Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

“Uhh,” Noah hesitates. “That's kinda up to your mom.”

I don’t answer his question. The last thing I want to do is put pressure on Noah, though I’m sure he’d do it in a heartbeat. “There's one more thing, Owen. You can't tell anyone yet because it's still really early.”

He grins. “Don't worry, Mom. I'm really good at keeping secrets,” he says, then glances back at Noah. “I’m a pro!”

Another hour passes, and I know Loretta will be here soon. Noah and Owen don't let me leave the couch for anything and wait on me hand and foot. While I wait for Loretta, I get a group text from Everleigh and Gemma.

Everleigh: Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!

Gemma: Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day, Katie! How’re you feeling today?

I smile because this Mother’s Day is more special than any of the others I’ve had.

Katie: Thanks! I’m feeling okay! Just enjoying being spoiled today.

Everleigh: Yay! You deserve it. I was super worried about you, but thankfully, Gemma kept me in the loop. I’m glad you’re alive. Otherwise, I might’ve had to avenge you.

Gemma: Everleigh! You’re terrible. Katie, glad you’re doing good. Noah’s being on his best behavior then?

I snort, and Noah glances over at me and shakes his head, knowing we’re talking about him.

Katie: I had breakfast in bed, balloons, flowers, a yummy lunch, and I’ve been told I’m not to get off the couch unless I have to pee. I feel like a queen.

Everleigh: Cause you are!

Gemma: After everything that’s happened lately, you deserve it.

Soon, a knock taps against the door, and immediately, my heart hammers in my chest. Noah gets up and opens it. Loretta gives him a soft smile. It’s a much better reaction than the sneer she typically throws when his name is mentioned. Though yesterday she seemed relieved to see us both. It’s proof things are changing for the better.

“Hi, Noah,” she politely says, and he steps aside, allowing her in.

Owen sees her and immediately runs over to give her a hug. It breaks my heart that I’ve kept them apart, but my intentions were good. “Mimi, I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you too, baby,” she says, then meets my eyes, and I think I see a tear fall.

“Hey, Owen, wanna go shoot some hoops while your mom and Mimi talk?”

He grins and nods, then runs to his room to change. I mouth, “Thank you,” to Noah before they go outside.

Loretta moves to the couch and sits a cushion’s width away. At first, I’m tense, and the whole situation is awkward, but then she speaks.

“Katie, I’m so sorry for keeping the truth from you,” she says. An apology from the beginning is a good start.

“Thank you,” I say, genuinely meaning it. “I hope you understand why I wouldn’t let you see Owen. A mother’s intuition never lies.”

“You’re absolutely right,” she admits.

“With that being said, I’m grateful that you were there. I don’t know if I’d be sitting here right now or if Noah would be alive. There was a lot at stake, and you risked so much. I appreciate you.”

She grabs my hand and squeezes it. “I knew Brittany was going to try to pull something. She had called me and was rambling on about how I won’t see her again after today. Immediately, I got in my car and drove to the grand opening. When I was getting ready to park, I saw Noah and that man frantically searching around, and I knew something had happened. So I followed them from a distance, not wanting to be suspicious but also hoping I didn’t lose them. Noah never noticed me, and when they pulled into the storage, I stayed parked on the side of the road where I could kind of keep watch. I sat there contemplating what I needed to do, but then I heard what sounded like gunshots and acted.” The tone of her voice changes, and I can see how much this has affected her.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to you, Katie. I felt responsible and should’ve gone to the police the moment Brittany started her threats. But I couldn’t. All I ever wanted was to protect Gabe, but he had chosen her, and she was willing to destroy everything I loved. How could my son love a monster? I’m sorry I didn’t raise him better.”

My eyebrows furrow. “You raised him the absolute best way you could. Loretta, none of what he did was your fault. I understand wanting to protect him. I loved him, and I know somewhere inside he felt the same about me. But he loved Brittany, and there’s no telling how many other women he loved too.”

She looks at me with understanding. “My son had issues, and there’s no denying that. I’d like to think he would’ve grown out of all of this and turned out okay. When I found out he had cheated, I was so disappointed and sad. The boy I raised would never do that to a woman. There were a lot of realizations and mistakes made on my part. I’ll always love Gabe, but he did things that I’ll never understand or forgive.”