Page 63 of Sinful Sharing

She turns. The moment she sees me, her face lights up, and before I can react, she crosses the room and wraps her arms around me.

For a second, I freeze, then I hug her back. “What are you doing here?” I finally ask.

She pulls away just enough to give me a cautious smile. “I hope this is a pleasant surprise,” she says.

“It is, but…” I glance at her luggage. “This isn’t exactly your ideal vacation spot.”

“You’re right, but I wanted to see where my son has settled.” She takes my hand, and a remorseful look fills her features. “I also need to make amends. Not only with you, but also Roman.”

And it’s now that I realize why Roman looked so uptight. He knew the guest was Mom.

“What I tried to do was heartless— I see that now,” she says. “Apologizing over the phone wasn’t enough and, seeing as I’m on a break, I thought it would be the perfect time to come here.”

My mouth hangs open. I can’t recall Mom ever being sorry for anything.

She sighs. “Honey, I’m not asking you to sweep this under the rug. I know it’s going to take time. Just meet me halfway, that’s all I ask.”

In response, I hug her again. As she snuggles into my chest, I see Roman and Jude standing a short distance away. Their defensive stances make me smile, but I don’t need protection. What I need—what I’ve been craving for the last year—is closure.

And finally, it feels as if I’m about to get my wish.

THE END.