Page 55 of Payback
“That’s understandable. Just take your time.” She patted his cheek. “It’ll all work out.”
He was grateful that his mother understood and would undoubtedly give him some breathing room instead of pressuring him about his relationship with Bella.
“So, if you like the idea of building a little cottage, instead of a larger house, I can have another look at those available lots. Pick the best one. I’ll give you Bella’s contact info. You guys can talk and send pics back and forth, via email. Maybe when she gets a break in her schedule she can come out and you can sit down and hammer out some of the details in person.”
“Don’t you think you should talk to her first? Make sure she’d be willing to take on this project?” She raised an index finger. “A word to the wise, son. Women don’t like to be taken for granted.”
“You’re right.” He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. “No time like the present. Why don’t we call and ask her now?”
She clapped her hands together. “Oh, that would be wonderful! I’d love to talk to her.”
Loran laughed at his mother’s enthusiasm. She’d been waiting even longer than he had for him to find a woman like Bella.
He hit the first number in his contacts and Bella answered on the first ring. “Hey, babe. Is everything okay? How’s your mom? Do you need me to come out there?”
The genuine concern in her voice melted his heart. There was no doubt in his mind this woman loved him. He only hoped it wouldn’t be too long before she realized that she loved him too much to ever live without him.
“She’s fine.” He smiled at his mother. “I haven’t talked to her doctors yet, but she looks good. In fact, she’s right here. I’m at the hospital visiting her and we got to talking.”
“About what?”
“Not sure if I mentioned this, but she’s retiring in March.”
“No, you didn’t. Good for her. What are her plans?”
“As a matter of fact, we were just making some. There are a few lots still available just down the road from where I’m building and Mom was thinking she might like you to build something for her. Something small—”
“Oh my God! Seriously? Loran I would love to build a house for your mother!”
He grinned as he gave his mother a thumbs up.
She relaxed against the pillow with a serene smile on her face, making Loran wonder why he’d never suggested this before. It was the perfect solution for all of them.
“Thanks, Bella. Uh, if you have a minute, I can put my mom on. Maybe you could chat a bit about what she has in mind.”
“Of course I can make time for her.”
“Great, let me put you on speaker then.” He pushed the button and said, “Mom, Bella.”
“Hey, Ms. Loran. I wish we were meeting in person. How’re you feeling?”
“Better by the minute, my dear.” She smiled. “I can’t wait to meet you. My son has told me so much about you.”
Loran knew his mother would be pumping him for information all weekend, which he’d gladly provide. His mother would fall in love with Bella as quickly as he had as soon as she realized how special she was.
“He’s told me a lot about you too. He’s been so lucky to have you in his life.”
That was an understatement. Loran cringed to think where he’d be without his mother to guide him and help him believe in himself when no one else thought he stood a chance of making it to the big leagues.
“Thank you. Now it sounds like he’s lucky to haveyouin his life. I just want you to know I couldn’t be happier for you two.”
Loran shot her a warning look. Bella was still skittish and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel pressured.
“Thank you.” Bella laughed. “I can’t say we didn’t have a bumpy road, but I guess that makes us appreciate what we have even more.”
Loran was surprised she seemed to be taking his mother’s comments in stride.
“It certainly will.”
