“Yeah.” Her gaze lingers on me, and a small smile tugs at her lips.
“Now, we’ve got somewhere to be. Get dressed, little one, because we’re beating back the sorrow today.”
“Oh yeah? How are we doing that?”
I stop at the doorway and snap at Biz, but Celia doesn’t let go of his collar. “I think you need a bit of mothering today. I’m gonna see to that.”
“Cain Bennett’s gonna mother me? This I’ve got to see. Get out of here so I can get dressed, then,” she says, and I snap at the dog again. Celia shakes her head in response. “Biz stays with me.”
Lucky bastard.
“What in the hell is this monstrosity?” she asks.
“Huh?” I follow her gaze as we walk out of her front door. “Oh, that’s Big Orange. She’s a beauty, right? That’s a 1975 Ford pickup with a Corvette engine under the hood. Every country boy’s dream.”
She keeps walking to the truck, albeit a little more slowly. “If you say so,” she mutters.
I open her door and help hoist her into the seat. Biz hops into her lap, and I swear, the fucker is taunting me. He’s enjoying this a little too much for my liking.
Am I seriously jealous of my dog? Ya damn right I am.
I want to bring Celia to my parents’ house today, but she needs a bit of background before we get there. I have no doubt she’ll embrace my parents and the dynamics of my family, but I don’t want to catch her off guard. I also have an overwhelming need to protect those I love. I’d never let someone come into my home and hurt my family.
“I think some ibuprofen and a little bit of sunshine may be my hangover cure. I’m feeling better already.” She smiles and makes a tiny crack in the window for Biz to shove his nose through.
“I’m glad.” I clear my throat and chance a look in her direction. “So, listen, I’m taking you to my family home, if that’s okay with you. My parents are great people and it’s really peaceful out there. I thought it would be a great way for you to unwind.”
“Meeting the parents already, Cain? I thought you’d at least let me test out the merchandise first?” She laughs and quirks her eyebrow up at me.
“Oh, test away, Tink, test away,” I say as she screws up her lips and rolls her eyes. “Seriously, you’ll love them, and they’ll love you.”
“Thank you for allowing me into your home. That means a lot,” she says softly.
“Like I said, you need some mothering.” I shift in my seat and tap the wheel with my thumb. “Listen, there’s something you need to know before we get there. It’s not a big deal or anything, but I don’t want you looking at them funny or anything, okay?”
“Do they have horns growing out of their heads?”
“No, it’s just that … my parents are … the thing is, I have two moms, okay? Like I said, it’s not a big deal, but I can’t have anyone hurting their feelings, ya know? If that’s a problem, we won’t go.” I train my eyes on the road, hoping Celia is who I think she is.
The cab fills with silence for longer than I like. Maybe this was a mistake.
“First of all, Cain Bennett, I’m no bigot. I would hope you would know that about me already.” She crosses her arms, and I feel her glare burning the side of my face.
“I promise you, this is not about what I think of you as a person. It’s about protecting my family. I always ask this question, no matter who it is. I’m not questioning your beliefs; I just love them that much. Okay?”
I know she understands my point when her arms slowly uncross and her posture relaxes.
“Well, aren’t you the sweetest son ever? Which brings me to my second point. You’ve got to be the luckiest man in the world, to have two mothers to dote on you. What a blessing.”
I grin and chuckle to myself. “You have no idea.”
Perfectly timed, I turn the truck onto the gravel drive. I slow down so I don’t throw rocks into the grass, and watch Celia as she takes in the scenery. I have to admit, the land is breathtaking. Past the hundred-year-old oak trees lining each side of the drive, there are rows upon rows of fig trees, persimmon trees, and pecan trees, as far as the eye can see. At the end of the gravel drive is my family home, a stark white two-story house with a wrap around screen porch, black shutters, and dormers. The front yard is impeccably landscaped with an antique, cast iron sugar kettle serving as a fountain.
I called ahead, so I’m sure they're both home, waiting for us. The screen door inches open, and I see Mom peeking out of the tiny crack.
It didn’t matter how many times I reiterated to her that Celia and I are just friends, I could hear the excitement building in her voice the longer we talked about her. Do I want there to be more between us? Without question, but it’s gonna take time. I consider today the first step in my quest to capture Celia Lemaire’s heart, no matter the condition. Broken, scarred, or busted wide open—I’m the man for the job.
I see Jabbers, my parents’ unruly black lab, shoving through the screen door and bounding toward the truck. Biz goes apeshit, nearly knocking Celia out the truck, trying to get to Jabbers. Those two are old pals from way back.
“Cain Joseph, get your butt over here and give your momma a kiss. I’ve been missin’ you,” Mom pouts with outstretched arms.
I meet her halfway and scoop her up for a quick twirl, planting a sloppy, wet kiss on her cheek.
“Hey Mom. Missed you, too,” I whisper as I set her down.
Her signature red-checkered apron is dusted with flour, a cardinal sign there are treats in our future. She’s twisted her blonde curls on top of her head in a bun, surely to keep it out of the way as she bakes. This woman can make an apple dumpling that will make a grown man weep.
She pushes up on her toes and peeks over my shoulder at Celia, who’s standing quietly behind me. Mom shoves me aside, my time in the spotlight over. A huge grin spreads across her face as she surveys Celia. “Introduce me to your friend, son.”
I nod quickly and wave my hand toward each of them. “Mom, this is Celia Lemaire. She’s one of my tenants, but she’s also become a friend. Celia, this is my mom, Lila Bennett.”
Both of their faces shine with bright smiles as they clasp hands. Before Celia can pull her hand back, Mom pulls her close and wraps her in a tight bear hug.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Celia. I’ve heard so much about you,” Mom gushes as she throws me a wink.
“Oh, really?” Celia eyes me suspiciously.
“Don’t worry, Tink, I didn’t mention that crazy fetish you told me about.”
Celia’s cheeks pink up, and she slaps my shoulder. “Cain, that’s not funny!” She turns to my mom with wide eyes. “He’s lying, I swear.”
Mom chuckles as she loops her arm around Celia’s and starts walking toward the barn. “Don’t worry, dear, I’ve met my son a time or two. A lot of hot air, that one. I, on the other hand, have a plethora of ammunition on him. Did he ever tell you about his undying love of boy bands as a teenager?”
Celia starts to giggle, but slams her hand over her mouth when she gets the evil eye from me.
“I don’t care what you say, JT is the shit. He can sing, dance, and act—he’s a triple threat,” I defend as Celia’s eyes widen in amusement.
“You’re absolutely right, honey. There’s nothing strange about that … not at all,” Mom says as she eyes Celia, shrugging and shaking her head.
At this none-too-subtle barb, they both roar with laughter. I kick up dust and follow behind as I grumble to myself.
“While I’m having a blast, and believe me I am, I have a question. Where are we going?” I ask as I stop walking and toss up my hands.