His Forever Flame

28. Three Days & Graduation

The next day Lauren headed back. She just wanted to stay, but kept telling herself it was just three days. The first day was uneventful; the second day looked to be much of the same. That night though her mom drove to town and they had dinner. It had been her last day of student teaching and she was thrilled.

She was moving to Chicago permanently tomorrow and then she graduated next Friday. Over dinner they kept the conversation light; school, her brother and grandparents. She'd been able to hide her growing bump all night with a loose fitting long shirt. Lauren knew she had to tell her about Chicago and the baby, but she was nervous. "So.... Mom, I wanted to tell you that I'm moving to Chicago for good tomorrow."

"We're not discussing this Lauren Kathleen!"

"Mom, we have to. You can't stay mad at me forever. I'm moving, don't you want me happy?"

"I said no. Now enough."

Lauren sighed as her mother paid for dinner. She decided it might be best to keep the baby to herself for a little while longer. "I love you mom, but I am moving. I'm married and I'm happy. I was hoping we could put this behind us."

"You went against everything I said, everything I thought I'd taught you to believe. That's not something we just up and put behind us. Now I don't want to hear another word about it."

Lauren nodded as they left the restaurant. "I have a long drive tomorrow so I will see you at graduation," she said getting into her car. Her mother didn't reply; just nodded and left.

Lauren was sad her mother wouldn't listen to her or try to work it out. Deep down she'd known she probably wouldn't, but it still stung. She vowed that no matter what she would always try and listen to her children. She'd just gotten back to the motel room when her phone rang showing Jay was calling.

She couldn't help but smile hearing his voice.

"Hey my beautiful wife. How'd it go?" He knew she was going out to eat with her mom and he wanted to check on her.

"It was alright until I brought up tomorrow, and she didn't want to hear about it."

"I'm sorry baby," he said knowing she'd wanted to make it work with her.

"It's fine. She's choosing to shut me out so..."

"I know, but it still hurts and I wish I was there for you."

Lauren smiled; he could read her like a book. "Yea, but I'll get over it. Tomorrow is going to be a good day, and I will see you then."

"Yes you will. I have a surprise for you in the morning too. So sleep in and don't leave until about nine thirty."

"But it's a long drive babe."

"I know, but it'll be worth it. I promise."

"Ok, ok, I'll sleep in," she said giving in because she did love his surprises.

"Get some sleep love and tomorrow you'll be back in my arms. You'll be home."

"Goodnight Jay. I love you."

"I love you too baby."

They hung up and went to bed. The next morning Lauren slept until about nine. She text him as soon as she was up, but he didn't text back which was odd. She still had about thirty minutes until her surprise would arrive, but she was anxious to get on the road. She decided to get ready to pass the time.

Just as she finished her hair and making sure everything was packed, there was a knock on the door. 'His surprise is here,' she thought as she went to open the door. To say she was surprised was an understatement. There he stood on the other side of the door with a big smile.