39 Tristan Smiling about Ty’s love connection with Sara, my mother turned her attention to me. “Son, it’s high time you woke up and realized this lovely young lady has loved you since the moment you met.” Addressing Lexi, Mom said, “Tristan has made some horrible mistakes.” At Lexi’s nod, my mother gave me a pointed mom-stare that made me cringe before turning back to Lexi and adding, “He probably doesn’t deserve your forgiveness, but you’re here, so I’m guessing that’s a good sign. For his part, Tristan may not have gone about things the way he should have, but he’s in love with you. He always has been and likely always will be.” My mind was still reeling from my mother’s announcement that Lexi loved me. It couldn’t possibly be true, could it? And how much did my parents know about m

