“Oh, Rachel Laine, you never did share well.”
I smirked. I knew it was true.
“But,” she added, “Drew won’t love him more; he’ll love him differently.”
I sighed. “Thanks, Mom. I guess I should go and meet my doom.”
She laughed, but then narrowed her eyes at me. “Just make sure she knows I was here first.”
I raised my brow. “Now who’s not good at sharing?”
On the way home, I tried to relax. I was thankful Andrew wouldn’t be there when we got home. At least I hoped not. I warned him no surprises today. I wanted to get Drew home, showered, and ready before he met his other grandma. I really did hate introducing him to someone else under false pretenses.
As Drew showered, I finished straightening up the house while Jake followed me around. I took some time and freshened up. I kept looking at myself in the mirror and asking what I was doing with my life. My reflection didn’t answer. It only showed that I had nothing left of my tan and that my violet eyes were worried. They always changed depending on the mood I was in, so they were darker than normal today. I ran my fingers through my straightened and smoothed shoulder-length hair.
I met Drew in the great room. I was tempted to run away with him—Disney World sounded good—but he was so excited to see Andrew. It reminded me of when he was a baby and I would come and get him from his crib in the morning. His face would erupt in this joyful smile. Those moments had cemented my decision to raise him. Oh, how I ached for those moments when I was his world. I always knew the moment would come when I was no longer the sun in his solar system, but I always assumed it would come much later, and that it would be for a girl, not his dad. But my mom was right. I had to let go. With that thought, the doorbell rang.
Drew raced to the door and threw it open.
I followed at a much slower pace. Drew completely ignored the elegant woman next to Andrew and ran straight into Andrew’s arms.
She, on other hand, only had eyes for Drew.
Andrew held on tight for a moment. When Andrew released him, Drew took that as his cue and began to delve into the highlights of the game. Andrew looked anxious to hear, but I could also tell he was eager to make an introduction.
I stepped in. “Drew, why don’t we let our guests in out of the cold. Then you can tell Andrew all about your game. And I think Andrew would like to introduce you to someone.”
Both Andrew and his mother looked grateful for the interference.
His mother was beautiful. She had aged well. Either that, or she was a child when Andrew was born. She was tall and willowy, with auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Her face had hardly a wrinkle. She radiated grace and charm. I wanted to know her secret, or her plastic surgeon.
I led them into the entryway and Andrew didn’t waste any time introducing his mother to our son. If I thought Andrew looked happy to see him, it was nothing in comparison to his mom.
“Drew, this is my mom, Evelyn. I told her about you and she couldn’t wait to meet you.”
I could tell she was holding back the tears as she examined her grandson with great care. It was evident she wanted nothing more than to reach out and pull him to her, but she resisted. Instead, she held out her well-manicured hand. “It is so nice to meet you, Drew. You can call me Miss Eve.”
Drew took her hand for a brief two-second shake. He was bursting to talk to Andrew.
I could tell she was disappointed. I knew exactly how she felt.
Before Drew got too carried away, Andrew stepped toward me and placed his hand on my back and gently led me forward. “Mom, I would like you to meet Rachel Laine, Drew’s mom.”
I held my hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Turner.”
She waved off my formality. “Please, call me Evelyn.” She had a firm handshake, and her eyes twinkled as she looked between Drew and me.
“Evelyn, please come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Drew dragged Andrew upstairs to talk football and build Legos.
On the way up, Andrew turned and called down. “Don’t miss me too much, Rachel.”
Even with his mother there, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Andrew laughed in response.
Evelyn didn’t seem turned off by my reaction to him. If anything, she seemed to agree with me. “He’s obnoxious, isn’t he?”
I grinned. “Very.”
Andrew laughed again. I had never known anyone as happy as him.
She took my hand. “Come and tell me about yourself.”
“Okay …” I wasn’t expecting her to be so at ease. I obediently followed her to my wool, gray couch and sat down next to her. I stared at her for a moment. She really was lovely. I had a feeling my own mom might feel intimidated by her. My mom was wonderful, but she looked like a grandma. Pleasantly plump with a head full of silvery white hair, which was perfect. Evelyn looked like she belonged in an Olay commercial. I really did want to know what her secret was.
She smiled at me with her perfect, porcelain capped teeth; her smile reached all the way to her sparkly blue eyes. I wondered if Andrew’s dad had the amber eyes. “Thanks for inviting me today.”
I gave her a meaningful smile. She had to have known I didn’t extend an invite—she probably even knew I didn’t want her to come—but she was gracious, and I couldn’t help but want to be gracious in return. “I’m glad you could make it.”
She gave me a knowing smile in return. “I’ll admit, I’ve been very anxious. Andrew has had to hold me back from running over here.”
“I can understand that.” I didn’t like it so much, but I could understand it.
“Andrew has mentioned how hard this has been for you. I can only imagine,” she whispered.
I nodded my head in agreement. I also realized we would not be able to talk about the things she probably wanted to know most. Everything carried in this house, and even with Andrew and Drew being loud upstairs, I was afraid Drew would overhear. So I invited her into my office so we could talk a little more freely.
As we sat down, I had a thought occur to me. “Would you like to see some old scrapbooks of Drew?”
Her already bright eyes beamed. “I would love to.”
I walked over to the bookcase behind my desk and retrieved eight books, one for each year of his life so far. We both scooted closer to the desk and started with his first twelve months. She oohed and ahhed as she admired the most adorable creature that had ever been born. She asked question after question about him, and me. I didn’t know how many times she commented on how Drew looked just like his dad. I could tell how happy this was all making her.
She pointed at a picture of me holding Drew when he was two months old. “You looked awfully young,” she said.
“I was only twenty-two when he was born.”
“I was the same age when Andrew was born.”
“Really?”
She smiled at the thought. “Yes, I married Oliver when I was nineteen. It was a different place and time back then, but looking back, I was too young. But we had been in love since we were sixteen, and at the time we thought we knew everything.”
I laid my hand on top of hers. “I’m sorry you lost him.”
“He was a good man. He drove me crazy like none other, but I miss him more than I ever thought possible. I never envisioned my life without him.”
“Andrew has spoken highly of him.”
Her misty eyes had a little glint in them. “They were like two peas in a pod.”
I turned my gaze toward the French doors and sighed. “I have a feeling Drew and Andrew will be as well.”
“I remember feeling left out sometimes, too.” She spoke with all the kindness of a mother.
I turned back to her. “This is all so new to me.” I couldn’t help but get a little choked up, which made me feel ridiculous. I didn’t even know this woman.
Her expression gave no judgment; in fact, it was reassuring. “Andrew has spoken of nothing but the two of you these past tw
o weeks, and of his admiration for you. I’ve never seen him so bent on winning anyone’s approval more than yours.”
I ran my fingers through my hair and grinned. “We seem to argue a lot.”
She laughed. “I’m glad. He needs someone like you around. For so many years he’s been surrounded by yes-men and yes-women. People that only want to be close to him to use him. Most women, had they found out that Andrew was the father of their son, would have exploited that and used it to their advantage, but not you.”
My thoughts turned to Sydney when she said that. It made me cringe. “I only want him to be honest with Drew. I’ll admit, part of me wishes he hadn’t come into the picture, but I can see that he and Drew were meant to be together. But Drew deserves to know who Andrew is now, not later.”
Her face tightened.
I thought I’d upset her.
“I agree with you,” she responded.
I let out a sigh of relief.
“I’ve told Andrew the same thing, but again, he is surrounded by those that want to use him and he feels like running for office is what his father would want him to do.”
“Is it?” I asked.
“If Drew were out of the equation, the answer would be yes. Oliver talked often of seeing Andrew fill his old seat. He trained Andrew to be a politician, but I can’t imagine him agreeing with the way he is handling this situation. Oliver would have already been up here and showing off his grandson to the world. We always wanted more children, but it was never in the cards. He would have been thrilled to know about Drew.”
I saw a glimmer of hope with his mother on my side. “Is there no talking him out of this?”
“I’m afraid not, my dear.”
My hope was dashed. On that depressing note, we spent the next couple of hours taking a trip down my memory lane. I enjoyed Evelyn’s company immensely; she was quite different from her son. I thought she and I were a lot alike—cautious, reserved, and fiercely protective of our sons. I could see us being good friends.
She ended up helping me prepare dinner. Originally, Andrew was going to make dinner, but I figured his time would be better spent with Drew. Drew was eager to finish the Sears Tower, and I was trying to be unselfish.
Together, Evelyn and I made one of Drew’s favorite dinners—pumpkin spice waffles, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Drew adored bacon and had even told me once when we were out to eat that he wished bacon was a side. He said the oddest things sometimes.
Evelyn took charge of cooking the bacon. She even turned over bacon elegantly. “I miss having someone to cook for.”
“Anytime you feel the urge, you are welcome to come here and cook.”
“I will probably take you up on that offer.”
I kept hearing my mom’s words in my head, telling me I needed to let go. And as I glanced at Evelyn, I felt like I should let go in her case. I should allow her access to her grandson.
As we sat at my large table, it felt a little momentous, but also different and maybe a tad uncomfortable, at least for me. Drew chose to sit by Andrew, so Evelyn and I sat across from them. Andrew grinned at me the entire time and even playfully kicked my legs under the table a couple of times. He was such a child, but for some reason I couldn’t help but smile back at him. During the course of dinner, I could tell Evelyn was itching to get her hands on Drew, but she was restraining herself and I admired her for it. I decided to help her out.
“Drew, why don’t you show Miss Eve your room while Andrew and I clean up.”
Both Andrew and his mom looked my way with mixed looks of shock and gratitude. Drew didn’t take the request as out of the ordinary. Plus, he loved to show his things off. I was pretty sure he took after his dad in that regard.
As soon as Drew and Evelyn were upstairs and the table was cleared, Andrew pulled me into his arms. I should have said unexpectedly, but I was learning, with him, to expect anything.
“Thank you,” he whispered into my ear.
In an instant, I was feeling flushed. I remembered my dream from that morning and I found myself not moving when I should have. Instead, I relaxed in his arms. He took the invitation and pulled me closer.
I realized how well we seemed to fit together, and how enticing he smelled. This wasn’t good. “Um … Andrew.” I felt like I needed to catch my breath.
“Yes?” he whispered.
“Maybe we should do the dishes.”
“I don’t know. I like what I’m doing now.”
I kind of liked it, too. But that seemed wrong, so I pulled away.
Chapter Twelve
To my relief, I got a break the next week from physical contact with Andrew. The World Series went all seven games. Andrew attended the last three games, two of those being in Chicago. He was also prepping for his meetings with his party. I gave up begging him not to run during our daily phone calls.
My lunch with Taylor was needed. I decided to start off with something pleasant as we settled in her new office. She had received a promotion and along with it came a posh new office at the hospital that afforded more privacy. And in Merryton, privacy was at a premium. “Are you ready to become my neighbor?” I asked.
She smiled with content. “The final walkthrough is next week, and if all goes well, we’ll close the second week in November. Right in time for the holidays and the baby’s arrival. We’re bursting at the seams in our little rental house. The extra space will be good for everyone. Easton’s already talking about getting a twenty-foot Christmas tree.”
“Christmas already?”
“He’s so excited about it this year. Not only do we have Gage, but if this baby girl is kind to me, she’ll make her appearance before then. A couple weeks early would be the best Christmas present ever.”
I smiled at my friend. I was so happy for her. “Things are still going well with Gage?”
She nodded. “He’s a great kid. There have been some issues. His home life before was rough. He was left alone a lot, so he’s having to adjust to having us around and listening to us. And it breaks my heart when he has a hard time believing that there will always be more, like with food. We caught him hiding food in his room once. His explanation was that he wanted to make sure he had some for when we ran out.”
I found my eyes watering. How terrible. “Are you thinking about making him a permanent fixture?”
“We would love to, but it’s not fully up to us. His father, who’s in prison, can unfortunately still get him back, and no one knows where his mother is.”
At least I could be grateful Andrew wasn’t a felon or a drug addict … I hoped. I should probably make sure. How do I do that?
“We’re trying our best to enjoy him and help while we have him, as well as working with the system, but there is a lot of red tape. Honestly, a lot of it doesn’t make sense at all.”
“I’ll keep you all in my prayers,” I offered. What else could I do?
“Thank you,” she smiled. “Anyway, tell me what’s going on with your Yukon.”
I took a deep breath and set down the pecan-crusted chicken salad Taylor had made, which was delicious.
“He’s not my Yukon.”
She nodded and grinned. “Uh-huh.”
“It’s not like that.” I could tell she was off the mark, but who could have guessed the truth? “He actually knew my sister Sydney … intimately.”
Her eyes dilated. “Oh … and?”
I pulled up a picture of Andrew on my phone—he was all over Google. I handed it over to her. “Does he remind you of anyone? Maybe a handsome eight-year-old?”
She gasped at the spark of recognition. “No!”
“Yes,” I said in despair.
She handed back the phone. “Does Drew know?”
“No, not yet.”
“Are you sure he’s the father? Have you done a paternity test?”
“Am I sure? Yes. Paternity test? No. That’s the problem. Andrew is running for office and he wants to keep this a secret until the election, or appointmen
t, is over. I’m not sure how it will go. It depends on whether the current representative forces a special election.”
Taylor looked uneasy. It was how I felt, too.
“But Drew has met him?” she asked.
“Yes, and he adores him.”
“And that’s a problem?”
I rubbed my temples. “Yessss.”
She reached out and took my hand. “What do you think about him?”
Where did I begin? “He’s probably the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. He’s infused himself into our lives with no thought at all about how I feel about it. But he’s amazing with Drew and they are already the best of friends. He has him using knives and wanting to sign up for baseball.”
Taylor laughed at me. She knew how much I disliked the sport.
“Oh, and he’s so dang happy—I’ve never met anyone as happy and carefree as him. And did I mention how touchy-feely he is?”
“So you like him,” she stated.
“No … I mean … I don’t know. I mean, I don’t like him. He slept with my sister and got her pregnant.”
“Did he know about Drew?”
“My sister left him a note with my name on it telling him she was pregnant, but she had already threatened to blackmail him, so he didn’t believe her.”
She grimaced.
“I know. It’s a mess. And if the press finds out about Drew, they may run my sister’s name through the mud. She apparently had quite the reputation in the Bears’ locker room, if you catch my drift.”
Taylor winced. “But would it really be that bad if people knew he had a son? That happened a long time ago.”
“He has all these stupid advisors and they’re telling him it would be bad.” I closed my eyes and sighed. “I feel like I’m lying to my son, and worse, I feel trapped. I worry if I don’t play by Andrew’s rules, he’ll take me to court.”
Her eyes widened. “Has he threatened to do that?”
“No. He says that’s not his intent, but you know how things can change.”
“Oh, believe me, I know. I always feel like Kathryn will rear her ugly head, even though she would be a fool to try and get any sort of visitation or custody of Emmy.”
Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) Page 11
