72

Mom sits stone silent while I give her a brief rundown. She doesn't ask questions or make any comments. Instead, she just stares at me like I've suddenly grown a second head, nodding for me to continue. Just when I think her eyes can't get any wider, she stands up, reaches across the desk, and grabs my tie.

I give a startled gasp when she pulls me to her until we're face to face. "Edward Masen Cullen, I'm so mad at you right now."

"I know. I'm sorry," I choke out.

She releases her grip and sits back down, ignoring the way I collapse back into my chair, gulping for air.

"I mean, I can't believe I had to find out the way I did." Her face softens. "But I'm so happy for you and the girls."

"Really?"

Mom nods. "You've been alone and angry for too long. I was just telling your father how worried I was about your future. When the girls graduate and go off on their own, you won't have anyone."

"That's not a problem now." A dopey smile takes over my face. "I have Bella now."

She looks at the door and apologizes for just busting in like she did, but I shrug it off. No one in the office knows what's going on in my personal life, but they probably do by now. At least, the vampires do. We're professional around here so I'm not worried about becoming a topic of discussion.

"We have plans tonight, so I'm trying to get out of here at a decent time." I point to my portfolio. "There isn't anyone at the house right now because the girls are helping set everything up at the school, but you could go hang out there until I get off."

Mom smiles sheepishly. "Do you mind if I just stay here?"

I'm confused.

"I, uh … I left my car at the dispensary," she admits and stops me before I can say anything. "It was an impulse. As soon as the good Reverend waved her phone in my face, something came over me, and I was running."

"Mom." I laugh.

"I know." She pats her perfectly styled hair. "If I'm set to meet my future daughter-in-law, I'd like to look more put together. I'll just ride home with you, if you don't mind."

"You can stay here. I should be finished in an hour or two."

She pulls out her tablet and gets sucked into whatever game she's addicted to this week. I focus on getting my report done, and the second I shut the portfolio and call my assistant to come grab it, Mom stands up.

"Let's go."

I warn her again that no one will be home when we get there, but she just asks me if I think I have the ingredients for the girls' favorite cookies at home.