Saving Grace #Wattys2016

Chapter Nineteen

Hayden Panettiere as Maria West

Danny agreed to meet Parker at Maybelle's but still had the look of hurt in his eyes.

"Thank you." Mama grabbed both our hands before walking into the diner. "He really wanted to meet the two of you but wasn't sure how you'd take it." I squeezed her hand and Danny gave a small smile. The three of us walked in and I immediately spotted Parker Hathaway. The man that was a year older than Mama sat in one of the window stalls in a suit and tie, the wide frame glasses added to the whole modern businessman he fitted. He also spotted Mama and stood up with a shocked face. I guess he hadn't seen her in years.

"Abby." His voice had a hint of an accent in there. "I can't believe it's you."

"Parks." She sighed and the hugged like I've never seen her before. His arm wrapped around her waist the same way her arms did around his neck, like they were holding on to each other for dear life. More intimate despite the public setting. The dark heads got close for a minute before pulling away. I had to put a hand on Danny's chest to stop him from lunging forward and ripping Parker's hand of Mama. "Parker, these are my kids, Daniel and Grace."

"How are you?" He shook Danny's hand and did a double take at me before laughing and grabbing a hold of Mama's waist. "That's how I last remember you, exactly like that; young, graceful, and beautiful. A lovely pleasure."

"The pleasure's mine." I replied back, smiling. Parker gestured to the seats for us to sit in.

"Is that Parker!" Maybelle realized on her quest to get out orders. "Well, I'll be damn!"

"Maybelle Smith, it's been a while." Parker got up.

"Actually, it's Maybelle Davis." They laughed and hugged like old friends. "So,what's this all about?" The dinner owner wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at our table.

"Just a friendly get together now take the damn orders." Mama smiled but you could tell she was blushing.

"She's antsy when she doesn't want people to know what's going on." Maybelle grinned and walked off.

"What?" Mama frowned at Parker, who was laughing, before pouting. Parker stopped and whispered something in her ear before kissing her cheek and wrapping an arm around her.

"I feel like crying." I said feeling the tears coming on. "You two are so cute together!"

"I will admit, it's nice to see Mama this happy." Danny agreed with a small smile. "I just got used to Grace now you..... So, Parker, since you're gonna be time with my mama, tell me 'bout yourself."

Since Mama and Parker stayed out to get some ingredients for tonight's dinner, I invited Hardy over.

"Good idea." Danny agreed. He looked like he needed a break. "Brenda and I gotta tackle this damn wedding book." Hardy came through the door with Brenda laughing fifteen minutes later.

"And what is this?" I always got guarded when Hardy was with another girl. Especially when she's laughing. I guess that shows how much in love I am with him.

"I told you about trying to steal my wife." Danny grabbed Brenda close. "We need some alone time." He smiled like Hardy would. Brenda had no problem with that.

"Okay, okay, I get it." I picked up my bag I recently threw on the couch and glanced back one more time to see brother at a rare private moment. It was nice.

Hardy pushed my body against the door.

"Now we get our private time." He whispered, kissing a trail from my neck to my lips.