Jefferson nodded. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” he said as he looked at me and winked.
When my mother took Luke in her arms, I could tell she was fighting back the tears.
“I’m so happy to meet you, Luke. ”
I walked up and kissed Luke on the cheek. “Luke, can you say Gramma?”
As Luke stared at her, he laughed, and then everyone began laughing with him.
Then, Luke said, “Mam. ”
Everyone stopped.
“What did he just say?” Ari and Jefferson asked at the same time.
My mother started to giggle as she said, “Gramma. ”
Luke laughed again. “Mam!”
My head snapped up at Jefferson. “Is he…”
Ari laughed as she started jumping up and down. “I knew he was going to be brilliant!”
My heart started pounding. “I think he’s trying to say it, Mom. ”
“Mam!”
I looked over at Gunner and then back at my mother.
Is this all happening? Is my mother standing in front of me with Luke in her arms? Is she really sober…and happy?
“Jefferson, I think Luke heard you calling her mom, so he’s trying to do the same!” Ari said.
Jeff started laughing.
Gunner reached for my hand, and when I turned to him, he was looking back toward the house. I glanced over, and I saw Garrett sitting on the front porch, holding Alex. When Garrett gave me that knock-me-over smile of his, I started to laugh. He must have been watching this entire thing take place. After I nodded, he stood up and began walking toward us with my precious baby.
Jefferson, Ari, and my mom were laughing, still trying to get Luke to say Gramma instead of Mam.
When Garrett reached us, my mother looked at him and then Alex. As she started crying again, my heart broke all over.
She wasted all those years. She missed everything—my wedding, my pregnancy, and the birth of my child.
Jefferson reached for Luke, and I was shocked when Luke started crying.
“Mam!”
Jeff and Ari looked stunned.
“Wow, Sharon. That didn’t take long for him to fall for you!” Ari said with a giggle.
Mom smiled and kissed Luke on the cheek. “I’m going to meet your cousin, my sweet little man,” she said as she handed Luke to Jefferson.
Garrett smiled as my mom turned back to Alex. “Mrs. Johnson, it’s a real pleasure. ”
“Mom, this is Garrett Mathews, Gunner’s grandfather. Garrett, this is my mom, Sharon,” I said.
My mother went to shake Garrett’s hand, but instead, he grabbed it and kissed the back. I watched as a blush crossed my mother’s cheeks.