'Tis The Season

Warren tugs him onto his feet and ushers him out. My mind spins as I take in the turn of events.

“Breathe, baby. It’s okay. He’s gone.”

“James,” I whisper.

“I’m right here, love.”

I bury my face into his neck, inhaling his scent, and enjoying his warmth.

“We’re so sorry, pumpkin. We had no clue what he was like.”

“But you knew what he did to me.” I turn as James supports me. “And that should’ve been enough. I know you guys worked hard to support us, but we were happy. We had a good childhood, and if that’s what Flora has, she’ll be blessed.” I grab my mother’s hands in mine. “Stop thinking you let us down when we were kids. Because you didn’t.”

“No, but we did now, and as much as I’d like to take that back, I can’t. Neither of us can,” Dad says softly. “I think it’s time we accept the fact that our baby girl is all grown up and fully capable of making her own choices. We support you and your choices, baby. We want to watch Flora for you while you work. We’re retired and ready to put our time toward something worthwhile.”

“Dad, I couldn’t do that. You just retired last year.”

“And he’s already going crazy in this house.”

“What she’s not saying is I’m driving her crazy, too,” Dad says sheepishly.

I laugh, relieved to have them back in my corner. I won’t pretend their snubbing didn’t hurt, but they’re here now, and they’ve apologized. I need everyone in my corner.

“You did this for me?” I whisper shakily to James.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my girls.”

“I think we should let these two talk a bit,” Mom says as the room clears out.

“James, I am so sorry.”

He rests a finger over my lips. “You were doing what you felt you had to for Flora. But what I need you to know is that I love you, Faye. I can’t say what the future will hold dealing with Preston, but we’ll face it together.”

“I love you, too, James. I really do, even if it terrifies me.”

“If you trust me with your heat, I will never make sure you regret it. Things can’t always be perfect, but I know we can make this work.”

“I do, too.”

He places a chaste kiss on my lips. I pout.

“I don’t want your parents to catch us necking like a pair of horny teenagers.”

“It’s okay, James, you’re not the one who knocked up their little girl out of wedlock,” I tease.

“Girls with naughty mouths get spanked.”

> “Please do.”

He throws his head back and laughs, and I know things are going to be okay. I place his hand over my belly, and he grins. “She’s moving around.”

“Both your girls missed you, James.”

“They won’t have to again.”

It’s a promise I trust in.

“Should we tell them it's okay to come back in?” he whispers.