“I picked it up when you said you were coming home this weekend. I didn’t realize then how much we would actually need it.” She smiled her concerned mom smile Sophie had seen so many times growing up. It was familiar and comforting, a reminder that her mother was always there for her. “I’m gonna guess that it’s a boy causing these tears.”
“Yes…A very frustrating, irritating…”Sophie trailed off.
Her mom reached over and squeezed her hand. “Well, this conversation sounds familiar. I think you used those same words before. Don’t tell me we’re discussing Ashton King again?”
Sophie sighed. “The one and only. He’s up to his old tricks again. He’s Margaret Darcy’s grandson. I unknowingly walked right into having him in my life again. I can’t escape him.”
“I don’t know your history other than the few things that I have weaseled out of you over the years, but a boy who invests that much time in anything is interested, trust me. One day you’ll find out what is truly in his heart.”
“I don’t know what scares me more, finding out you’re right or finding out you aren’t.” Sophie collapsed on the table. “I know it’s not good to want to be with him, but I do anyway. One moment he’s the same mean guy he was in high school, the next…I want to be with him so much it hurts sometimes. I don’t know which way is up anymore.”
“Is my baby girl in love?” Her mother raised her eyebrow suspiciously.
“No,” Sophie growled her denial. “He just makes me feel lost. I just need him out of my life so I can think straight.”
“I know that I tainted your view of love, it breaks my heart knowing what I put you through, but even after all those years of failed, horrible relationships I finally found love, making all that pain worth it. Do you think that all of this would start making sense if you just opened up your heart and see where it takes you?”
“I’m scared.”
“Aren’t we all? Just promise me that you won’t miss out on one of the greatest parts of life because you’re scared of getting hurt.”
“Mom…he hates me,” Sophie said discouragingly.
“I sincerely doubt that. Do you want me to beat some sense into him?” her mother teased. “I could get Peter to arrest him under some bogus charge.”
“Don’t offer that because I might take you up on it,” Sophie said thoughtfully, licking her spoon. “He has so much power over me. I have never actually given him my heart and yet he finds a way to break it time after time. What happens if I actually do give it to him? These feeling are too deep, too wide, too everything. Can I survive it?”
“It certainly sounds like love.” Her mother placed her hand on her shoulder. “I would do anything for you, you know that, right?”
“I know…let’s focus on planning your wedding. That’s what I want to do right now.” Sophie sat up straighter in her chair. She was amazed how much better she felt being with her mom. “Thinking about Ashton just makes me feel angry right now.”
“Okay, but this conversation is not over.” Her mother leaned in to give her a hug.
A couple hours later Sophie and her mother were buried in all the magazines her mother had spread out. They were going over every detail of the plans while the music selection for the reception played in the background. Her mother had downloaded popular wedding tunes and the list included music from every genre. They laughed and sang along to “Sex Bomb,” turning it up and dancing around the kitchen.
“Seriously, Mom, you have to at least play some music from this decade,” Sophie said, falling into her chair.
“I know but that one is definitely in.” She laughed.
“I’m a lucky guy to come home to two of the most beautiful women in the whole world.” Peter walked in the kitchen dressed in his police uniform. He had salt and pepper short cropped hair, deep brown eyes, and a square jaw. Sophie watched her mother’s face light up when he walked into the room, like he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
“Hey Peter.” Sophie stood up to give him a hug.
“Hey Sophie, you have no idea how happy I am to see you. Your mother is driving me crazy talking about every little detail of the wedding.” He patted her on the head like she was a little girl after he hugged her tightly.
“Hey there, Peter, watch it. You don’t want me turning into bridezilla,” she warned.
“Not even possible, Rachael.” He wrapped his arms around her mother and kissed her on the head before looking over at Sophie. He mouthed to Sophie so her mother couldn’t hear that she was already a bridezilla. Her mother caught on when Sophie laughed and elbowed him jokingly in the stomach.
“Hey now, you might break your elbow on my abs of steel.” He laughed.
Sophie couldn’t wipe the smile from her face as her mother and Peter danced around the kitchen floor. He spun her around, dipping her so low her mother squealed with delight before he kissed her silent. It was beautiful to see her mother so happy. Peter showed her how much he cared for her in every touch, every smile, and every look.
Peter grilled his famous hamburgers for supper, and they spent the evening sitting under the stars, enjoying each other’s company. It was the first time that she really spent an extended period of time around Peter and her mother together. They both asked endless questions about classes finishing up, her new job, and about her painting.
Her mother teased her about it being the first time she had seen her in a long time without paint staining her hands or smudged through her hair. Peter fit so perfectly, like they were always waiting for him to come along to complete their little puzzle. She was so glad her mother found someone she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. They moved like magnets, an invisible force always drawing them closer.
Peter excitedly spoke of his tales fighting crime. He loved doing his part to keep people safe; she knew that look in his eye when he spoke about his job. It was the same look she donned when she held a paintbrush in her hand. It was the feeling that warmed you from the inside out when you realized that you had found your purpose in life, knowing without a doubt that you are doing what you were created for.
When the night eventually won the battle and they could not resist the temptation of sleep anymore, Sophie retreated to the spare room in her mother’s small two-bedroom rental house. The room had only been Sophie’s for a short time before she moved into her own place to attend school. When she crawled into bed she checked her phone for any messages before she went to bed. There was a frantic message from Mel, actually multiple messages. Sophie called her back and let her know that she was fine and staying with her mom this weekend. After a couple of choice words from Mel, who ranted on about leaving her hanging all day, Sophie said she would see her on Monday.
There was another message that made Sophie’s stomach drop when she noticed it was from Ashton. It was a voice message, and when she listened to the sound of his voice it made her insides ache. “Hi Sophie…I don’t really know what I should say, but from the look on your face this morning, sorry is probably where to start. I apologize for last night. I don’t even know what to say to make this better. Have a good time with your mother and I guess I’ll talk to you later.”
Sophie dialed his number with shaking fingers. His beautiful deep voice answered after the first ring. She liked the thought that he was waiting for her call.
“Hey Sophie.” He spoke cautiously like he didn’t know what direction this conversation would take.”
“Why did you lead me to believe you were Jack? Did you think that I wouldn’t find out? Was it your intention to make me feel like a complete idiot?”
There was a moment of silence before Ashton spoke. “When you thought I was Jack…I just went for it. I thought I might be able to figure out how to get close to you. I don’t know what I was thinking, Sophie, but I fucking loved that you started opening up to me.”
There was a stretch of silence that lingered between them until Sophie spoke. “I was thinking about last night and there is a favor that I would like to ask.” Sophie tried to sound confident.
“Sure.” His tone eased slightly.
“When I get home tomorrow night, will you come over to my place?” Sophie tried to keep her words smooth but they felt like they wavered as they flowed from her lips.
“Are you planning to beat me up?” His tone turned lighter. Sophie let out a breath of relief and they both stared to relax.