Sure enough, the next morning, Rose was walking to the supermarket, when she stopped in the coffee shop. Rose walked in and found someone sitting there. Someone who looked similar to herself, but different.

It was Ruth. Rose almost missed seeing her. After all, the coffee shop was pretty when she did, she stopped and froze. Ruth looked up and saw Rose too. They both were frozen, unmoving.

Finally, Ruth spoke. "R-Rose," said Ruth slowly. "I did not come here to find you. I didn't even know you were here."

"Hi, Mother," Rose said back. They both stayed in silence for a few moments before Rose broke the silence. "Would you like to get lunch?"

Ruth's face lit up. "I would like that."

They walked over to a restaurant. They sat down, and Ruth spoke first. "How are you?" Ruth asked.

"I'm good," said Rose. "How are you?"

"Also good. Are you and Jack still together?" Ruth asked.

"Yes we are," said Rose.

Ruth sighed. "I'm sorry, Rose. I really am. I was doing what I thought was right, and well... well there really is no excuse. And I'll regret pushing you away the way I did for the rest of my life."

Rose smiled. "It's okay. I mean, it's not okay but those events and circumstances brought me to Jack. And I'm happier than I ever thought I could be."

"I'm glad."

"So, what's new with you?" Rose asked.

"I remarried. His name is Cyrus," said Ruth.

"Really? Do you love him?" Rose asked.

"What kind of question is that? I don't really love him, but he's seventy so once he dies, I'll get his money." Rose hesitated. She didn't know whether to apologize or congratulate her. "I'm happy," Ruth reassured her.

"Then I'm happy for you, Mother," said Rose. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to tell her mother about her marriage, her pregnancy, or her daughter. She didn't finish thinking about it before Ruth interrupted her train of thought.

"Listen, I know I messed up our relationship in the past, but I would love to be a part of your life again."

"I don't know, Mother," said Rose. "I think you and I operate better when we're far away from each other."

"Right, of course," said Ruth.

Rose rolled her eyes and sighed. "Look, I'm willing to give this a try. You can try to earn my trust back, and we can try to have a relationship."

"Really? Oh, thank you," Ruth smiled.

"I have some conditions," said Rose, and Ruth's smile faded. "Number one: you will be nice to Jack. Number two: you will respect the life that we've made for ourselves. Number three: you will not try to break Jack and I up, or 'fix' my life. Any breaking of these rules will mean the end of our relationship. Am I clear?"

Ruth smiled. "Yes, you're clear." She looked at her daughter, full of hope. "So, can I ask a question?"

"You can ask, I might choose not to answer," said Rose.

"Do you have any kids?" Ruth asked.

Rose smiled and sighed. She wasn't going to lie; she wanted her mother to know she was happy. "Yes," said Rose. "We have a daughter. She's four years old."

Ruth's face lit up. "You do?"

"Yes," said Rose. "I have to use the bathroom. I'll be back." She stood up and walked to the front desk and asked to use the phone. She took it and dialed Jack's office number.

"Hello?"

"Jack, hi," said Rose. "You'll never believe what happened. I was going to the supermarket, and I went to get some coffee, and my mother was sitting in the coffee shop."

"Really? Well, I guess you're psychic then, since you mentioned her last night," said Jack with a chuckle.

"I know," said Rose. "So, I asked her to get lunch, and she did. And she started talking."

"And what did she say? 'You shouldn't have married that boy. I don't care how good looking and sexy he is'."

"Ha ha," said Rose. "She told me she knows that she pushed me away, and that it was a mistake. She wants for us to have a relationship."

"Wow," said Jack. "Do you?"

"I guess so. If she was willing to completely respect our relationship, our life, and Josie, then I guess so."

"Did you tell her about Josie?" Jack asked.

"Yes, I did," said Rose. "And I have a question."

"Go ahead."

"Would it be okay if I invited her over for dinner?"

"Of course," said Jack. "If that's what you want."

"I think it is. I'm of course going to let her know that she can't treat Josie the way she treated me," said Rose. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Of course. Rose, I have to go. I'll see you later."

"Sure, and I'll pick Josie up on the way home."

"Perfect, I love you."

"Love you too, bye," said Rose. She went back to the table, where Ruth was waiting. "Sorry about that."

"No problem," Ruth smiled.

"So, do you have any dinner plans?" Rose asked.

Ruth was taken aback. "N-No, I don't."

"Good, then it's settled. You're coming over for dinner tonight."

"I don't want to impose," said Ruth.

"Since when?" Rose smiled. "Come on, I would love to have you over. I would love for you to meet your granddaughter."

Ruth sighed. "Okay, sounds good."

They went to the car, and Rose drove over to the preschool. Ruth was about to get into the backseat, before Rose informed her that she should get in the front seat.

Finally, they arrived at the preschool. Rose found parking right in front, and hopped out of the car. "I'm going to pick up Josie. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Josie?" Ruth asked.

"You know," said Rose, "my daughter?"

"Right, of course," said Ruth. She smiled. "I'm excited to meet her, Rose."

Rose smiled back. "You should be. She's amazing." Rose walked into the school to find her daughter. Josie ran to meet her mother. "Hi darling," said Rose, lifting her off the ground.

"Hi Mommy!" Josie exclaimed.

Rose gave Josie a kiss. "Guess what? You're grandmother is outside, and she's so excited to meet you."

"I never had a grandmother before, Mommy."

"I know," said Rose. "But now you do, so do you want to meet her?"

Josie smiled. "Yes, I want to. But what if she doesn't like me?"

"Oh, darling, if you just be yourself, she'll love you."