Page 56 of Forever Mine

My parents seemed deflated. What I’d told them was clearly the last thing they expected or wanted to hear. Their disappointment was palpable and my mother’s hand found its way into my dad’s. They still made a great-looking couple. Dad was tall and lean and Mom, petite and slender. Even in casual wear, they looked good. Suddenly, I realized I wanted what they had—a long-lasting relationship with someone who loved me. With Vaughn, I sensed I was on the brink of something meaningful

Dad startled me out of my thoughts. “This is a shock. Lucy never said—”

My gaze cut to my father. “Of course she wouldn’t. I’m going to ask that you respect my wishes not to talk about Lucy.”

He held up both hands. “Fine.”

With watery eyes, Mom stared at me. “How will a relationship work when you return home?”

She blinked rapidly, as if she feared what my answer would be.

“I haven’t figured it out yet. When I do, you’ll know.”

Mom sighed, then asked, “When will we get to meet her?”

I shrugged. “That, I don’t know either. Let’s go with the flow.”

If their reaction had been different, I’d have thought about a virtual introduction as I’d done yesterday at Rhys’s place. I didn’t want Vaughn to get a hint that anything was wrong, so meeting them could stay for another time.

When Mom and Dad nodded in agreement, I asked, “So what else has been going on around here in my absence?”

“Let’s talk while we eat.” Mom got to her feet, her movement slow. Since she didn’t have arthritis, I figured disappointment had something to do with that. “I’ll put the food on the table while you two talk,” she added.

Dad waited until Mom walked into the kitchen before saying what was on his mind. “I know when you make up your mind, that’s it. All I can say is good luck. I trust your judgment, so you should be fine.”

Running a hand over my hair, I scoffed. “I’d think my judgment would be in question after that fiasco with Lucy.”

His smile was faint. “We all make mistakes, the important thing is to learn from them.”

“True. This whole thing turned me upside down.” I stared through the window at the near-perfect lawn and colorful flower bed. “Vaughn changed things for me. She wasn’t looking for anything long term and neither was I. I’m hoping I can change her mind.”

“Take your time. Life has taught me that things work out for the best, even when we think they won’t.” He let a moment pass before he asked, “Are you sure you’re not running into something with this woman because you’re on the rebound?”

Slowly, I shook my head. “When you meet Vaughn, you’ll see she’s a wonderful human being. Now isn’t the right time though.”

“I understand and I’d caution you to take things slow.”

“Yeah. That makes sense.”

Mom called us to the table she’d spread with roast beef, her special herbed potatoes, and tossed salad. While we ate, I entertained them with stories about what I’d done in Jamaica.

After dinner, Mom refused my help with clearing the table but I moved our used plates and dishes to the kitchen anyway. I chatted with her while she washed up and afterward, she told me she’d baked a coconut cake. I was touched, since she’d done it on such short notice, and I tried to thank her. Mom told me not to be silly and added that she had ice cream waiting.

As I knew she would, Mom needed reassurance that I understood the implications of what I was about to do with Vaughn. She cupped my cheeks and stared into my eyes. Her hazel ones were soft and searching. “Honey, are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

I laid my hand over hers. “Yes, Mom, you’d love Vaughn. She’s funny, sweet, independent, and I love her. She also has a daughter who’s a bright little thing.”

She heaved out a sigh. “I don’t want to see you hurt a second time.”

I squeezed her hand. “Trust me. I’ll be fine.”

Her eyes watered and she blinked hard. Then she nodded. “I’ll pray things work out for you.”

“Thank you,” I said, turning her hand to kiss her palm.

She pulled my head down to hers and kissed my forehead. “I love you, son.”

“Love you too, Mom,” I said, before pulling her to my chest for a hug.

She held me close while I thought about this new complication. The fact that I loved Vaughn slapped me in the face when I sat on the plane as it was about to take off from the airport in Kingston.

I couldn’t spring that discovery on her with six hundred miles between us. I’d wait until I got back to Jamaica to tell her. I wasn’t sure she was ready to hear me say I loved her, but I didn’t want to waste any time. Something deep inside me said Vaughn and I were meant to be together. No matter what I had to do, I’d convince her of that.

As much as I enjoyed seeing Rhys and his family and now Mom and Dad, I couldn’t wait for it to be Monday, so I could get the seminar over with and fly back to Jamaica to be with my woman.

---