So many words hung unspoken in the air. I had envisioned this moment before, imagining how it would be to finally meet my Father—be it blowing him off dramatically, or yelling and raging at him. I figured one day I'd get a knock on the door and he'd be standing on the porch, full of apologies and regrets. Or maybe he'd be watching from afar, building up the courage to approach me after all these long years and beg forgiveness for his inexcusable choices.
But I never saw myself going to him in these daydreams, not even once.
Now, I was facing this truth alone. Just like everything else in my life. I was forced to be mature and to do the responsible thing. My adolescence had been taken before I could even comprehend it, starting with my Mom, followed by my Grandmother. Each time I stepped up to the plate, forced to do the right thing, and this would be no different.
Sometimes you have to do things—not necessarily because you want to—because you have to.
I was going to meet Caleb's family, and then he would come home with me so I could introduce him to mine. I would make the trip to hear my Father out. I would ask my questions and receive the long awaited answers. And when I finished, I would close the book on that chapter in my life.
And I would be free.
"What are you thinking about?” Caleb's voiced was muffled against my chest, the words gruff.
I sighed, “That it sucks doing the right thing."
He hugged me tighter. “Tell me again why we have to do the right thing."
"Because if I don't go, we'll stress and worry about when it's going to happen, because we both know it has to eventually,” I answered.
Family secrets, especially ones like my own, didn't just go away. You always had to pay your due, holding out was just that—holding out. The free ride wouldn't last forever.
"I know you're right.” He lifted his face to mine. “And I trust Sam. He won't let you go if he doesn't believe you won't be allowed to return."
"If Sam can't take care of it, I'm sure I can. I've been living on my own for too long. I don't like to be bossed around."
I cupped his face between my hands, fingers pushing his hair back and away from his eyes. I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, breathing him in.
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Chapter 14—The Blackneys
The next morning wasn't easy. Caleb may have woken early, but he stayed put, greeting the day with me nestled securely in his arms. He stayed as near as possible, only allowing me out of his sight when I went into the bathroom.
We'd gotten out of bed early, beating Derek and Sarah. They stayed in the bedroom the rest of the night and I hoped that signified some headway as far as their future together. Maybe seeing what Caleb and I were faced with gave them a new appreciation of what they had. Or perhaps I was completely wrong and being around one another was trigger enough.
I took my time deciding what to wear, choosing a pretty white camisole and a pair of jeans. I made sure to dry my hair carefully, removing any waves, leaving it long and flowing down my back. I applied a tiny bit of make-up, wanting to make a good impression.
Derek and Sarah declined the offer to join us, adamant we needed to visit Caleb's family alone. They wanted time alone as well. They didn't have to say it. I could see it written all over their faces. Derek was glued to Sarah's side, brown eyes tracking her movements. They had made progress last night.
Sarah pulled me upstairs to the bathroom, retrieving a bottle of perfume and attempting to soothe my rattled nerves.
"I thought you might like this.” Her friendly smile was vibrantly happy. It was a bottle of her favorite, Chanel No. 5. She pulled the tiny cap off and touched it to my neck and wrists, instructing me to rub them together.
"What will they expect, Sarah?” I was worried and unsure of myself. “This isn't like going to meet a regular boyfriend's parents."
"It's exactly like that,” Sarah corrected, brushing my hair behind my shoulder. “If anything, they'll be more relaxed because they trust their son and his intuition. Bonding is something cherished among us. You'll love them, I promise. Have a good time."
"I wish I were as confident as you,” I mumbled.
She smiled, grasping my arms and forcing me to face her.
"You are. You've been through so much in the last few days and you've handled it beautifully. Don't tell me meeting two harmless people has the power to intimidate you. You can do this."
We came downstairs and Caleb was waiting for me, standing in the living room talking to Derek. He smiled as I came down the stairs, holding out his arm. I placed my hand inside the crease of his elbow, wrapping my fingers around his sleeve.
"You're beautiful,” he said, lifting my hair back and off my shoulder.
"And you look amazing,” I countered, meaning every word.
He looked different, but more gorgeous than ever. His black slacks were neatly pressed; the blue button down dress shirt opened at the collar, revealing a tanned expanse of skin at his throat. His dark hair was pushed away from his face, the skin smooth from shaving. I ran my hand along the shirt, the soft folds giving way under my fingers.
"I called and told them all about you this morning.” Derek winked at me, an evil grin emerging.
"Ignore him, Emma.” Sarah punched him in the arm.
"Hey!” Derek grabbed her by the waist, tugging her over the couch and into his arms. Their combined laughter made me smile. The break was undeniably over.
"Are you ready?” Caleb asked.
I nodded, following as he led us out the door and down the stairs. He walked to my side of the Chevy and pressed me against the door, bringing our bodies together. I brought my nose up to the collar of his shirt, inhaling deeply. He smelled heavenly. My arms wound around, gripping under his arms, hands nestling in his back.
"Are you nervous?"
"A little,” I confessed.
"Don't be. I talked to Dad this morning while you were in the shower. They're very excited they get to meet you before the trip."
"I hope they're not disappointed.” I worried about that more than anything else. I didn't know what their expectations would be.
"Emma.” Caleb squeezed me tenderly. “If only you could see yourself the way I see you."
"It's all in the pheromones, huh?” I smiled and my mood lifted. Who could be worried when someone talked about them like that?
"Maybe for you,” he chided, chuckling.
He leaned down to kiss me before opening the door. I pulled the seat belt across my lap and buckled in. Caleb walked around, the shirt brighter in the sun, the blue more vivid. He opened his door and stepped up, settling in and sliding the keys into the ignition.
"Last chance.” He kept a straight face until he saw mine and he grinned.
"Last chance,” I mocked.
"You're not getting out of this that easy. Not a chance.” He cranked the engine and threw the suburban in reverse.
He warned me the drive was long, a good hour or more away. His family owned a ranch in Rhea County, nested in a valley between the mountains. It was the place he grew up, the place he still considered home.
His parents owned livestock and he'd helped them work the farm until his change. His sister graduated the year before; her college plans temporarily on hold while she transitioned. Samantha changed at the beginning of her senior year and was still deciding exactly what she wanted to do and where she wanted to go.
Driving along the scenic back roads was amazing. Trees hung up and over, forming a perfect arch on each side. Everything grew in various shades of green, with flashes of brown thrown in from tree trunks and branches. When the trees cleared a glimpse of the mountains in the distance would appear. The sky was a perfect blue backdrop, cotton ball clouds randomly spaced in between. We passed houses along the way but most of the time it was just fields of grass covered with the shapes of grazing cattle. The thin metal barbed wire moved along with us, the twists and turns seemingly racing until stopped by wooden fence posts.
>
"We're getting close.” Caleb turned the suburban onto a graveled road. It had been miles since we'd passed anything.
"You look green,” he chuckled, teasing me.
"I bet. I feel green, too."
I tried to settle the butterflies in my stomach. But no matter how many reassurances I received, I was nervous. I wasn't only meeting Caleb's parents but also his sister. I couldn't relate to any of it. I didn't know my own parents, and I didn't have a sibling.
We drove to a large metal gate. Large wooden pegs with wire fencing ran for miles in either direction. Caleb threw the SUV in park.
"Be right back,” he said, climbing out.
He walked to the gate and opened it, swinging it wide. Then he returned to the suburban and climbed inside. He pulled the vehicle through and hit the brake, shifting the gear into park.
"One more time,” he laughed, climbing out to close the gate and then returned to the suburban.
The gravel thickened and fences appeared on either side. Metal posts sprouted from the ground and thin wire ran along the rows in between. Cows in a vast assortment of colors lounged in the fields. Some looked from the grass as we passed, but most didn't pay attention.
The smile on Caleb's face expressed his happiness. “And we're here."
The fence stopped ahead, two parts divided by the gravel. To the right was an enormous barn and beside that some sort of metal structure with two large trucks underneath. Dogs were scattered about, lounging in the sun. Directly ahead was Caleb's home.
Four large pillars lined the grey stoned porch that staggered in two rows onto the ground. Concrete was poured into a circle, the gravel ending just as it began. The white house was bright, the green shutters and front door matching perfectly. Glass squares ran along each side of the door frame, forming an interlocking pattern. White rocking chairs were empty on the porch, potted flowers hanging from metal fixtures directly overhead.
"It's beautiful,” I told him softly. The house was beautiful—it was true. But the sense of love flowing from the inside out made it all the more lovely.
"It is,” he whispered.
He pulled to the right and parked, cutting the engine. He peered at me, lips curving, that soft smile forcing my heart into my throat.
The green door flew open, and when I turned to look, he did too, smile going wide. He threw open the door, leaving it ajar as he ran for his sister. They clashed together and he lifted her body, twirling her around as they clenched their arms around one another.
Her voice was lovely, with a slight southern accent. “You're home!"
"Sammie.” He hugged her tightly before letting go.
"Where is she?” she laughed, peeking around his shoulder.
They came over to the SUV and I opened my door, trying to mask the anxiety I felt.
"Sammie, this is Emma. And of course, Emma, this is my sister, Samantha."
"It's great to meet you, Emma!” She jolted forward and threw her arms around my neck.
I was relieved she couldn't see the initial shock that crossed my face. I hugged her back and Caleb beamed at the two of us.
I smiled in spite of myself.
"You too, Samantha—"
"My friends call me Sammie."
"Sammie,” I corrected myself.
"Excellent!” She grinned.
It was easy to identify her and Caleb as siblings. If their faces, similar hair and coloring, or those deep blue eyes weren't enough—one could easily perceive it in the unmistakable adoration shining in their faces for one another.
Caleb walked to me, and for the first time, I felt embarrassed and shy. He reached for my hand, clasping it firmly in his. If he had any indication of my inhibitions he wasn't letting on—nor was he going to allow it to dissuade him.
"Where are Mom and Dad?"
Sam bit her lip, smiling and giggling at us. “Mom is making one of your favorites for lunch, chicken and dumplings. So Dad is trying to avoid her as much as possible. She told him he can't work today, since you'll be home. He's already said she's driving him ape shit."
"I guess we should spare him, then.” He smiled at me and explained, “My Mom goes overboard when I visit—cooking, cleaning, and expecting Dad to join in. He usually hides in the basement."
We walked to the porch. The grey stone was beautiful, reaching all the way around. Sammie stepped to the door which was still open, skipping inside. I stopped behind her and Caleb closed the door.
The ceilings were enormous, crown molding framing the high walls. The dining room was to the left, a brilliant glass chandelier hanging over the huge table. Two seats were placed under each section. The basket in the middle filled with bright red apples.
"This way.” Caleb laced his fingers around mine, leading me down the hallway and past the staircase, into a doorway on the left.
The kitchen was gigantic. A dark wood island in the center of the room was covered with speckled white marble. The marble on the countertop matched, wrapping around the wall. The sink was surrounded by flowers, a stove and black oven situated at the far end.
Mrs. Blackney looked up from preparing dumplings, white flour covering her apron and hands. Her mouth hung open and she hurriedly crossed the room. I released Caleb just in time. She was diminutive against him, just like the pixie I'd imagined. Her hair had grown since the picture, hanging in waves at her shoulders.
"When you called this morning, I was so happy. It's so wonderful to have you home."
She fought back tears, her delicate hands going to her face. She turned her attention to me, pulling free of his arms. Her light blue eyes were brimming and she sniffed, laughing.
"And you must be Emma. Welcome to our home, come here.” She wrapped her arms around me, just as Sammie did. This time I wasn't shocked. I had to bend my knees, even I towered over her.
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Blackney."
"Oh, none of that! Call me Beverly, please."
"Beverly,” I corrected myself again.
"That's better.” She touched Caleb's arm as she passed, love shining in her eyes, and returned to finish lunch. “Your Father is in the basement. I told him I'd send you down."
"Come on!” Sammie grabbed my arm, pulling me out of the kitchen. “Dad really wants to meet you."
I stumbled but recovered. Her enthusiasm didn't cease when we reached another set of stairs, but at least she released my arm. She bounded down, disappearing around the corner.
I turned anxious eyes to Caleb.
"I'll lead,” he chuckled, holding my hand as we descended the steep stairs.
The light was dim and I could hear Sammie speaking excitedly, “She's really pretty, Dad!"
"I'm sure she is, Sammie. Now settle down, before your Mom comes down here,” he scolded her lightly.
"She's too busy slaving over those dumplings. I don't understand why they have to be perfect. It all goes down the same way."
We reached the foot of the stairs, turning into the basement. A couch was situated below a large flat screen television mounted into the wall, a love seat and recliner on either side. Sammie was on the couch, speaking to her Father in the recliner on the right. The main light source came from the lamp next to him, the window high situated in the wall barely emitting any of the outside sunshine. Caleb led us around.
"Hey, Dad.” Caleb reached out and they shook hands. “This is Emma."
"Son,” he said affectionately. Then he turned his deep blue eyes to me I had to clear my head, he and Caleb looked so much alike. “Hello, Emma."
"Hello, Mr. Blackney,” I was waiting to be interrupted this time.
"Call me, Chris.” He motioned to the couch. “Take a seat. Your Mom will be at it for awhile yet."
"She's already driving you ape shit? It's not even noon.” Caleb laughed and we sat down, Caleb taking the middle. His hand wrapped around my shoulders to keep me close and I realized he had zero qualms about displaying his affection—none.
"Your Mother, as much as I lov
e her, has been driving me ape shit since I met her. It's all a part of her charm—best given in doses,” Chris admitted, shaking his head.
"Sammie.” Caleb grinned mischievously. “Sarah bumped into Michael the other day. He was asking about you."
Chris grumbled something and Samantha scowled distastefully.
"Not him again,” she complained, rolling her eyes. “I already told him the last time he called here to leave me alone. I'm not changing my mind, either. I will never go out with anyone again because I feel sorry for them. Talk about the date that won't go away. If I bonded with him, I'd have to kill myself, seriously."
"He can't be that bad,” Caleb riled her. “Anyone who keeps coming back for more of your emotional beat downs must have something going for him. What did you do to the poor guy anyway?"
"Since when did you start defending stalkers?” she huffed defensively, narrowing her eyes and folded her arms across her chest.
"I'm not defending him,” Caleb countered, shrugging. “You know that if I had my way, you'd be old and single forever. Besides that—you're too young to date."
As soon as he said it, I squeezed my eyes shut and bit my lip, grimacing. I looked down at my hands, holding in my laughter and hiding my smile. He was about to eat his words. Sammie didn't miss a beat.
"No you don't, Caleb. Emma's barely older than me. You can't use that line anymore.” She smiled at him, totally ecstatic.
"Dad,” Caleb grumbled, sighing. “Will she ever outgrow being so annoying?"
"It's not annoyance, son. She's just gifted with the talent of a smart ass. Just like your Mother,” Chris chuckled, causing us all to laugh.
We chatted together for a while, Chris explaining what had happened on the farm and Sammie filling us in on the local town gossip. Beverly came downstairs when lunch was ready and we went up after her.
As Sammie forewarned, everything had to be perfect. The china was in place along with cloth napkins and expensive silverware. I sat next to Caleb, our seats brushing, elbows bumping. He reached under the table and squeezed my leg, smiling rakishly.