Endless Love

Chapter 25

Denver sat up from where he had his head in Jo's lap. Blythe and Paxton looked over at him curiously.

"My mom wants to come over for dinner tonight," he said.

Josiah shut his book, placing it on the table next to him.

"I haven't heard from her in months, since the last time I saw her and made her leave," Denver said.

"I did not like the comments she made about Blythe," Josiah said.

"I didn't either," Blythe spoke up. "But she's making an effort, and I think we should too."

"Bee is right," Paxton finally spoke up. "It will just be for a few hours anyway."

Denver glanced at Josiah who finally nodded in agreement.

"Does she have something favorite to eat?" Blythe asked. "That might help make her more comfortable."

"I will still grill burgers," Denver answered. "We can sit outside on the picnic table. She does like chocolate cake."

"I have a perfect recipe," she said. "I'll have you grill some veggies, too."

Denver nodded. He took in a shaky breath that Josiah noticed.

"Is this not a good thing?"

"I'm not sure," Denver admitted. "I've been trying to convince myself that her approval didn't matter, but of course it does."

Josiah rubbed his back.

"It's okay," Josiah soothed. "Let's not get too worked up about it. Let's just see how it goes."

Blythe spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning. Josiah was incredibly meticulous and tidy, so their home never got too messy. It was still nice to run the vacuum on the carpet and rugs and mop the hardwood.

"I swear, Pax. You're about to make my eardrums explode," Jo grumbled, looking over his mop at his blonde boyfriend who was singing obnoxiously.

"Wouldn't that be nice," Pax said, standing on the tips of his toes to dust the mantle. "Maybe then I wouldn't have to listen to you gripe."

Blythe giggled, sliding the chocolate cherry cake into the warm oven. She also made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Maybe they were going overboard, but it was important to Denver so it was important to all of them. Plus, baking yummy treats was a great way to get on anybody's good side.

Denver hugged her from behind. She spun around to face him.

"I love you," she told him, taking in his features. Having the freedom of finally saying those three words was incredible. She never got tired of saying them. Denver was the only who had yet to say them, but she was okay with that. She could feel his love. "It's going to be great."

"I hope so," he whispered. "I'd never want to put any of you in any harm's way, even if that's from the words of my mother."

"We all know that," Blythe said, smoothing the hair from his eyes. She leaned up to give him a kiss.

---

Brenda was different this time around. She was quiet, and almost remorseful. Blythe took it as an opportunity to start over with her.

They sat around the picnic table outside as Denver got the grill going. Josiah had just made the hamburger patties and chopped some veggies that he brought out.

Blythe poured some of the lemonade she had made.

"You're a teacher?" Brenda asked politely.

Blythe nodded. "I teach second grade."

"And what about you?" she asked Paxton.

"I'm a painter," Paxton said. "I own a business where I teach classes and do commissioned artwork for various clients."

"Oh," Brenda said, giving a tight lipped smile.

"Pax did that huge mural in the courthouse," Josiah said, sitting next to Brenda.

"I've seen it," Brenda nodded. "It's incredible."

"Thank you," Paxton smiled.

The ice seemed to be broken a little bit as they found pieces to make conversation with.

"You said the zucchini and peppers are from your garden?" Brenda asked, turning to Denver who had taken a seat in a lawn chair on the side of the table while the burgers cooked. 

"Yeah, Blythe's discovered she's had a real green thumb. We've had all kinds of stuff," Denver said.

"Do you want to see it?" Blythe asked. "You can see if there's anything you want to take home."

Brenda gave a slow nod. "Sure."

"We'll get the table set while you do that," Jo said.

The walk to the garden was quiet. Blythe had picked up her favorite basket and some shears. She handed them to Brenda, letting her take what she wanted.

"I'd like to say that I'm sorry," Brenda said finally. "It was wrong to judge you without getting to know you."

"Thank you," Blythe nodded. "I understand how unconventional it is, but it works for us."

"I've never seen Denver so happy," she whispered. "That's all I would ever want for him."

Blythe couldn't hide her smile. The four of them could be themselves when they were together. She didn't have to pretend to be anybody or act a certain way. She was happy, too. She was loved.

"I have a bag for you in the house," Blythe added after a moment during their walk back towards the boys. "Remind me after dinner and I will put your veggies in it."

Dinner was surprisingly pleasant. Brenda had opened up significantly, and they could see how pleased Denver was because of it.

They finished with dessert and Blythe, Pax, and Jo started cleaning up inside, giving Denver a moment.

"I had a good evening," Brenda admitted.

"I'm glad, mom," Denver said, walking her to her car. "I'm glad you reached out."

"Me too," she agreed. "I don't care who you are or what you do, you are my son and I will always love you."

Denver helped her into her car, trying to hide the rise of emotions he felt from the sentiment.

"You're welcome back anytime," he told her.

"How about we make it a tradition once a week? Next time, I'll cook and bring it over."

Denver ducked his head to hide his smile. This was exactly what he had wanted all along. He watched her go down the driveway. He felt complete.

He and his mother had never seen eye-to-eye. This was the best step they had taken in a really long time, and it was all because of the loves of his life.