Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
My mother was a different story. Every time I heard from her, it seemed as though she was only doing it to please my father. Even though she hadn’t used the full extent of her powers against us during the battle, she also hadn’t really tried to help me. And I hadn’t really been able to forgive her for that yet.
Sensing my internal struggle, Ren cuddled me closer against his side and brushed a kiss across my temple. “There is no right or wrong answer, love. I will support whichever choice you make.”
I trusted Ren implicitly. I had no doubt that he would always have my back and would do anything to protect Rusten and me. I didn’t think that my parents posed a risk to us any longer, but I still didn’t feel safe with them. None of that stopped me from wanting them here on one of the most important days of my life, though.
Maybe I was just feeling sentimental because I was holding my son for the first time. But whatever the reason, I replied, “Yes, please call them.”
“Okay, my love.” He gave me a quick kiss before getting to his feet.
I snuggled Rusten against my chest while I watched Ren pad to the other side of our bedroom. One of the many benefits of becoming a daywalker was how quickly I had recovered from labor and delivery. It also didn’t hurt that Dr. Wright was willing to make house calls so I was able to give birth at home, much to Ren’s chagrin.
The medical equipment he’d insisted on having here in case anything went wrong was cleared out by the time my parents arrived half an hour after he called them.
My dad’s eyes filled with tears as soon as he spotted his grandson in my arms. “Oh my goddess, he’s beautiful.”
My mother didn’t cry, but her expression softened, and she interlaced her fingers with my dad’s. “He really is.”
Their gazes remained on Rusten as they approached the bed. When they stood only inches from me, my mother asked, “Can I hold him?”
My arms tightened around the precious bundle in them, and I realized I hadn’t entirely thought this through. Luckily, Ren quickly came up with an explanation that broke the tension. “Don’t take offense. She hasn’t even let me take him from her yet.”
It was true, but only because he’d gotten to hold our son first while Dr. Wright took care of me. Now, it was my turn.
“Thank you for calling us,” my dad whispered, his lips curving into a tremulous smile. “Being able to see our grandson so soon means the world.”
Although they didn’t hold Rusten that day, asking them to come was the first step to rebuilding our relationship. One that grew from them being better grandparents than parents.