Come inside."Mom gestures through the open front door, but grabs half the stack of cookies from me before she walks in.

It smells of freshly baked bread from inside, and my stomach rumbles.

"No problems on the road?"Mom glances at me over her shoulder.

"None.Dry roads and no wildlife."

"Good.Zahrah stopped by earlier."

"Yeah?"I kick off my shoes and usher Ira in front of me into the kitchen, where Mom has set the table.Bread rolls, cheese, cold cuts, veggies, and fruit.I put the cookies on the kitchen counter."What did she want?"

Mom frowns."Photograph the chickens."

"What?"I don't think Zahrah has ever photographed chickens.

"Yeah, she said something about needing something different for her shop."Mom waves a hand in the air.

"Did you see the photos?"Ira is watching her with big eyes.

"Eh...no."

"Oh."He looks disappointed, and I can't help but chuckle.

"Ira is a huge fan of Zahrah's work."

Mom smiles."You should visit her at her home.There are photos everywhere."

Ira sends me a hopeful look, and I nod."We'll visit once we're done with all the cookies."

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Chapter 30