Page 44 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

Owen didn’t mean to be disrespectful when he walked past the first four tombstones to kneel at the last one. He hated that they died so young, but he hadn’t known them, and Howie didn’t like talking about his lost family. “My uncle didn’t know how to show love. Life had beat the shit out of him.” Owen swallowed hard. “I realized too late that he showed his affection by teaching me to fend for myself with both my fists and street smarts.” Owen smiled wryly at Tyler, who squatted next to him. “Maybe his methods and messages needed work, but he did the best he could, and I loved him. I hope he knew it.”

Tyler took his hand, and their cold fingers interlocked. “I guarantee he did, and he’d be proud of the man you’ve become.”

“Thank you.” Those two words seemed wholly inadequate for the appreciation warming Owen’s heart. The breeze ruffled Tyler’s hair, and he shivered. Owen stood up, pulling Tyler with him. They shared a brief kiss before separating. “Let’s head to my mom’s place.”

She’d moved since his last visit, so he didn’t know what to expect about her new apartment, only that she’d filled it with freebies from friends or secondhand furniture she found at nearby thrift stores. It was on the tip of his tongue to caution Tyler not to expect much, but that would’ve been a disservice to his mom. She’d worked so hard to stand on her own two feet, and Owen heard the pride in her voice every time she talked about her new home.

The exterior of the building wasn’t much to look at. It was a reddish-orange brick box with no adornments to soften the stark color or sharp lines. Owen pushed his initial reaction aside and looked closer. Aside from the unfortunate color and shape, the building and grounds were tidy.

“This place would look so much better if they painted the brick like Chip and Jo do on their show,” Owen said. “Put up some shudders or something.” When Tyler didn’t respond, Owen looked over at him. “What?”

“You spend hours playing those remodeling games on your phone, and suddenly, you’re an expert,” Tyler teased. He turned back to the building and added, “It could use some landscaping. Those harsh lines only look good on cheekbones and jawlines.”

It was Owen’s turn to be charmed. “That comment sounded like something RuPaul would say during a home renovation.”

“Chip, Jo, and Ru. That’s a crossover I could get behind.”

Owen was just about to respond when an older Subaru parked a few spaces down from them. “There she is,” he said. But the woman who got out of the car was almost a stranger to him. She’d cut her blonde hair several inches shorter, and the soft curls fell to her shoulders. This woman wore a red wool peacoat, an ivory scarf with a matching hat, and brown leather knee-high boots over slim-fitting jeans. She looked at least ten years younger than Maggie and moved with a confidence his mother had never possessed. She stopped at her trunk and looked around before opening the back hatch, reminding Owen that Dateline was her favorite show. That’s when his mom’s gaze landed on the Redemption Ridge truck. She launched herself in their direction, abandoning whatever was waiting inside the back of her Subaru. Owen was out the door and around the truck to sweep her up in a big hug. She might look different, but his mom still smelled like lavender, but these days, she used the higher-quality products that Hope made.

They pulled apart and stared at each other as if seeing one another for the first time. Owen suspected he’d also changed a lot since their last visit. She cupped his face as tears filled her eyes, and Owen’s watered in response. If there’d been a curse, they had broken it. If there were demons, they’d slain them. Life had battered them a little, but it hadn’t knocked them out.

“We made it, Mom,” he whispered.

“We sure did.” She gave him another tight squeeze before she stepped back and said, “Now, introduce me to Tyler.”

Tyler smiled as he watched Owen’s interaction with his mother. He’d held her tightly against his chest as if he feared she might drift away on the breeze, and Maggie clung to him as if she might not get another chance. When they parted, Owen and Maggie continued to stare at one another as something silent and beautiful passed between them. Peace washed over Owen’s handsome face as they exchanged words Tyler couldn’t hear. Then, the duo simultaneously turned and locked their gazes on him. He’d seen pictures of Maggie, of course, but they didn’t do her justice, and it amazed Tyler just how much mother and son looked alike. They shared the same blond hair, midnight-blue eyes, pink cheeks, and gorgeous smile.

“Mom,” Owen said, “This is—”

“Tyler!” Maggie launched herself at him as she’d done with Owen. Opening his arms and wrapping her in a hug felt as natural as breathing. “I’m so happy to meet you.” She’d tucked her head under his chin, so her voice came out muffled.

“I’m happy to meet you too.” If things went south with his folks, at least he and Owen would have Maggie in their lives.

She pulled back, cupped Tyler’s face, and peered into his eyes. “I feel like I know you already. Owen talks about you all the time.”

“Mom,” Owen protested.

Maggie ignored him and continued talking to Tyler. “And there’s always a smile in his voice that I don’t hear when he talks about anyone else.”

“Mom,” Owen protested again.

Tyler looked over her head and smiled at Owen. “Is that so?”

Owen’s cheeks turned a shade of pink that had nothing to do with the rapidly dropping temperature. “Maybe.”

Maggie let out a tiny squeal of delight and clasped her own cheeks. “I’ve waited so long for this.”

A tall, slender woman in a dove-gray coat and a soft pink hat stepped around Maggie’s car and took in the scene with concern on her face. “Is everything all right, Maggie?” she called out. “I thought I heard a noise, and then I found your car abandoned.”

Maggie whipped around to face the newcomer. “Oh, hi, Stephanie. Yes, I’m great, but thank you so much for checking.” She placed her arm on Owen’s biceps and said, “This is my son, Owen, and his boyfriend, Tyler. They’re visiting for the weekend.”

Stephanie visibly relaxed and walked toward them. She had long black hair and pale blue eyes. Her glossy pink lips curved into a genuine smile as she extended her hand to Owen, then Tyler. “I’ve heard so much about you, Owen.” Stephanie looked at Maggie and said, “Why didn’t you tell me he was coming?”

Maggie averted her gaze, but not before Tyler noticed the rising color in her cheeks. “I didn’t want to jinx it.”

“Have you known my mom long?” Owen sounded more curious than concerned. There was no way he missed Maggie’s blush or the familiarity between the ladies.

Stephanie shoved both hands in her pockets, but Tyler couldn’t tell if she was cold or uncomfortable. “Not really,” she said. “I moved into the apartment beside Maggie, and she’s been so kind to me. Turns out that borrowing sugar isn’t just a plot point in books and movies.” She grinned at Maggie, who giggled. Very interesting.