Owen eagerly yells, “Surprise!”
I gasp. “You two spoil me too much.”
Happiness streams through me, and the only thing that pulls me away from the moment is my cell phone ringing. I see it's Loretta and decide to answer.
“Hey, Katie,” she greets. “I just wanted to check and see how you're doing.”
Noah meets my gaze as I sit on the couch. “I'm okay, was told to rest and drink plenty of liquids.” I don't dare tell her why, at least not yet. That’s not the type of conversation you have over the phone anyway.
“Good. I've been thinking about you all morning and wanted to know if you'd mind if I came by after lunch so we can talk.”
I owe her at least that much, considering what she did for us. “Sure, that’ll be fine.”
“Thank you,” she exhales. “I'll see you then.”
The call ends, and I stay quiet for a second.
“Everything okay?” Noah finally asks, taking a seat next to me as Owen goes to his room.
“Yeah, Loretta wants to come over later and talk. I wonder what she's going to say.” My voice trails off when Owen comes back with his tablet. I force a grin, and he turns on the TV.
“She probably wants to explain herself,” Noah suggests, and I know he’s right.
We watch TV and play games for a few hours until it's lunchtime, and Noah whips up some quesadillas. Owen hasn't left my side all day. Eventually, moments like this will be few and far between, so I try to enjoy them. After we finish eating, I sit at the table and watch Noah clean up.
“Do you think we should tell him?” I ask Noah when Owen excuses himself.
“Only when you're ready,” he says, walking over and pressing his soft lips against mine. I tug at the hem of his shirt, needing him more than I need air.
“Mmm,” I moan against his mouth before he pushes away.
Owen returns with his iPad and plops down.
“Hey,” I say to him, and he looks up at me. “There's something I need to tell you. Well, we need to tell you.”
I glance at Noah, and he sits at the table beside me and across from Owen, who glances back and forth between us. “What?” he asks.
I lick my lips then grab his small hand. “Do you remember when you were little, and you always asked me for brothers or sisters?”
Owen nods. “Yeah.”
“What if I told you that you're gonna be a big brother?” I ask, and Owen's eyes go wide.
“Seriously?”
I nod with a smile. Owen gets up and wraps his arms around my neck. “I'm gonna have a little brother or sister?”
“Actually...” Noah says. “Maybe both? Your mom is having twins.”
“Two babies?” Owen giddily asks.
“Yes,” I say, loving how excited he is.
“Does that mean you're staying around forever?” Owen asks Noah.
“I'm not going anywhere, bud,” Noah says, then grabs and squeezes my hand.
“So you're moving in?” Owen asks Noah.
“Uhh,” Noah hesitates. “That's kinda up to your mom.”
I don’t answer his question. The last thing I want to do is put pressure on Noah, though I’m sure he’d do it in a heartbeat. “There's one more thing, Owen. You can't tell anyone yet because it's still really early.”
He grins. “Don't worry, Mom. I'm really good at keeping secrets,” he says, then glances back at Noah. “I’m a pro!”
Another hour passes, and I know Loretta will be here soon. Noah and Owen don't let me leave the couch for anything and wait on me hand and foot. While I wait for Loretta, I get a group text from Everleigh and Gemma.
Everleigh: Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!
Gemma: Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day, Katie! How’re you feeling today?
I smile because this Mother’s Day is more special than any of the others I’ve had.
Katie: Thanks! I’m feeling okay! Just enjoying being spoiled today.
Everleigh: Yay! You deserve it. I was super worried about you, but thankfully, Gemma kept me in the loop. I’m glad you’re alive. Otherwise, I might’ve had to avenge you.
Gemma: Everleigh! You’re terrible. Katie, glad you’re doing good. Noah’s being on his best behavior then?
I snort, and Noah glances over at me and shakes his head, knowing we’re talking about him.
Katie: I had breakfast in bed, balloons, flowers, a yummy lunch, and I’ve been told I’m not to get off the couch unless I have to pee. I feel like a queen.
Everleigh: Cause you are!
Gemma: After everything that’s happened lately, you deserve it.
Soon, a knock taps against the door, and immediately, my heart hammers in my chest. Noah gets up and opens it. Loretta gives him a soft smile. It’s a much better reaction than the sneer she typically throws when his name is mentioned. Though yesterday she seemed relieved to see us both. It’s proof things are changing for the better.
“Hi, Noah,” she politely says, and he steps aside, allowing her in.
Owen sees her and immediately runs over to give her a hug. It breaks my heart that I’ve kept them apart, but my intentions were good. “Mimi, I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too, baby,” she says, then meets my eyes, and I think I see a tear fall.
“Hey, Owen, wanna go shoot some hoops while your mom and Mimi talk?”
He grins and nods, then runs to his room to change. I mouth, “Thank you,” to Noah before they go outside.
Loretta moves to the couch and sits a cushion’s width away. At first, I’m tense, and the whole situation is awkward, but then she speaks.
“Katie, I’m so sorry for keeping the truth from you,” she says. An apology from the beginning is a good start.
“Thank you,” I say, genuinely meaning it. “I hope you understand why I wouldn’t let you see Owen. A mother’s intuition never lies.”
“You’re absolutely right,” she admits.
“With that being said, I’m grateful that you were there. I don’t know if I’d be sitting here right now or if Noah would be alive. There was a lot at stake, and you risked so much. I appreciate you.”
She grabs my hand and squeezes it. “I knew Brittany was going to try to pull something. She had called me and was rambling on about how I won’t see her again after today. Immediately, I got in my car and drove to the grand opening. When I was getting ready to park, I saw Noah and that man frantically searching around, and I knew something had happened. So I followed them from a distance, not wanting to be suspicious but also hoping I didn’t lose them. Noah never noticed me, and when they pulled into the storage, I stayed parked on the side of the road where I could kind of keep watch. I sat there contemplating what I needed to do, but then I heard what sounded like gunshots and acted.” The tone of her voice changes, and I can see how much this has affected her.
“Thank you,” I whisper.