"Oh?What's that?"
"Kissing.Best stress relief there is."
I smirk and cup her chin, lowering my head.She clutches my shirt in anticipation, but I place a soft kiss on the bridge of her nose instead.
"Not funny.Fucking kiss me!"
I press a finger to her lips."Patience is key, Alex."
The vixen responds by cupping me through my jeans, making me groan."It better be worth the wait, Walker."She turns toward the door with a wicked smile."Let's go."
* * *
"I'll wait here,"Brian says, parking in front of my mother's house.
My heart pounds as we approach the door.When it finally opens, I barely recognize my mother.Her usually immaculate hair hangs loose and messy, dark circles rim red-rimmed eyes.She presses a trembling hand to her chest.
"Hey.Can we come in?"
She nods, stepping back.The moment the door closes, she rushes forward, gentle fingers tracing the fading bruises on my face.
"Oh, my sweet boy," she whispers, voice thick with tears.
I take her shaking hands in mine."We're okay, Mom.We're here to talk."
She turns to Alisha, eyes brimming."Thank you.You're truly remarkable.I prayed day and night for your safe return."
The crash of shattering china makes us all jump.Jeremy stands in the kitchen doorway, broken plates at his feet, staring at us like he's seeing ghosts.
"Jeremy?"My mother hurries to him."Are you hurt?"
He shakes his head, gaze ping-ponging between Alisha and me.Alex squeezes my hand hard, and I run my thumb over her knuckles, trying to soothe us both.
"I'm sorry, Jeremy," she whispers."I—"
"Don't."Jeremy steps over the broken china, tears streaming down his face."Don't you dare apologize.What he did..."His shoulders begin to shake."That monster was my son!"
"Please don't blame yourself," Alisha says, her voice breaking.
"She's right, Jeremy.This wasn't your fault," I add.
"Yes, it is.David was my son."The words come out between sobs."I should have known.His mother..."He runs a trembling hand through his hair."She's in an institution for mental illness.I should have tried harder to stay connected.My daughter told me she hadn't heard from him in three years, not since she moved to Canada.If I'd looked harder, maybe I would have seen the signs."He lifts his chin, eyes full of anguish."I'm so sorry for the pain he caused you both."
Alisha reaches out, and Jeremy takes her hand."And I'm sorry for..."She can't finish, but Jeremy understands.
"You did the right thing, sweetheart."He pulls her into a hug as she breaks down."It's okay.It's okay."
My heart swells watching them – two people connected by tragedy, finding forgiveness.As I glance at my mother, I remember my conversation with Dad.
"Mom, can we talk?"
She nods and follows me to the kitchen.The moment we're alone, she speaks."I'm sorry, Cole."
I take her hands in mine, watching tears spill down her cheeks."Mom, these past weeks taught me something important.Every story has multiple sides, and I need to hear them all before judging.Like David, I've only been looking at the past through my own eyes.That wasn't fair."
"I've made so many mistakes.I can't undo them, Cole.I was a terrible parent."
A small laugh escapes me."A while ago, I'd have agreed.But I'm ready to move forward, Mom.I forgive you."
