Veritas liberabit vos

She pulls out a chair and sits half-crosslegged on the cushion. She just stares, maybe a little too long, before she decides on opening the envelope first.

She adjusts her glasses and reads.

Mel, Hi, sweetheart. I know you’re probably sitting weird while you’re reading this.

She smiles.

I know this day is hard for you and Becca, too. Originally, Abby had asked me to invite you to her place for brunch, but it was such short notice, and we hadn’t really talked about our plans today. I asked Becca what you both usually do today and she told me you like to look at old family photos and order takeout. She also told me if the weather’s nice, you’ll go for a walk together, and talk about your memories with your mom. I know Zamboni could always use some extra walks.

Mel glances up. The house is quiet. Even the dog is sleeping in.

I know this is your first Mother’s Day without Becca staying over, too. (It’s sweet she’s spending it with Adam and his mom.) I told Becca I'd take care of you. And I ended up telling Abby we were just gonna hang back for now and I hope it’s okay I made that call without presenting the case. I really want to hear about your mom, if you’re up for that. Whatever you want. But because this is your first Mother’s Day as a Stepmom (the best ever, I’m told) the kids made you some gifts. I love you, So so so so so much, F xo

That last part got a little blurry, so Mel wipes her eyes, pushing her glasses uncomfortably up the bridge of her nose while she does. She presses the card against her chest with a long, deep breath before placing it back on the table.

She reaches for the folded construction paper, momentarily startled by how heavy it feels, and lays it flat. There are three friendship bracelets taped to one side. She carefully removes them, reading each bead on each bracelet with an airy, out-of-body feeling she can’t quite place. Tanner, Penny, and Zamboni’s names.

There’s an ambitious and blocky drawing of Mel, which she recognizes as Tanner’s artistry. Above that, an angel flying in the clouds.

Her breath catches.

Mel,

This beautiful script is Abby’s handwriting, she realizes.

We love you and all that you do for us and our family. We would be lost without you and we’re thinking of you and Becca today. Happy Mother’s Day. Love, Penny, Tanner & Abby (& Zamboni!!!)

“Morning,” Frank’s voice is low and gruff and Mel does her best to not get distracted by it. She likes his morning voice. A lot.

He shuffles into the kitchen, wearing only his sweatpants loose around his hips. Mel wants to tell him he shouldn’t be shirtless when she’s fighting back tears and feeling emotional, but she doesn’t mean that. Frank Langdon shirtless is, in fact, one of the best things ever. Offhandedly, she looks down at herself, content to be swimming in the exact t-shirt he’s missing.

“This is—” She starts, struggling to find her voice, embarrassed by how watery it already sounds. She doesn’t want to cry outright. It’s been years since she did that on Mother’s Day. It’s so tiring to cry on Mother’s Day, but this is so—

Frank pulls a chair close to hers and sits, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He tugs her closer and she leans in, melting into his warmth, readily accepting the kisses he’s peppering along the crown of her head.

“I love you,” he murmurs, voice still gravely, still his morning voice, just for her.

She breathes in the scent of him, closing her eyes. “I love you, too.”

“And I know, like, it’s not— legally binding, uh—” Frank starts, “the Stepmom part. But it’s not yet, is all. You know that, right?”

Mel nods against his shoulder. She does.

“The flowers are beautiful.”

“Yeah?”

“Everything is. You’re beautiful. Your family is beautiful.”

“Our family, Mel.”

She cries then; the floodgates crack open like flimsy glass. She lets it exhaust her. She lets Frank pull her into his lap to hold her.