Chapter Thirty-Seven #2
“He doesn’t feel that way about me. He moved on, too.”
I roll my eyes. “And where is Aunt Marissa now?”
“Addie!” Mom scolds as I bring up the distant aunt who skipped town the moment she had Logan. It’s no secret that the woman wanted nothing to do with us. She didn’t even give Ford so much as a goodbye when she left him clueless on how to raise a newborn at the local hospital.
“What I’m trying to say is that he’s right in front of you!” I smirk, wiggling our joined hands. “Grab him, Mom.”
Now she rolls her eyes. “Yeah, okay, kid. When pigs fly, I’ll consider it.” I groan as she shrugs. “He doesn’t feel anything for me, Addie! We’re long past that honeymoon bullshit.”
“Whatever,” I chuckle, the mood between us much lighter than it was before. “When I get to tell you I told you so, don’t ask me for help.”
“That will be a game changer,” she snorts before smacking my thighs and rising from the chair.
She picks up the certificate, a small smile tugging at her lips as she hands it to me.
“You always did have the cutest cursive. I remember you used to write your dad notes before he left for work, and you would dot your Is with little hearts.” She skims over my name before giving me a doting look.
“It’s nice to see that Rowan doesn’t want to change you.
The heart in your name is a cute touch.”
“He loved it,” I giggle as I take the paper from her. “He’s obsessed with me.”
“Not too obsessed, I hope. I do expect to see you for brunch and holidays.” She smirks.
“You will,” I promise. “I’ll just have a plus one now.”
“Rowan is welcome anytime. Both of you will always have a room in my home.” She says with heart.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She rubs a hand across my back. “I love you, kid.”
“I love you too.”
***
Ford is stewing in anger when we return downstairs. He’s propped against the kitchen’s island, his arms crossed as his hard eyes instantly find my mom.
I nudge her in his direction, only for her to pinch my arm hard.
“Well,” Mom announces as she props her hands on her hips. “That was enough family drama to last me a lifetime. I’m going home.”
Ford scowls, the wrinkles between his brow deepening as he pushes from the counter. He posts up like some immovable wall, spreading his legs into a wide stance. “Not so fast, Bunny.”
Mom’s head rears as she mutters, “Haven’t heard that nickname in years.” She frowns at the man across from her. “What?”
“You’re a part of the syndicate now, and under my direct care,” Ford says proudly, puffing his chest out.
Mom’s mouth gapes as she scoffs. “You’re pulling my fucking leg.”
“Oh…” I trail, my lips pulling over my teeth in a wince.
The great Morgan Bright just cursed.
This is serious.
“I’m not,” Ford says resolutely. “You’re not going anywhere.”
My mom makes a show of looking around the room exaggeratedly. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to find who you’re talking to. Because it surely isn’t me, Ford Hughes.”
He gives her a long stare, the corner of his mouth twitching in an almost smirk.
“I am talking to you, Bunny. You’re staying here.
For good.” He steps forward, his hands falling as he closes in on Mom.
He stares down at her, his features gentling into something tender.
“I let you get away once, and I’m not letting that happen again.
” He lifts a hand to her cheek, cradling her face as if she’s precious.
“You’re just as beautiful as the day I first saw you… ”
Mom’s lips part as her eyes ping pong around his features. She blinks quickly as her throat works in a gulp. “Let’s not do this around the kids…”
“They aren’t kids anymore, Morgan.” He mutters. “And I’m tired of waiting. Fuck it.”
He swoops in, his lips slamming onto my mom’s in a punishing kiss that bleeds possessiveness and something deeper—longing. Pure, unfiltered need.
“That’s enough of that,” Logan gags from behind me before covering my eyes with a hand and steering me towards the door.
I bat his hands away as he closes our parents in the house, and my eyes pinpoint Rowan across from me.
He’s propped against the porch's railing, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches me.
“Everything okay?” He asks before walking over to me.
“Perfect,” I give him a dopey smile, love drunk as I fling my arms around his neck. “Everything is just perfect.”
He palms my sides, the same fire and devotion burning in his eyes. “Good.”
“You two aren’t leaving me here with them,” Logan throws a thumb at the door.
Rowan and I share a look.
“We can leave him, right?” My husband asks.
I shrug. “He’ll be fine.”
“Seriously?” Logan throws his hands up.
Rowan leans over me, giving my brother a reassuring expression that teeters on amusement. “You got this. Don't barge in without knocking.”
“Fuck you.”
I throw a smirk over my shoulder at my brother. “Don’t trust any flat surfaces that can bear weight.”
“You’re both insufferable,” Logan grumbles before fishing his phone out of his pocket and shoving it in my direction. “Here. Put your number in. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around for the holidays.”
I take it and program my number under ‘The Best Sister Ever,’ and it earns a snort from my brother.
“You’ll be seeing both of us,” I wink.
Logan purses his lips. “I can do without one of you.” I punch his gut, and he fakes a groan. “Kidding. I was only kidding.”
“We’re a package deal,” I snark as I wrap an arm around Rowan’s waist.
My husband rubs my back as he smiles softly at me. “We’ll be in touch. Can’t get rid of me now.”
“Don’t remind me,” Logan grumbles under his breath.
“Take good care of our parents,” I say as we give our goodbyes. Logan bear hugs me, picking me up until my feet dangle.
“Clear out a spare bedroom for me. If they become too much, I’m moving in with you.” He jokes.
Or at least I think he’s joking?
I pat his back awkwardly until he sets me down. He gives a stern stare to Rowan. “Take care of her.”
My husband nods. “She’s in good hands.”
With a final wave and a hop up into the front seat, we’re off.
The ranch-style home recedes in the rearview mirror, and I rest my chin on my arms as I hang out of the window.
The last twenty-four hours have been chaotic beyond belief, but my heart feels fuller than it was before I came here.
For the most part, everyone is happy. I’m still on the fence with Ford being my biological father, but it doesn’t take away from the time and happiness I shared with Dad while he was here.
If anything, there’s an extension to him in the family I rekindled a connection with.
So much lost time seems like a distant memory as we drive away. I’m only glad my mom finally got her happy ending.
I’m rooting for them.
Choose her, Ford.