Chapter 31
The Beginning Of Forever
One Week Later
“Mama, did you want more soup?” I ask, nodding to her empty bowl.
She shakes her head, slowly moving her hand to her stomach. “I c-couldn’t eat another thing. I’m stuffed.”
“Does that mean you’re going to pass on the chocolate pudding Julie made for dessert?” I tease, the corners of my mouth lifting.
Her eyes flicker toward the kitchen, her resolve faltering. “I s-suppose a few bites wouldn’t hurt.”
My smile widens. “I had a feeling you might say that.”
“That better mean you’re bringing pudding for me too,” Charlie pipes up from the recliner.
She’s moved it several feet from the bed to keep her distance from Logan and Rory, who are curled up asleep on Mama’s lap.
“Between trying to keep my allergies from flaring and bingeing Scandal, I’ve earned a sweet treat, don’t you think? ”
A few days ago, I told Walker’s family and our friends about Mama’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. I gave them the chance to ask questions so they had a better picture of what we’ve been managing on our own, and they wasted no time offering to step up and lend a hand however they can.
Like today, Charlie kept her shop closed so she could be here to introduce Mama to her favorite TV show. In her view, Gilmore Girls was far too tame compared to the books Mama reads, and she wanted to be the one to expand her horizons.
“Fine, but only because if you have to get it yourself, you’ll complain about missing a scene.” I motion to the screen where Olivia Pope has just entered the Oval Office, her gaze fixed on Fitz.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver,” Charlie calls out as I leave the room.
I carry Mama’s tray down the hall to the kitchen, where ABBA plays softly on the portable radio Julie brought.
She’s bustling about, preparing her fourth freezer meal of the day.
Meanwhile, Briar and Caleb hover over the kitchen table, folding paper into origami animals they’re going to hang in Mama’s room.
Wren has called me every day to check in and has promised to come visit soon.
I’ve been so amazed at how they’ve all rallied around me and my parents.
The whole town knows what’s going on with Mama now and has responded with genuine concern and kindness.
We’ve received an outpouring of additional meals, flowers, and offers to help in any way we need.
Even Mrs. Bixby stopped by with one of her famous veggie lasagnas and a heartfelt apology for opposing my animal sanctuary.
Although she seemed relieved to hear that I’ve acquired more land to expand.
It still feels like a pinch-me moment. I’ve gone over to Mr. Grady’s old property every day since I found out it was mine, and when Heath, Jensen, and Walker removed the fence between the two lots yesterday, that’s when the reality started to sink in that it really belongs to me.
“Sweetie, do you think your mom would like some premade strawberry-banana smoothies if I whipped up a few?” Julie asks from the sink.
I place the tray on the nearby counter. “I’m sure she’d enjoy them, but you’ve already done so much. Between everything you’ve made and what the neighbors have dropped off, I don’t know if we can fit anything else in the freezer.”
At this rate, Dad’s going to have to invest in a second one just to store it all.
Julie dismisses my concerns with a wave. “Nonsense, I want to do it. And don’t worry, I’ll make space.”
“Best to let her be,” Briar adds with a chuckle. “She doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.”
“Very true,” Julie agrees as she rinses a bunch of spinach and pats it dry. She tosses it into a blender already filled with strawberries and bananas.
The front door swinging open cuts our conversation short, and moments later, Walker steps into the kitchen. He’s in a pair of Wranglers and a white T-shirt smudged with paint.
“How are my favorite ladies and my favorite nephew doing?” he drawls.
He slides off his work gloves, and tucks them into his back pocket, then strides over to stand beside me. He drapes an arm over my shoulders and kisses my temple.
Mama Julie swats him with a hand towel on her way over to the fridge. “No shoes inside next time.” She points at his boots. “I just vacuumed, and I want the Mattersons’ house to stay clean for more than five minutes.”
Walker ducks his head, a blush creeping up his neck. “Sorry, Ma.”
“Uncle Walker, you’re silly,” Caleb pipes up from the table.
Walker glances over with a raised brow. “How’s that, buddy?”
“You said I was your favorite nephew, but I’m your only one!” Caleb exclaims, dropping his work-in-progress origami frog and planting his hands on his hips.
Walker smirks. “All the more reason you’re my favorite.”
Caleb bursts into giggles.
“How are things going outside? I hope no one’s trying to outdo each other with their power tools,” Briar teases Walker.
Heath, Jensen, and our dads are helping build a ramp out front so it’ll be easier for my parents to go on walks around the neighborhood.
Mama’s been limited to the house and the backyard for so long and is excited to be able to explore outside instead of looking at the same four walls every day.
We’re not letting a moment go to waste, and moving forward, we will fill her days creating as many new memories as possible while she’s still feeling up for it.
Walker rolls his eyes, chuckling. “Heath and Jensen were racing to see who could sink the most screws in sixty seconds. Jensen might have been the underdog, but he’s shockingly fast when bragging rights are on the line.”
“He’s got a competitive streak, that’s for sure,” Briar remarks with a smirk.
Caleb tugs at her sleeve, and when she bends down to check on him, he holds out his origami frog and asks her to fix it. With Briar distracted and Julie busy rummaging through the fridge, I take the opportunity to tell Walker what’s on my mind before he heads back outside.
I rise on my toes, resting a hand on his shoulder.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He gazes down at me. “For what, sweetheart?”
“For reminding me that I have a whole community behind me, and that I’m not on my own anymore.”
He cups my cheek. “You’ll never be alone again, baby.”
This is the life I’ve always wanted—surrounded by family and friends, sharing laughter in peaceful moments, and offering strength and courage through every challenge.
Whatever the future holds, I know with certainty that I’ll have a support system to lean on, and Walker Halstead is at the center of it.
What started as a simple request for some lessons fueled by a few shots of tequila, quickly blossomed into a storybook romance I never saw coming.
Little did I know that he believed we belonged together long before I even realized it was a possibility—and that he was prepared to do whatever it took to lasso my heart.