LAKE
“I don’t want to sell my share. I think I deserve that seat on the board.”
Mom nodded, sipping her tea without a word.
“You were expecting this decision, weren’t you?”
“Kind of, and you’re my son.” She put her tea down and glanced at me. “And you were nowhere near giving me a grandchild.”
I practically rolled my eyes and shook my head in both amusement and annoyance. “Mom, just drop this topic.”
Her gaze shifted to Maverick, who had been trying to learn to ride a horse for two hours. They managed to practice from the stable. She may have worn protective gear but was too stiff and scared to fall. “She’s living her life. I get that.”
“And she’s still young to be a mother, hasn’t experienced what life is. I want her to enjoy it before we plan on expanding our family.”
Mom smiled from her eyes as she gripped my knee. “You love her so much.”
I chuckled. “I haven’t told her the exact words. Every time I wanted to tell her, I chickened out. I guess I expect her to say the same, and I’m scared if she says no, this is a mistake. Something like that.”
“How would you know if you are too scared to find it out? Just tell her, honey. Don’t overthink.”
Maverick got to ride the horse without assistance. She seemed to relax on top as the horse trotted on the ground. I suggested to teach her, but she refused. She said she wanted someone who wouldn’t treat her like a China doll. I admired her tenacity to learn.
I stood up and clapped my hands to cheer her, unlocking her achievement. “You did it, baby!”
“Don’t distract me!” she said between laughs.
“You two are so cute together. I can’t believe you’re married, bunny. And you’re happy.”
I looked at my mom, who seemed so proud of me. “I wish Dad could say the same thing.”
“If he sees you not failing and happy with your wife, he’ll get over with it. Give him space.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you’re okay with everything.”
“I will always support your plan, Lake. You know that.”
“I know, Mom. I never doubted you for a second.”
After twenty minutes of successfully not falling, Maverick got off the horse and gave Alaska to George. Mom and I went down to the backyard patio.
“Why don’t you both move in here?”
“After her graduation.”
“Good idea.”
“And for the first time, she’s on board with the company and job I can offer.”
“Are you talking about me?” She waltzed in with her huge smile of success, and her knee boots looked spectacular on her long legs. She then asked both of us, “How did I do?”
“It was okay,” I was the first to reply while Mom was just smiling.
“Really? You’re a terrible commentator.” She sat next to me across from Mom. “Alaska is a babe.”
“Alaska is a he.”
She laughed. “I know that, but he’s so behave.”
“A few weeks more of practice, you’ll be a rookie equestrian.”
She playfully slapped my knee, looking insulted. “You’re mean. I did well for a first-timer, right, Bea?”
“Don’t listen to him. He’s messing with you.”
“We can stay here if you want so you can practice more.”
“Too far from my school and job. Maybe after I graduate if the offer still stands, and I’m fine with weekend getaways. This house needs us more, though.”
“We’ll take a few weeks of break after your graduation.”
“Our pending honeymoon?” She smiled, her cheeks pricking with heat.
“Yes.”
“That’s a good idea. You two need some time to yourselves. Lake has been working for years and barely got a day or two away from his desk. It’s time you take a long overdue vacation, honey. Take your wife to Guardion. It’s pretty nice weather at this time.”
“Isn’t that where Rome’s wife is from?”
“Yes,” Mom replied. “They have beaches, mountains, and snow. But if you want a little warmer, try Italy. Moses has Villa there.”
Maverick gave me a side look and is waiting for my response.
“I haven’t gone outside the country but have a passport.”
“Really?” I was surprised.
“You’re a terrible husband.”
Maverick laughed at my mother’s reaction. “Sort of. He’s also controlling and a pain in my ass.”
Mom just smiled.
“But. But he has a big heart. He’s also considerate, generous, and thoughtful.”
“Mom won’t be offended even if you don’t have to say those words, Maverick.”
“I know that.” She grabbed a glass of water and drank it. “I’m just telling the truth. I wouldn’t be here sitting next to you if you weren’t considerate enough with my tantrums and my disobedience.”
“That’s good to hear you two worked on your differences.”
“It’s more likely that I made all those adjustments, Mom.”
“That’s a big fat lie.” She stared at me in disbelief, blushing.
Mom laughed as she stood up. “You two kids, enjoy your weekend.”
“Wait. You’re leaving already?”
“Yes, darling. It’s my day off, too. And you should work on my grandchild.”
We both remained speechless as Mom walked into the house.
***
“This is so freaking good.” That was Maverick’s first reaction as she tasted Linden’s legendary omelet. “What did you put in here? MSG?”
Linden and Estelle laughed.
“I’ve been married him for years and still couldn’t get it right. Maybe it’s the fire. It didn’t taste like the way he made it,” Estelle said astonishingly.
“I use the same ingredients, trust me.”
“Maybe it’s cooked with love.”
Linden and I stared at Maverick while Estelle smiled and enjoyed her husband’s omelet.
“What?” She looked at us one by one.
“You’re right, honey. You should put your time and effort into the food you cook.”
“I agree. You don’t just whisk the egg and throw salt and pepper in the bowl. Too much salt and pepper can change the taste.”
“Look at you two. Finally, Gabriel found someone who spoke the same language.” Estelle smiled and then turned to me. “Just wait for a day or two. They’re going to be sharing recipes.”
“I don’t know you cook.” Linden drank his orange juice.
“Of course, he never mentioned about me.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
“Baby.” My reaction was instant, and I reached out for her hand. I felt like I had failed to compliment her enough. Of course, I knew she could cook. She made the best pizza.
She widened her eyes. “It was a joke. Jeez. Chill out, bunny. I only like cook once.” She hid her smile. Her face reddened. “Now I feel terrible. I only cooked once, and it was only pizza.”
Linden and Estelle shared a look.
“You actually cooked chicken, but I didn’t get to taste it.”
“Yeah, right. The Marry-me chicken.”
“I can see why Lake is head over heels with you now.”
I lost words on how to respond to that.
Maverick just blushed. “Because I can cook? He should have put chef as a qualification for his wife.”
“Because you cooked for your husband, you’re funny and appreciate a simple meal like this,” said Estelle, saving me.
“There’s nothing simple with Gabe’s omelet, trust me. If I try it at home, it won’t taste like this. It is so smooth and soft, buttery, creamy, and melts in the mouth. I swear there is a distinct taste in it. Is it the kind of egg you use? You only use fresh, don’t you? Not that one from the ref.”
“I’d never been entertained just by talking about an omelet.”
“Me too,” I seconded Estelle.
“It’s a secret.”
“I swear it’s your seasoning, fresh egg, a little drop of milk, slow cook, the whipping, and the brand of your butter.”
“Damn, honey. You know your way in the kitchen.”
“I believe a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She laughed. “Kidding.”
“Maybe not, baby.”