“Dinner just got here. I pulled out a couple different wines since I wasn't sure what you wanted.”
“Thank you. I’ll have a glass or two,” Breigh said. “I’m not picky though.”
Mom had ordered in Italian, Bella’s, the best Italian food I had ever had.
“Did y'all have a good ride?”
“Yes, it was fantastic.” Breigh spoke up. “I could ride every day. Not sure my body would allow it.” She paused and let out a giggle. “I don't remember my body hurting this much when I was younger.”
“Oh, sweetie, wait till you hit fifty and then we can talk.” Mom took a sip of her wine and then smiled, looking back and forth at Breigh and me.
“What was that phone call about, Mom?” I asked, positive she wouldn't tell me.
“Not anything worth discussing right now. Just some things my sister and I were talking about.”
“Sounded pretty heated.” I commented.
“You know how passionate she is about things,” Mom said and took a sip of her wine,
trying to push whatever was discussed back in her mind.
“Is she feeling okay? I was worried about leaving her so soon after she had been dehydrated,” Breigh asked.
“Yes, honey, she is. She actually sounds great. The fluids must have really rebuilt her.”
“That’s great news.” She smiled warmly. “Are you okay if I bless our food?” Breigh asked.
“Go ahead, baby,” I said, and took my mother’s hand and Breigh’s.
After her blessing, our conversation was light. We talked about our work, and Mom asked her question after question. She asked generically about her family, and Breigh handled it like a champ. Let her know the information she wanted to know but didn't offer too much. I knew the details were not something she was going to openly share. I completely understood because I was the same way.
“Are you close with your mom, Breigh? Wyatt is definitely the one who at the very least humors me. He has always been my baby.”
“Mom. Breigh, we don't need to get into all that tonight.”
“I’m okay…Mrs. Galloway, my mother died during childbirth with me. My grandmother raised me. She was a fantastic mother.”
“Oh, dear, I am sorry.” Mom looked at her like she was shocked at her response, not able to recover in knowing what to say.
“My grandmother is the most influential person in my life, she is my best friend. I couldn't have asked for anything better in my life growing up.”
“You seem really maternal. I saw you fixing Wyatt’s plate, and trying to mother him in a way. I never had that.”
“You never had what?” she asked my mom.
“I just never had that instinct. I think you are definitely programmed for that or not. I wasn’t. I mean I tried my best with my sons, but I didn't have the maternal instinct, like you obviously already have. My sister did, Rhonda. He was always close to her and I know she gave him that maternal love I didn't provide. I can see Wyatt likes that.” She smiles.
“Do you?” Breigh turned and asked me.
“Of course, but it’s both ways. I like to take care of you too, when you let me.” We got stuck in a stare, looking at each other, forgetting my mother was here.
“What do you think of my Wyatt being a deputy?”
Apparently my mother still had questions.
“I think it is a very admirable job. I think he does one of the most important jobs in the world, actually. To make the world a better place, even if people are against it.”
I squeezed the hand she had in her lap.
“Are you worried about his safety? I know as a mother, other than the low pay, I was concerned about that foremost. Fighting crime… and…”
“Mom, really? This has nothing to do with money. Breigh makes a very good living.”
“I wasn't insinuating she was after money. I don't get that feeling from Breigh in the least. I’m sorry if it came out that way.”
“I didn't take it that way,” Breigh answered. “But I agree, for such an important job they are underpaid. As far as his safety, of course it scares me. I will always worry about his safety. But I have to have faith in him, and I know God will protect him.”
“I suppose,” my mom commented. She had never been a very faith-filled person. Less so now that her sister was ill.
“I can see why Wyatt is so hooked on you. You are one of a kind, sweetie. I’d like to make a toast.” Mom lifted her wine, and we followed suit. “To a wonderful couple, who I hope will have a bright future. Welcome to our family, Breigh.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” she said.
I leaned over and kissed her cheek and whispered, “You are my future, baby.” I had never been more confident making that statement in my entire life. I felt it with all my being.
“I love you.” I pulled back from her and we went back to eating our food.
…Two months later
Getting the call from Rhonda was something I had been dreading. I wasn't ready to deal with it in the way I knew I was going to have to, later hopefully than sooner. I pretended that Breigh didn't know more information than me, but she did. She and my aunt had become fast friends, and spent time together even when I wasn't able. Sometimes they would break out in laughter about something, and I would start laughing just listening to them, it was contagious.
Aunt Rhonda had begun showing her illness badly. She moved slowed, ate very little, and had begun to show that she was giving up. I was pretty sure she had lost her hair and was wearing wigs, but I would never have brought that
