“Not until last night.”
“Ah.”
“We slept on the couch—fully clothed.”
“Ah.”
“It’s not like that.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
I rolled my eyes. “Your tone always gives you away. You can pack a lot into one word.”
The corners of her lips twitched.
“Yes, we’ve been, uh, seeing each other.”
“Sleeping together.”
Well, I’m not going to sayfuck buddiesin front of my mother.“Yes. Something like that.”
She nodded. “And you’ve met his children, obviously. Do they know you’re in a romantic relationship? May I presume you’re in a romantic relationship? Kids these days do such odd things.”
Somehow, I assumed Leo and I were thekidsin that statement. “Yes, romantic relationship. Yes, we told the children yesterday, and they appeared happy. Yes, Leo’s ex-husband knows since they share joint custody. In fact, we had brunch—Leo, his ex, his ex’s new fiancé, and the children.”
“New fiancé?”
I nodded. “Gideon—he’s the ex—was in Vancouver with his partner Archer. That’s why we had to help out yesterday when Leo got called into surgery. Saved two lives.” Because slipping that in there felt like the right thing to do. “Leo, Gideon, and Archer are all grateful to you for stepping up and helping.”
Mama frowned. “Did they think I wouldn’t?”
“Well, only Leo knows you. And only in a professional capacity. None of the men would’ve asked or presumed they could just leave their children with a virtual stranger.”
“I’m not a stranger. I’m your mother.” She smiled rather dreamily. “They’re wonderful children.” That gaze sharpened. “And what are you going to be to them?”
“Uh—” I frowned. “Leo’s boyfriend?” That sounded…odd. Because, yeah, when kids were involved things were definitely more complicated.
“And you’re moving in.”
“Yes.” Here I could be confident. “Leo asked. Well, sort of. In the end.”
Mama snickered. “Are you sure about that?”
“Well, now I am. Leo told everyone at the table that he’d asked and I’d agreed. Which I had. So that’s all figured out.”
“And you’re happy?”
I grinned. “Mama, I’m over-the-moon happy.”
She placed her hand on mine. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted—for you to be happy. I kept thinking the right man would come along for you. I just didn’t know if I’d be alive to see it.”
“Mama.” Said with plenty of admonishment.
Again, she rolled her eyes. “Calm down. I’m not going anywhere.”
“So, uh, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“About me going somewhere?”
