Reclaim Me (The Jaded Series Book 2) by Alex Grayson, Karen McAndrews, Toj Publishing Read Free Book Online Page B

you.”
    I look over to Levi and see his soft and kind eyes pointed in Mama’s direction. The look in his eyes says that he holds very deep feelings for her.
    I look back to my mom and ask her, “How serious is it?”
    It’s Levi that answers and I look over to him.
    “I love your mom, Mia, and she loves me. It’s been really hard keeping this from you and Jaxon, but I understand her reluctance and haven’t pushed it. We decided to tell you both at Jaxon and Bailey’s anniversary party tomorrow night.” He stops and watches me for a few minutes before he continues, “I’ve asked Lilly to marry me, and she said yes.”
    I suck in a breath at that. Wow, I really didn’t expect that. For over two years, my mom has been keeping this big secret from me, and now these two people are telling me they are getting married. It’s been twelve years since my dad left. Now that I think about it, I have noticed a change in my mom. After my dad left, there was a sadness that always surrounded her. After a while, that sadness lifted, but there was always a lingering part that stayed. Sometimes I would see my mom staring out into space with a sorrowful look on her face. Looking at her now and thinking back the last two years, I don’t remember seeing that look anymore.
    I squeeze the hand that she still has in mine. “Are you sure this is what you want? Are you happy?”
    She smiles one of her brilliant smiles, her beautiful two-tone eyes light up, and I have my answer. She says, “Yes, baby, I’m very happy.” She looks over to Levi and reaches with her other hand to him. He gets up out of the chair and grabs it, bringing it to his lips for a kiss before placing it over his heart. “I’ve never been happier. I love him,” she finishes simply.
    I get up out of my chair and pull her with me. She releases Levi’s hand, and we both envelope each other in our arms. “I’m so happy for you, Mom. You deserve to be happy,” I say in her ear.
    She pulls back, and I see tears in her eyes. “Thank you,” she says quietly with another smile and kisses my cheek. I smile back at her.
    I look over to Mr. Hatley and see his gaze still on Mama. He really has it bad. You can plainly see the love shining out of his eyes. When he brings his eyes to mine, they lose the love-struck look but still carry happiness.
    I step up to him and give him a hug as well. At his ear, I say quietly, but not so quiet my mom doesn’t hear, “You hurt her you won’t have Jaxon to worry about. I’ll cut of your balls with a dull blade, and then make you eat them.” I hear my mom choke on a laugh.
    When I pull back, I see amusement in his eyes. “Roger that, Mia. You have nothing to worry about. I’d rather cut off my own balls and eat them than hurt Lilly.”
    I see sincerity in his eyes, and I know he speaks the truth. He really does love my mom and would do anything to keep her happy.
    I smile at him. “Just so we’re clear.”
    He smiles back and says, “Crystal.”
    “Right! Okay!” My mom says with a clap. “That went easier that I thought it would. Now we just have to get Jaxon on board.”
    “Yeah, good luck with that,” I say, laughing.
    Her happy expression dims a little, and I feel bad for my remark. I rush over to her and take her hand in mine. “Mom, it’ll be okay. It’ll definitely be a shock for him and he’ll be hurt that you kept it from him, but once he sees how happy you are, he’ll get over it and give you his blessing. I’m sure of it.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    “I know I am. He wants you happy, too.”
    Levi walks up to my mom, puts his arm around her waist, and gives it a squeeze. He kisses the side of her head and says, “He’ll come around, my sweet. He just has to get used to the idea.”
    She lays her head on his chest for a minute before pulling away.
    “Okay, how about I whip us up some dinner. I’m starved.”
    We break apart our little huddle and both Levi and I help Mama make dinner. As we sit