“I don’t want you to not have a party because of me.” Avalon’s eyes soften. “We can celebrate another time; it doesn’t have to be today.”
“Stewart, forget about it being my birthday. It’s our first Valentine’s Day together, I’m not gonna ditch you to party with the guys.”
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely.” I tuck my index finger under her chin and pull her lips to mine. “This is so much better than a party.” I kiss her again.
My mom coughs. The kind of cough that lets us know she’s sitting right there.
“Sorry, Mom.”
“Don’t apologize. I never thought I’d see the day where you’re introducing me to your girlfriend, let alone have to break up a moment of PDA.”
I grab Avalon’s hand, kissing it, before resting our hands on the arm of the chair.
“You guys are using protection, though, right?” My mom reaches out to us with her hand. “I know I told you the other day I’m not opposed to being a grandma. And Avalon isn’t some random girl,but I’d still like you to have all your ducks in a row before the two of you bring a baby into this world.”
Avalon’s eyes go wide. She looks at me and then back to my mom.
“No babies anytime soon. I promise you that.”
“Nothing against your son, Mrs— Elise. But I have a lot of goals I want to accomplish before I even think about having a baby. And we haven’t been together for that long; I don’t even know if he wants kids because we’ve never talked about it. Do you want kids?” She glances at me and then quickly turns away. “And not that there’s anything wrong with having kids out of wedlock because a marriage doesn’t mean they’ll stick around after the baby is born, but I’m not going to have a baby unless I feel like I’m with the right person.” Avalon’s eyes dart to me again. “Not that I don’t think Zeke’s the right person. I wholeheartedly believe that you shouldn’t be in a relationship with someone if you don’t see a future and—”
She freezes, and I can’t tell if she’s trying to catch her breath to continue her rambling or if she’s absolutely mortified.
“Sorry.” She licks her lips. “I ramble when I’m nervous. I guess what I’m trying to say is I don’t have any plans to have a baby right now. Neither of us do.”
My mom grins. A grin so big it reaches her eyes, causing the corners to crinkle. “I like you.” She leans forward just enough to cup Avalon’s cheek like she’s done to me so many times before. “If I didn’t raise this boy, I’d probably tell you you’re too good for him.”
The anxiety in Avalon’s shoulders dissipates.
“And I wouldn’t blame you. Sheistoo good for me.”
“Alright, I think it’s time for presents. What do you think?” my mom asks, and I nod.
“The perfect time. Takeout will be here soon, so we can go ahead and get it out of the way.”
“Zeke’s horrible at receiving gifts. He’s always hated Christmas because of it.”
“Really?” Avalon raises an eyebrow.
“I don’t like everyone watching me, and I always feel like my reaction isn’t what they want, you know? I’m much better at giving gifts.”
“One day, I’ll be the judge of that.” Avalon scrunches her nose as my mom reaches into her drawer and pulls out a tiny box.
“It’s nothing crazy, but happy birthday, sweet boy.”
I open up the box and see my favorite key chain. I glance up at my mom, confused as to why she’s giving me the same thing she gave me when I got my license.
“It’s perfect,” I say, partially concerned that she doesn’t remember giving it to me.
“What is it?” Avalon leans over my shoulder, peaking into the box.
“It’s my mom’s favorite bible verse,Matthew 11:28.”
“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Avalon smiles, looking at my mom and then at me. “That’s beautiful.”
“I’ll add it to my key ring right away; thank you, Mom.” I stand up, leaning over to give her a kiss, but she puts her hand up to stop me.