Chapter 591
“Judy?” My mother asked softly. “Are you okay?”
I realized I had been quiet for too long, and I cleared my throat.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m okay. I just miss you…” It was the truth; tears threatened my eyes. All I wanted was to hug my mom; I missed her like crazy. I missed the familiarity of home. But I couldn’t go home… not yet… maybe not ever. “How’s…” My voice trailed off as Gavin’s name was the first on my tongue. I wanted to ask her if she had heard anything about him or about his upcoming wedding, but I couldn’t force the words out of my lips. “How’s everyone? Nan… Dad…”
“They miss you,” my mom said, sighing. “Nan is okay. I told her that you were spending time getting used to your new pack and job, so you have your phone off. She’s been worried about you and wants to talk to you. You should give her a calf.”
I thought about it, but I didn’t because I knew she’d only talk about Gavn. Being mated to Chester and practically living in Gavin’s mansion with Irene, she has a front row seat to everything I knew if I wanted information, Nan would provide it.
“Yeah,” I said softly. “Maybe I will.”
“They are talking to Alpha Landry about adopting Emalyn,” my mother told me. “She’s been wanting to tell you that Chester proposed to her a few days ago, and she said yes.” 2
I gasped.
“What?! Nan and Chester are getting married??” I asked, my eyes wide. Now that was shocking news. So much had changed in only a couple of days.
My mother chuckled.
“Yes,” she replied. “She’s happy, but also sad because she doesn’t have her best friend here by her side.”
Guilt nagged at my insides, and I nibbled on my lower lip, trying hard to keep my voice under control and not crack with
emotions.
“I’ll reach out,” I tell her, though I’m not sure when I’ll reach out. I’m not sure what I was so afraid of, but something inside of me stopped me from making that phone call. 3
There was a lull in the conversation; I wasn’t sure what more to say, even though I wasn’t ready for this conversation to end. My heart ached, and I needed my mom more than anything right now So, why couldn’t I talk to her?
‘Judy?” My mom said, her tone soft with compassion and lingering worry.
“Yeah?” I asked her, my tone rough as I fought the urge to cry.
“Are you happy?”
Her question startled me; I wasn’t expecting it. There was a lump in my throat that no matter how hard I swallowed, wouldn’t
go away.
“Yeah…” I said softly, even though the word felt like a lie on my lips. Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them. In that moment, I was glad that my mother couldn’t see me. It would only worry her, and that wasn’t something I needed or wanted. I’m happy…” I finished the sentence after a small pause, glad that my voice didn’t break as I spoke.
There was silence on the other end, and I wondered for a moment if my mother believed me.
“I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy, Judy,” she replied softly. That’s all that’s important. As long as you’re happy… I’m happy.”
Tears fell down my cheeks, and I had to close my eyes, soaking in her words. I let out a shuddering breath, praying she didn’t hear it.
“I know,” I whispered, afraid that if I spoke any louder, she’d hear the break in my yoíce. “I love you, Mom.”
”
1/3
Chapter 591
“I love you, too, Judy. We all love you,” she said softly. “Your father and I… and your friends. Call them.”
“will,” I promised.
“I’ll let you go now… I’m sure you’re busy. But call again soon, okay?”
“Okay,” I told her.
+25 BONUS
After we said our final goodbyes, the line went dead. I stayed frozen on my bed with my phone pressed to my cheek, tears still falling out of my eyes, and my lip trembling..
I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy, Judy…”
Those words echoed in my mind, breaking my heart all over again because the truth of the matter was… I wasn’t happy. And I wasn’t sure if I ever would be again.
