Page 88 of The Jellybean Dilemma

“So where is this new beau?” Mom asked.

Greg stood up, taking his place next to me.

“Mom, Dad, you know Greg Peterson? We reconnected recently, and I spent New Year’s with him in Marquette, meeting his family. He’s—”

“The chauffeur,” Dad said flatly, and my heart sank.

“Rhonda, is this some kind of joke?” Mom looked around as if trying to spy a hidden camera crew.

I protested, “No. Greg is the real deal, better than any guy I’ve ever met. If you just give him a chance—”

“No daughter of mine is dating the hired help.” Dad practically vibrated with anger. “I forbid it.”

It was an effort to keep my voice even as I met Dad’s irate stare. “Fortunately, that’s not your right anymore. I choose Greg. You can either accept that and have a nice dinner with us…or you can leave. But right now, you’re making a scene.”

There was nothing my parents abhorred more. Mom glanced at Dad, always looking to him for direction.

Dad straightened, knocking his heels together. “Come, Harriet, we’ll find dinner elsewhere.” And they left.

Even though I’d pictured it a hundred times in my head, the image of them walking away had me unable to stand in the wake of the pain wracking me. I took several steps after them before I even realized what I was doing. They’d chosen their image above their daughter’s well-being. I’d known my father was callous, putting business and money first, but I’d thought I rated somewhere up there.

I saw Greg, and I took in his tight mouth, his downcast eyes. I wasn’t the only one they’d hurt. His words echoed in my head, “It’s one of my biggest fears, that I’ll be the one to hold someone back, be the thing that keeps them from reaching their potential, the brick that makes them drown.”

I strode back to my boyfriend. “Hey.” He didn’t look at me, so I slid my hand down his arm to entwine my fingers with his, leaning into his arm. “It doesn’t matter what they say. It’s their loss for not seeing how amazing you are. You’re not holding me back—you’re helping me through. I couldn’t do this without you, Just Greg, and I love you. So very much.”

His lips twitched, and he squeezed my hand before finally meeting my gaze. “I love you, too, Jellybean.”

Derek appeared next to us. “Hey, they’ll come around, just give them time. I know it hurts now, but it won’t be like this forever. Trust me.” His smile was full of empathy.

I knew I could believe him. I’d just helped my parents see his full potential a month or so before, and they were still coming to terms with it. This was my first time being on the receiving end of their snubbing, though. It would take some getting used to.

But Derek patted my hand. Then my gaze kept going, meeting Avery’s caring stare and heartfelt nod. Gina looked like she’d murder my parents if she could. Even Liam seemed annoyed on our behalf. We weren’t alone.

“Thanks, guys.” I squeezed Derek’s hand back, then leaned into Greg. “Thank you all for being here and loving us the way we are.” I paused, an ironic smile forming on my lips.

“What?” Greg asked curiously.

“I didn’t even get to tell them that you’re the heir to the Peterson logging empire. They have no idea they just snubbed Marquette royalty.” I giggled.

Greg sniffed haughtily. “They will rue the day.”

We all laughed, the lighter mood returning. Then Liam pulled out his wallet, throwing a twenty at Gina who beamed.

I frowned. “What’s that for?”

“I bet they’d at least sit down.” Liam crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair to sulk.

Gina shrugged. “Sorry, Rhonda, but you two didn’t stand a chance.”

Standing up and clearing his throat, Derek said, “All right, moving on. There’s another reason I wanted you all here tonight, and I was hoping our parents could be part of it, but they had their chance.” His hand went in his pocket, and he walked around to stand next to Avery, moving the chair next to her so there was plenty of space. Then he knelt on one knee, taking her hand.

She gasped. “Derek!”

“Avery, you are the love of my life, the sweetest thing in it. Since the day you walked up and kissed me out of the blue, I haven’t been the same. I know we haven’t been together very long, but I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. I want to spend the rest of it with you. Cupcake, will you make me the happiest man in the world, and do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He pulled the box from his pocket, opening it to show off the gorgeous rose-gold ring.

“Yes. Yes!” Avery flung her arms around my brother, kissing him over and over.

He finally calmed her down enough to slide the ring on her finger, a perfect fit. “Do you like it?”

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