When You're Mine (MINE #3)(11)
More what?
Hell, I still wasn’t sure, but until I figured it out, I was going to let her have her way.
Sunday dinners have always been a tradition in my family. My mother never complained about our busy lives as long as we all gathered every other Sunday for a meal. I didn’t feel like that was completely unreasonable, but sometimes my schedule just wouldn’t allow it. I hadn’t been home for dinner in two months. There would be hell to pay today. Rounding the entry to the kitchen, I halted my hasty feet, taking in the sight before me. My father had my mother in his arms, eyes locked tight with hers. Over forty years together and they still looked at one another with love and adoration. I found myself wanting what they had, a love that lasts a lifetime.
“Well, it’s about time my son finally came to see me.” I knew she would give me a guilt trip, but I didn’t expect to feel as bad as I did when she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pulling me down for a hug. Nothing like the power of a mother’s love to take your ass down a notch or two.
“I just spoke to you yesterday mom, and you call me at least once a week.”
“Yes, I know, but I haven’t laid eyes on you in two months.” She took a step back, patting my cheek as if I were a child again. “You’ll understand when you have children of your own.” I looked over her head at my father, a smile smothering his face, which clearly said… you know better. Thirty five years old and they still had the ability to make me feel two inches tall. “Speaking of grandchildren,”
Here we go.
“Are you bringing anyone to the party?”
Between my mother and my two sisters, this was another reason I avoided family dinners. More often than not, it always ended with the three of them harassing me about when I was going to settle down. For once, I gave her hope. “Maybe.”
She opened her mouth to question further, but was interrupted by my five year old nephew Dylan. He slammed into my leg, squeezing me with all his might. “Uncle Bawett!”
“Hey buddy!” Scooping him into my arms, I gave his belly a little tickle. He giggled. “Man, you’ve grown since the last time I saw you. How old are you now? 21…22?”
“I’m five yews old silly.”
“Bet all the girls at school think you’re older, don’t they?”
“Eww, I don’t wike guls. They got cooties.”
“They have cooties,” My sister Farrah corrected. “And I promise, you won’t feel that way when you get older, son.”
Pulling his ear closer, I whispered. “One day you’ll find a girl whose cooties make your heart do backflips. When you find that girl Dylan, make her yours.”
“Dats what Daddy says!”
Laughing, I looked up to see my brother-in-law, Jett. “Hey man, been too damn long,” he greeted, extending his hand.
I lowered Dylan back down. I shook Jett’s hand then pulled my sister in for a side hug. She lifted her eyes to mine. “You know he thinks you hung the moon, right?”
Looking down, I found a big smile and wide eyes staring back up at me. “I did hang the moon, buddy,” I informed him, patting his little head. “I’ll show you how it’s done some time.”
“Why are you in such a good mood anyway?” she narrowed her eyes. “I haven’t seen you this happy since… well not since you won your first case.”
Shit, is it that obvious?
I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. I wasn’t ready to reveal Tabitha to my family just yet. Bringing her into my sacred circle would only mean one thing. Which reminded me.
“How long until dinner is ready? I need to make a call.”
“Barrett, you know the rules,” My mother scolded while my sister bit the inside of her cheek, thoroughly enjoying herself at my expense.
“Ten minutes, mom. Promise.”
“Dinner will be ready in five.” I gave my mother a quick kiss on the cheek and stuck my tongue out at Farrah before leaving the kitchen.
Walking into my father’s office, I took a seat in front of the computer, searching for the information I needed to make my call. I’d hung on every word Tabitha had said the first time we met, but I never knew it would be beneficial.
Everyone, including Mia and Brent, was already seated around the dining room table when I returned. Brent was another reason I avoided dinner with the family these days. I had no desire to share a meal with this man. He was a liar and I could hardly be in the same room with him. I took my seat next to my father, filling my plate and trying to tune out the three women dominating the conversation.
“I would love to see you with your hair up for the ceremony. It will look so much prettier with the veil.” My mother suggested.
Mia’s eyes swung to Brent’s. “What do you think, honey?”
Both of my sisters were smart, well educated women. Farrah was three years younger than me. She owned one of the largest real estate companies in Massachusetts, establishing her career long before she ever thought about settling down. Mia on the other hand, had just graduated from Columbia with a degree in Business and had yet to establish anything other than a relationship with one of the biggest players on the east coast. Now she was asking his opinion about a f*cking veil. As if he gives a shit about anything, but himself.
Before I could pull the first bite of chicken to my mouth, Mia started her shit. “Barrett, Mom says you’re bringing a date to the engagement party.” Six pairs of probing eyes fixed on me.