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They did it. They were finally married. After so many ups and downs in their rollercoaster ride of a relationship, they had done it. Maya couldn’t be more elated to call the Italian hers. Carina was happy to give the blonde some comfort and relieve her insecurities about their future. After all, she had never seen Maya Bishop this excited over something quite like this before. How could she keep the love of her life from experiencing this type of joy? Carina never pictured herself getting married, but she couldn’t bare the thought of not spending every moment with Maya by her side. If that meant getting married, so be it.
“You should go talk to her.” Carina whispered in Maya’s ear. The two had just exited their turn from the dance floor and Andy was next to show off her moves.
“Hmm? Who?” Maya asked.
“Your mom.”
Maya glanced behind them to see Katherine sitting at a table with Jack and Inara.
“Go. I’ll get us a drink.” The brunette said and kissed her wife sweetly, then headed towards the bar. Maya stood there for a moment, admiring Carina in her white pantsuit, before walking over to her mother.
“Hi honey.” The masked woman said, standing up. She wanted so deeply to hug her daughter but thought against it (Covid sucked). Instead, she reached for her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “You look beautiful.”
Maya gave a soft smile then glanced over at Jack. He took the hint and gave a small nod.
“Let’s go dance.” He said, holding his hand out to Inara. She smiled and took it happily, following him onto the dance floor. Katherine sat back down, Maya sitting adjacent.
“Thanks for coming. It means a lot.” The firefighter said.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Katherine replied, smiling under her mask. “Sorry for interrupting earlier and for looking like a mess. I kind of had to sneak out. I told your father I was going to get groceries, which isn’t a complete lie. Would’ve looked suspicious getting all dressed up.”
“Don’t worry, it’s fine. I’m just glad you’re here. How was he after I left?” Maya asked cautiously. Katherine sighed.
“Not too happy. But I don’t want to think about that right now. I’m so proud of you. Especially for standing up to him earlier. You’re a stronger woman than I am.”
“I almost didn’t stop by. Andy convinced me. And Carina.” The firefighter said, smiling when her eyes found her wife talking with Travis at the bar. “I was serious when I said we will always have a place for you. Mom, you don’t deserve to spend the rest of your life in hell. Come live with us. Please. Or at least until you find your own place.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to be in the way or intrude. I mean, you two just got married.”
“Mom, it was Carina’s idea to let you move in. We have an extra bedroom. Get out of Lane’s grasp. You did it once. You can do it again.” Maya relented. Katherine was about to speak when Carina walked up.
“Hi bambina.” The Italian said, standing behind her wife and placing a kiss on the top of her head. “Mrs. Bishop.” She greeted with a dazzling smile.
“Oh please, call me Katherine.”
“Katherine.” Carina said, testing the name on her lips. “I’m glad you could make it.”
Maya excused herself to the restroom, but not before kissing her wife. Carina was quick to steal her seat, placing a glass of champagne in front of her mother-in-law.
“Thanks. It’s so good to see you again, especially under these circumstances.” Katherine said before taking a sip.
“Likewise.” Carina replied, taking a sip of her champagne. “It really means a lot to Maya that you’re here. Myself, as well.”
“Maya told me about your brother. I’m so sorry.” The older woman said, softly. She didn’t know much about the Italian’s background but from what Maya told her, she didn’t have much family left. She took Carina’s hand in her own and gave a small squeeze. “I can’t imagine what that was like.”
“I thought losing my Mamma was hard but this…” Carina began. “I wouldn’t have gotten through it if it weren’t for Maya.” The brunette paused to take a deep breath and wiped a few tears before continuing. “She knew what I needed, even when I didn’t. When I needed space, she gave it to me. When I needed her, she was there. I never thought I’d find someone that could make me as happy as she does.”
“What you two have is something every parent dreams of for their kids. I’ve never seen Maya so… so relaxed and content. I’m glad you two have each other.” All Katherine could do was smile. She knew that she had failed as a parent at times. She didn’t step up and fight for her children like she should have. To see that her daughter had found someone that made her feel like she could take on the world was more than she could ask for.
“And I don’t know what Maya’s told you, but you are more than welcome to stay with us. I know what it’s like to have an abusive father. Just… think about it. We would love to have you.” Carina said.
The older woman nodded gratefully, and her eyes glanced to see her daughter walking over to them. Well, more like dancing over to them. The blonde rhythmically moved her hips as Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” echoed through the speakers.
“You want me. I want you baby.” Maya mouthed along to the song as she pointed to her wife. The brunette smiled and downed the rest of her champagne before standing up to join the firefighter. “Excuse us Mom, but I need to dance with my wife.” The blonde said, wrapping an arm around Carina's waist.
“I should probably be getting home anyways. I’m glad I got to be here and I’m so happy for you both.” The masked woman said. The couple smiled.
“Thanks. And don’t be a stranger.” The blonde said, giving her mother a knowing look. Katherine nodded and said her goodbyes to everyone before leaving.
“What were you two talking about?” Maya asked her wife, pulling her close. The Italian smiled.
“Oh nothing. Just how happy you make me.”