Page 43 of Raven
He pulled back and wiped under her eyes as he spoke. “I see you found your way, Squirt.”
Sydney looked over her shoulder at me, then back to her uncle. “I found everything.”
Billy released her, and they walked to us. “Are you going to make an honest woman out of her?”
“As soon as possible,” I responded, and he patted me on the shoulder.
“Good. I’ve always thought you two would make a good couple,” Billy remarked and looked at my father. “I guess that makes us family now, huh, Roger?”
My dad chuckled and replied, “We’ve always been family, Billy.”
Billy nodded and answered, “That we have.”
I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I was happy Sydney’s family was here to celebrate our impending union. “Let’s get inside.”
I took Sydney’s hand, and we walked into the house with my parents and her uncle trailing behind us. Stepping into the kitchen, I turned and asked, “What’s everyone having to drink?”
After getting what everyone wanted, I asked, “Do you want to sit outside until Darla gets here or what?”
“Your sister called me about an hour ago. She got called into work, but she said she’ll get with you about dinner later this week,” Mom responded, and I gave her a knowing nod.
Darla was an amazing doctor, and she was dedicated to her job. It wasn’t unusual for her to get called away, so I wasn’t that surprised. I had no room for judgment. Most of the year, I worked from sunup to sundown, so I’d missed my fair share of events with the family. I made all club events, but they were usually late in the afternoon or evening.
“Let’s sit outside and enjoy the nice afternoon while we can,” my dad suggested.
We all gathered our drinks and walked outside, each of us taking a seat around the table. Sydney looked at Billy and asked, “How long are you in town for?”
Billy sat back in his seat and responded, “I was thinking I’d take my old camper off your hands and park it in one of the long-term lots for the winter. That way, I can be here when you two get hitched, and I don’t have to worry about driving over in the snow.”
“You’re welcome to stay at the house,” my father reasoned, and Billy shook his head.
“I don’t want to take advantage of you and Caroline’s hospitality,” he answered.
“You’re welcome to stay here,” I offered, and he turned to look at me.
The man I’d idolized growing up was older, but his words still held years of wisdom. “A new couple needs their space, and I wouldn’t think of infringing on Syd’s home.”
“But that’s what I did to you,” she said, and he turned to face her.
Lifting her hands from the table, he explained, “You never infringed on anything with me, Sydney.” She opened her mouth, but he cut his eyes at her, stopping her interruption. “And before you start rationalizing things, remember one thing. You are my family, and it was an honor and a joy to help raise you. Even if I wasn’t the best parent to you, I enjoyed every single minute.”
Sydney had tears in her eyes again and she swiped them from her cheeks as she chuckled and said, “I swear I’m not usually this emotional.”
“You never gave yourself the grace you deserved, Syd. You never complained, you never asked for more, you accepted everything as it came to you, but for your entire life, you existedin survival mode.” Billy glanced at me and reasoned, “Raven gives you the safety you need to be vulnerable, and with that, you will grow.”
I heard a sniffle and looked to see my father comforting my mother. I gave her a curious look, and she explained. “I’m just so happy seeing you in love, Caleb. Since Sydney came into your life, you’ve changed for the better.”
“Having a partner who always has your back helps, and I see amazing things in you two’s future,” my dad added.
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment everyone expressed and I reached out and took Sydney’s hand into mine, kissing the top. She smiled at me, and for the next hour, we sat outside, visiting and catching up.
Sydney stood after a while, and I looked up at her. “I’m going to get the side dishes started so we can have lunch.”
“Can I help you?” my mom asked.
“Yes, please,” she responded, and together, my mom and ol’ lady walked inside, leaving the three of us alone.
Once the door was closed, Billy looked inside before turning back to me. He reached inside his cut and pulled out a fat envelope, sliding it across the table. I opened it as he began to speak quickly.
