Damien (Heart River Valley: Rugged Mountain Men #2)

My phone dings, and I check the screen.

Mom:

Hey honey, are you back safe and sound?

Me:

Yes, mom. Safe and sound.

I take a deep breath and ready myself for what comes next.

Mom:

Listen honey. I need to apologize to you.

Me:

What?

Mom:

After our last text the other day, I realized how hurtful my words have been, and did some reading. Or rather, some video watching on the TikTok.

Me:

Oh really?

Mom:

Yes, turns out there’s a lot of interesting psychological stuff on there. Anyway, I think I was projecting my own fears onto you. It probably came from some emotional trauma I experienced as a young person. So, I’ve made an appointment with a therapist and I’m gonna work on it. I just want you to know that I love you and I’m so proud of you and I think you are beautiful exactly the way you are.

Me:

Wow mom. Thank you.

Me:

I suppose this is a good time to tell you.

Mom:

Tell me what?

Me:

I’ll be leaving soon. I met someone in Montana. And he and I are about to go travel the world.

Mom:

What?! What about your career?

Me:

I have the rest of my life to do that. I want to travel while I’m young, and Damien does too.

Mom:

Well that sounds…exciting. I’m happy for you.