Wrench - Steele Riders
“For real?”
Simon’s getting a laugh out of all of this, but this is a big deal. What if she doesn’t think I’m good enough for her boy now that she sees me outside of work? “Yes. So come on, beautiful. Let me introduce you to my mom as the woman I love.”
“Wait. You love me?”
“Of course I do. Seeing you for the first time took my breath away. I don’t just mean your beauty. I felt the overwhelming feeling to hold you, protect you, and do anything for you.”
“I love you, Simon.” He kisses me until we’re both pulling away panting.
“We better get moving or she’ll show up here.”
He rushes me out of the house and into his SUV. The drive is shorter than I expected or maybe it’s my anxiety, but as we pull up his mom comes out of the front door. “Told you. She couldn’t wait for us to come to the door.”
“Mrs. West, thank you for having me over for dinner.” I hand her the dessert I made. It’s just some homemade brownies that Sarah taught me how to make.
“Thank you, dear, but you’re welcome here anytime. I’m so happy you two have finally met,” she says. The last bit is blurred through her squeal of excitement, pulling me into her arms for a super hug which takes me by surprise.
“Mom, can you let her breathe?”
“Sorry.” She lets me go sheepishly. “You are so gorgeous. I can’t believe you finally gave him a chance.”
“Thanks, mother. Can we please get inside?”
“Oh sorry. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Simon, will you set the table while Mackenzie and I finish up the food?”
“Yes.” He leans down and kisses my temple before walking away.
“Momma, be good.”
“No promises.” She winks and leads me into the kitchen before Simon can object.
“I’m so glad you’re here. My boy deserves a good girl with a kind heart.”
“Thank you, Mrs. West. I think Simon’s wonderful.”
“He is. So what did you bring?”
“Oh, it’s homemade brownies. It’s my friend’s recipe from her grandma.”
“It doesn’t have any of that funny stuff in it, does it?” She scrunches up her nose.
“Oh goodness no.”
“Good, so tell me about your family, Mackenzie.”
“I don’t really have one. My uncle took me in when my parents died in a car accident when I was nine. He’s a piece of crap though.”
“I heard about that. I’m so glad you’re safe. I’m sorry about your parents though. You have Simon and me now. I’m sure he’s never letting you go.”
“I hope so.”
“So what are your plans now that you’re free from those jerks? I know I push Simon and tease about having babies right away, but I know it’s just a lonely old woman’s dream.”
“I don’t have any at the moment. I hadn’t thought it out. Finally not having to hide is only recent, but I’m hoping to find a job in town. I don’t know about the babies. I suppose they happen when they do, but I love Simon and if we have a baby now or in two years, I’ll be happy either way.”
“I love you too, Dash. The sooner I knock you up, you’ll be slower and can’t get away from me.” He winks, pulling me into his arms. “Mom, I’m so glad you were hard at work finishing dinner. The plates are set.” It’s the first time I notice that there’s a catering meal out. I let out a huge belly deep laugh.
“What? I ruined dinner, so I had to get something quick.”
“Oh that’s why you left me all those messages. You were stalling me.”
“A woman’s gotta do what she got to do. Now, since you have a big mouth, please go ahead and help me bring this to the dining room.”
“Yes, mother.” It’s cute to watch them go back and forth, bantering like crazy. I take the tray of salad and follow.
We’re in the middle of serving the food when she lets down a tear. “I’m so happy.”
“So am I, mom. So am I.” He steals a quick kiss before passing the mashed potatoes.
“I am too,” I say before taking a drink of my water. Once we are all set and eating catered food from Dallas, I ask, “So what do you usually make for Sunday dinner?”
Simon laughs, “You’re looking at it. Don’t let her fool you. We order this every Sunday.”
“So it’s a tradition. That’s sweet.” I’m feeling uncomfortable because his mother is wearing a wedding ring and yet I don’t see his father. I don’t want to ask, but it’s a bit about Simon I don’t know. He’s never mentioned it.
“Yes, ever since his father left, we’ve been doing this Sunday dinner.”
“I’m sorry. He died?”
“No, he left us when Simon was eighteen. I’m sure the ring takes you by surprise, but it’s not the one he gave me all those years ago. It’s the one I bought myself, to keep men away. It’s surprising how many men are interested in a fifty-year-old woman.”