I thought introducing my boyfriend to my mom would be just another milestone. But when their eyes met, time seemed to stop—they recognized each other, and a truth I wasn’t prepared for followed.
Life at 29 was busy, managing a restaurant left me little time for socializing. My mom, worried about my loneliness, encouraged me to try dating. After a nudge from my best friend Mia, I reluctantly went to a concert, where I spilled beer on Trevor. Three weeks later, Trevor was a regular in my life, bringing me lunch and flowers, and even treats for my cat, Jasper. He made me feel valued, unlike anyone else.
But my mom was curious. She’d never met him, and when I finally arranged for them to meet, Trevor seemed unusually excited. As we arrived at my mom’s house, something felt off. The moment Trevor saw her, recognition lit up his face.
“Trevor?” Mom gasped. “Mrs. Derek? Is it really you?”
Turns out, Trevor and my mom had a history. He was once a child at a group home where my mom volunteered. She had taught him kindness, and they shared memories I had no idea about. Trevor had been adopted, and though he hadn’t made the connection when I mentioned my last name, the past had a way of resurfacing.
Now, my mom adores Trevor even more, and while we’re taking things slow, our connection feels destined. It’s rare to find a love tied to both a shared past and a newfound family.