Aspen giggled. “Yes, ma’am, I can hear you.”
My mother’s tone changed immediately. “Oh, sweetheart, my name’s Kathleen. Now, I know my son may look a little rough with his leather clothes and motorcycle, but I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. He’s a good boy.”
“I look rough?” I teased. “That hurts a little, Mom.”
“Hush. Now, can she still hear me?”
“She can.”
“Thank you for getting my baby out of the cold. I had a feeling he was out there when he hadn’t called.”
“You’re welcome. There was no way I could let him sit out there and freeze. And he’s been great company.”
“That’s my boy,” she said proudly.
“All right, Mom,” I said, ready to wrap things up.
“I’m glad you’re safe and warm. Keep me updated and call Annabelle,” she said.
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” she said and ended the call.
“Excuse me while I make this other phone call before I forget,” I said and dialed my other mother.
She picked up on the first ring.
“Coal! Oh, thank goodness! I was just about to call you. Are you home?”
“Not yet,” I said and explained my current situation to her.
“Hold on a sec. Let me see if there’s anything your dad can do.”
There wasn’t, and I heard him say as much a few moments later. “Doll face, if he can’t get out, I can’t get to him. He’s safe and warm. He’ll be fine.”
“I don’t like any of this. How are you going to ride through the snow and ice when traffic starts moving again?”
I quickly explained the deal I’d made with Aspen, and her response was very similar to the one I’d previously received. “Is she scared of you?”
I laughed. “You and Mom are giving me a complex.”
“Well, honey, you’re a biker. A big one at that. You might be one of my babies, but apparently, I produce scary babies.”
“Ember’s not—,” I started and laughed. “Wait. Yes, she is.”
Mom laughed too. “See what I mean?”
“I sure do. All right, Mom, I’m going to go. I’ll make sure to keep you updated.”
“Thanks, son. I love you.”
“Love you, too,” I said and ended the call.
“Sorry about that.”
“No need to apologize,” she said with a curious look on her face. And I had a feeling I knew exactly why. “Go ahead and ask.”
“You have two mothers?” she blurted immediately.