“I agree. I’ll bring my pistol, too.”
Clay smiled. “Not necessary, my lady.” He bent at the waist. “Your knights will ensure your safety.”
God, why do he and Jay have to be so damn charming? Unwilling and unable to resist, she answered, “Thank you, my lord.” Getting into the spirit of the fun, which was much better than thinking about the breakup, she switched accents from Medieval English to Chicago mobster. “But packing heat makes a dame feel better.”
Jay laughed and answered in a tone like Marlon Brando in The Godfather. “Then by all means, sweetheart. Bring your pistol. Me and my associate will be back to get you in two hours.”
“I’ll be ready, boss.”
He and Clay carried her luggage to her door. She unlocked it and they placed the bags inside.
They both moved to kiss her again, which she wanted more than anything, but she stepped back instead. She didn’t want to lead them on. It has to be over. That thought crushed her utterly, but what else could she do? “I’ll see you in two hours, guys.”
Their gazes told her that they were not surrendering their fight for her. She wondered if they ever would. If not, how was she going to find it in herself to resist?
Finally, without another word, they left.
She closed the door and collapsed onto her sofa. “God, how am I ever going to be strong enough for this.”
“Strong enough for what, Mom?” Gabby stood in the kitchen.
“Baby, you’re here.” Izzy ran to her daughter and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
They released each other. “Mom, why do you have tears in your eyes?”
“I’m just so glad to see you, baby,” she answered.
“Mom, I know there’s more to your tears than just that.”
“What do you mean?”
/> “Because you see me two or three times a month and I’ve never seen you have tears before.” Gabby put her hands on her shoulders. “I’m getting you a cup of coffee and you’re going to spill everything. Got it?”
She smiled. “Okay.”
They sat down at the kitchen table, and she told her about Clay and Jay. “And when they said they loved me and wanted something more serious, I knew I’d have to back away.”
“What! Why would you have to back away from them, Mom?”
“Because two men and one woman isn’t the way things are done,” she said firmly, hoping Gabby would understand what an impossible situation this was.
“So you’re willing to sacrifice your happiness because there are two men who love you?” Gabby sighed. “I should be so lucky.”
“Gabby, women just don’t have two men and you know it.”
“Mom, like I said before this is 2015. If you love somebody, or two somebodies, you’ve got to be the luckiest woman in the world. Live your life. Don’t let outdated rules destroy a chance at having a future with your two guys.”
“Are you serious? They’re closer to your age.”
“So what? I don’t mind having two handsome stepdads who will treat my mom right.”
“You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
“No I’m not. You said Clay and Jay told you they wanted you forever. Forever means I get two stepdads and you get two loving husbands.” Gabby reached across the table. “Mom, you’re the most wonderful person I know. You deserve this.”
“But Gabby, they deserve to have children, and I don’t know if I can have children now. I’m too old.”
“Talk about fate. Mom, my biology professor just talked about that exact subject. Yes, the odds are slim, but it is possible. Women are having babies older than you are.”