“It’s almost ready,” she says, wiping her hands on her apron. “I hope you like tri-tip and asparagus,” she says, pulling a pan from the oven. “My baked asparagus is to die for.”
I smile at my mom as she transfers the asparagus to a small platter that also holds the tri-tip that has already been sliced.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I say.
Gracie nods her head in agreement. “And I hope you’re planning to join us.”
“Can’t. I have plans.” She winks at Gracie.
“Plans?” I wonder where my mom would be going after eight in the evening. Then I remember, she’s a fifty-nine-year-old widow, not an eighty-five-year-old wife, and I need to treat her like that.
“Yes, plans,” she says cryptically. She pushes her reading glasses up onto her head and pulls her apron off. “Now you two enjoy dinner while I go get cleaned up.” She pulls Gracie into a hug. “I hope you feel good enough to eat, sweetheart.” When she lets go of Gracie, she moves to me. “And you better take good care of her.” She leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek.
“I plan too,” I whisper, and she smiles at me.
Twenty
Whatever illness I have, it’s kicking my ass. I’m able to get a few bites of dinner down, and while it’s delicious, my stomach turns and I have to stop. However, just sitting at this table with Drew, knowing how much love Rose put into this dinner, makes my heart swell with happiness. I love his family, even Aaron. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and I can’t help but fall even more in love with Drew because of it.
“Go rest.” Drew shoos me away from the table. “I’ll clean up and meet you in the bedroom when I’m done.” As much as I want to help him clean up, my body is weak and tired. And honestly, I’d be more of a hindrance than a help.
I carry my plate to the sink, and Drew pulls me into an embrace before I leave. He holds me tight and I wrap my arms around his neck, allowing him to comfort me. Something about being in his arms makes me feel safe, content…loved.
He kisses my cheek before sending me on my way. “Go.”
A half hour later when Drew finally joins me in bed, he pulls me into him.
“Can we come back here again when I’m feeling better?” I ask him.
He pauses. “You want to come back?”
I nod and slide my fingers in between his. “I do. I like it here and I love your mom. I’d love to spend more time with her and actually get out and see Napa.”
I can feel him smile as he presses a kiss to the top of my head. “She loves you too,” he says quietly. “I’m so glad you got the chance to meet her. I just wish you felt better. And yes, we’ll come back again.”
“Good.” I close my eyes and sink into his warmth. There’s no place I’d rather be than right here with him wrapped in his arms.
“Babe,” he whispers in my ear and presses a gentle kiss to my temple. “You need to get up or we’ll miss our flight.”
I grumble and roll over, feeling disoriented. “What time is it?”
“Six in the morning. We have to leave in an hour.”
I groan. No. I don’t want to get up. My head is pounding with a headache. “I’m going to shower and then I’m going to need a cup of coffee.”
Drew massages my neck and I moan in pleasure. “Don’t make those sounds, baby,” he breathes into my ear. “You know what that does to me.”
I turn my head and smile over my shoulder. “Maybe you should join me in the shower,” I tease him.
He groans, and I can’t help but laugh. I love the effect I have on him. Even though I feel miserable, I’ve missed his touch and our connection. I know he’s giving me the space I need to get better, but I also need him.
“I wish,” he says. “You know I do. But you need to recoup. When we get back to New York, I’m all yours.” He presses a kiss to my temple and slides out of bed. “I’ll get you coffee. Go get in the shower.”
I do as I’m told, sighing with such contentment as I step into the hot shower. After I’m all clean, I wrap a large towel around me, brush my teeth, and towel dry my hair. I try not to sigh at myself in the mirror. My reflection isn’t inspiring confidence today. My face looks ashen and my eyes are still red, but I do feel better than yesterday. Hopefully by tomorrow, I’ll be back to normal.
Drew greets me in the bedroom with a cup of coffee and our bags are almost packed. “My mom wants to see you before we leave,” he says, handing me my coffee.
A twinge of sadness strikes me when I think about leaving Rose. I’ve barely met her, but I adore her, and I feel sad that both of her boys are moving across the country and away from her.
He nods toward the door. “Go see her. I’ll finish packing up.”
I dress quickly and carry my coffee to the kitchen where I find Rose, her nose stuck in her Kindle. “Good morning,” I greet her.
“Good morning!” She perks right up. “How are you feeling?”
“Each day gets a little better,” I tell her and take a sip of my coffee.
“Good.” She smiles at me and sets her kindle on the table. “Come with me.” She opens the back door and guides me outside to the covered terrace.
We sit down at the outdoor table, and I breathe in the cool Northern California air. My lungs expand with each deep breath and my head seems to clear with each cleansing inhale.
“Thank you,” she says quietly.
My brows pinch in confusion as I glance at her. “For what?”
“For loving Andrew.” Her smile is genuine, but there’s a hint of sadness on her face. “I assume he told you about Melissa?”
I nod and swallow hard. After getting to know Aaron, it’s almost difficult for me to imagine him betraying Drew in such a terrible way.
“He was so broken,” her voice breaks and she pauses, “I wasn’t sure he’d open his heart to love ever again, but Grace, the way he looks at you…he’s never been happier.”
I smile at her. “I love him too,” I admit. I’m not sure I’ve even told him that, but I tell Rose because it’s the truth. I love him.
She reaches over and grabs my hand. I see a tear slip from her eye and she squeezes my hand as she takes a deep breath. “Be patient with him.”
I’m not sure what that means, but I nod. “I will.”
“Good. He’s lucky to have you, sweet girl.”
I think it’s the other way around. “I’m lucky to have him.” And that’s the truth. Rose and I enjoy a few minutes of quiet with our coffee and we take in the beautiful Napa Valley fall morning before Drew announces that we have to leave.
Even though we barely know each other, Rose and I say a tearful goodbye. Drew looks at us like we’re crazy. Aside from being sick, this was a much-needed break and I’m so thankful Drew wanted me to meet his mom.
As much as I loved seeing San Francisco and Napa, there’s just something about New York City that calls to me. It’s where I belong; it’s home.