Page 45 of It's a Widow Thing

Their nap lasted nearly two hours. Apparently, they’d both been in desperate need of a break. Michael hopped in the shower for a refresh while Sabrina changed clothes, then they dutifully filed downstairs. Cocktails were flowing by the time they arrived, which Michael passed on. His mother was working on dinner—her famous roast chicken with balsamic glazed carrots, braised leeks, and mashed potatoes—all while she talked on the phone about matters of great importance, namely a bill the Senate was set to debate next week. It was nearly time to eat again, but the world needed to be saved, too, so his mom simply tackled both.

Sabrina, Alyshia, and Zoe covertly switched the channel on the family room TV to HGTV while Dad dozed in his recliner. That left Brian and Michael their chance to duck into Brian’s room to sign their mother’s birthday card and grab her gift, a set of vintage depression glass mixing bowls that Alyshia had found at an antique shop.

“I hope she likes these things,” Brian said, peeking inside the gift bag Alyshia had been super considerate to pack up for them. “I don’t know about you, but I’d be pissed if someone bought me mixing bowls for my birthday.”

Seated at the small writing desk in the corner, Michael finished scrawling the note to his mom about how much he loved her, then signed the card and tucked it inside the envelope. “She’s impossible to shop for. If Alyshia thinks it’s a good idea, I’m game to try it.”

“Alyshia told me what happened with mom telling Sabrina about your heart stuff. Sorry about that.”

“Yeah. It is what it is. At least it’s out there.”

“She also said that Mom came right out and asked her about losing her husband.”

“She did?” Michael was mortified. Sabrina hadn’t even mentioned that. Maybe it was because she was so used to it. “I really hope we make it through this weekend. Mom sure isn’t helping.”

Brian clapped Michael on the shoulder. “Think of it this way. If you pass the test of twenty-four hours with Mom, you’ll be that much closer.”

Michael wanted to believe that, but he still had this unsettled feeling that he couldn’t let go of. “Can I ask you something? How did you know that Alyshia was the one?”

Brian sat on the end of the bed. “Simple. I didn’t think about anyone else. I didn’t want to be with anyone else. She became the center of my whole world.”

Michael nodded. “But how did you know that it was going to last?”

“I didn’t. Ihopedit would last. I knew I’d do whatever it took to make it last, and that she would, too. But in the end, it’s a bit of a crap shoot. Plenty of people fall in love and it doesn’t work.”

This was not the reassurance Michael had hoped for.

“Are you thinking that Sabrina is the one?” Brian asked.

On some level, he was convinced of it. But as with all things in their relationship, he had to test the waters, then wade in slowly. He didn’t mind the process. He was simply terrified of making mistakes. Each time he did, it was one more reason for Sabrina to walk away. “I definitely don’t want to be with anyone else.”

Brian got up from his perch. “Then find the right time to tell her. See what happens.”

That seemed like an awfully cavalier approach, but his brother did have more experience with this. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Michael took responsibility for the gift and the card, and carried it as they returned downstairs, leaving it on the window seat in the dining room. Then he and Brian joined the ladies in the family room.

“Hey. Everything good?” Michael sat on the arm of the sofa next to Sabrina.

She peered up at him, her eyes full of light and life. “Everything’s great. Alyshia and Zoe are amazing. They’re so much fun.”

If only she knew what a relief that was to hear. He leaned down and kissed her temple. “Awesome.”

From the kitchen, his mother clapped three times to get everyone’s attention. “William, wake up! It’s time to eat.”

Their dad startled in his chair. “How much?” This was his response whenever he was confused or had been awoken from a nap.

“Come on, Dad. Dinner’s ready,” Michael said.

Everyone assembled at the table according to his mother’s seating assignments, which were the same as they’d been at lunch, but she nevertheless felt the need to reiterate them. Dad sat at the head, she to his left, followed by Michael and then Sabrina. On the opposite side, Zoe was next to her grandfather, then Alyshia and Brian. Food was passed and conversation came in stops and starts, as there were several times when they were all so overwhelmed by how amazing the meal was, that speaking seemed impossible.

“Mom, you really outdid yourself. This chicken is incredible,” Michael said.

“Michael’s right, Lydia. It’s spectacular,” Sabrina added.

“Thank you, both. This is an old reliable. Throw a chicken in the pan and toss it in the oven. Do you cook, Sabrina?” his mother asked.

“Not really. I can manage a few basics. Spaghetti. A salad.”