Maci Bookout's Son Bentley Says She 'Did Really Good' Raising Him in Sweet Mother-Son Moment: 'Proud of You'

Maci Bookout shared the story of her pregnancy with Bentley on the very first episode of '16 & Pregnant'

Maci Bookout McKinney is in disbelief at how fast her son is growing up.

In the season finale episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, the 32-year-old reality star talks to son Bentley, 15, about graduating and heading to high school.

When the teen confirms he's "ready for graduation, Maci asks him if he "feels like it's gone fast."

"This year was crazy fast," he says.

"I definitely know Ryan would like to be here to go to your graduation, but I definitely know he's proud of you. So am I," Maci tells her son.

At the time, Bentley's dad, Ryan Edwards, was serving jail time and the family was uncertain whether he'd be able to attend the graduation.

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Related: Maci Bookout Breaks Down, Says Son Bentley Is 'Angry' After News of Ex Ryan Edwards' Overdose

As the conversation between Maci and Bentley continues, she asks him, "Do you feel like there's more access to a relationship with Ryan now than there was before?"

Bentley answers, "That's complicated, I guess."

Maci asks if the connection felt like "less of a chore" or "less heavy," to which the teen says, "I guess."

"It feels that way for me too, honestly," she shares, adding, "We're doing good, buddy. Proud of you."

"You know, you did really good," Bentley says.

"With what, raising you?" Maci asks, to which he sweetly confirms.

In addition to Bentley, Maci is mom to son Maverick, 6, and daughter Jayde, 7, both of whom she shares with husband Taylor McKinney.

Later in the episode, Maci updates her own mom on Ryan's latest court date, explaining the extensive road ahead as the 35-year-old — who also is dad to daughter Stella, 3, and son Jagger, 5, with estranged wife Mackenzie — continues to struggle with addiction.

"I think Ryan and Bentley communicate more since he's been in jail," adding that "it's crazy."

"Well, if he's not on drugs, it makes perfect sense," her mom replies.

"You can be hopeful without expecting anything, which is the seat I'm staying in. Of course, I'm sad for Bentley that Ryan won't be at his 8th-grade graduation, but at least he's alive."

"All we want is the best for Ryan because that means it's the best for Bentley," her mom says. "His recovery is about Bentley. Of course, it's about him. But for us, it means a better experience for Bentley, a better life for Bentley, a better relationship with Bentley and his father. And it doesn't matter what you do in your life. That's still Bentley's dad. If things go bad for him, it's still Bentley's life."

"I really don't know what's next for Ryan and Bentley," Maci says in a confessional. "I think that that's up to Ryan. Bentley has accepted how things have been and how things kind of are, but I also know that Ryan's his dad and there will always be a space there for him to fill if he chooses to do so."

Maci concludes, "I hope that Bentley is able to be a child and Ryan will show up as the adult."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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