She looks better than the last time I saw her. I've been in regular contact with her doctor. Despite being typically stubborn, she's taking vitamins and is even having healthy meals delivered to the house.
"We can talk after dinner, Courtland."
"Actually, we have plans for later."
"You do?"
"Yep. We're going to see a movie," I say, since it's the first thing that pops into my head.
"Really?"
"Yep."
She purses her lips, annoyed. "Fine. There is something I wanted to speak to you about, and it's the reason why I invited you as well, Bro—Buzz." She pushes her plate away and starts chewing on her bottom lip, her annoyance giving way to an emotion I can't place just yet. She rests a hand on the round dome of her stomach. "Last time you were here, Courtland, you mentioned wanting to help me."
I nod. "That's right. Whatever you need, Mom."
"I've been doing some thinking, and I've decided I'm not keeping the baby."
"You're not?"
"I'm too old to be a mother again," she says. "And let's face it, I wasn't great the first time around."
She drops her head, and I stare wide-eyed at Buzz. He looks as surprised and confused as I feel. He gestures toward her, like I should step up and say something.
"You weren't the worst Mom," I say, wincing when I hear how that sounds. Not that it's not true, it's just maybe now isn't the right time to be bringing that up. "And besides, what happened in the past is in the past. It doesn't mean things can't be different in the future."
She doesn't move for a while, but when she lifts her head, I can see my words have made no difference. Her mind is made up. "I'm going to give this baby up for adoption."
"Okay," I say, snapping myself out of shocked son mode and into my well-practiced doctor mode, where I respect every patient's decision, whatever it may be and whatever my own personal thoughts about it are. "It's your choice. And if that's what you want, then I'll support you. Did you want me to helpwith the adoption process? I can put you in touch with some agencies."
"I do need your help, but not like that."
"Then like what?"
She glances at Buzz for a few moments then turns to face me. "I'd like for you and Buzz to raise this baby."
48
Buzz
It takes a lot to knock Courtland Dean Matthews off balance. He is the king of composure, a cool head in times of panic. If you're on a plane that's going down, he's the guy you want to be sitting next to.
Nearly nothing rattles him. He's unflappable.
I think his mom just found a flap.
"You can't be serious," he sputters, raking a hand through his perfectly styled hair, messing it up.
"I am. This child will be your half sibling, and since you two are married…"
I stare at Court in shock. I know for a fact he's told her we got married and he's spending six months in Clovelly because of clauses in her father's will.
"Yeah, but Mom…a kid is a lot. It's not something you throw at a couple and say, 'Here you go.'"
"I know that. But surely you two have talked about starting a family some day?"
Her words hit me right in the chest.
