Mistaken Identity (Identity 1)

“Oh isn’t she gorgeous, Jett!” His mom stood from her seat beside his dad and walked over.

“Mom, this is Kansas. Kansas, this is my mom, Lorraine.”

“Hi.” She stuck out her hand.

“Oh we don’t bother with handshakes around here.” Lorraine pulled her into a hug.

“Oh-okay.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to us Walkers soon enough.” She walked over to him and issued a fierce hug. “So good to have you home again. Usually we have to wait months in-between visits. I’m liking the effect she has on you all ready.”

I hope you keep that attitude.

His mom turned, and he sent Kansas a reassuring smile, grabbing her hand as they headed toward the rest of the family.

“Hey everyone, this is Kansas. Kansas, this is my father, Harold, my baby brother, Scott, Sky, who you met earlier, her husband, Jonathan, and her two kids, Sandra and Brett.”

“Hi, everyone.” Kansas waved.

“Hi, Kansas.” The echoed sentiment made them both smile.

“Mother, will you dish up food? Everyone can get to know Ms. Kansas while we put food in our bellies.”

“Thank you for coming to dinner, dear.”

“Thank you for having me.”

“It was our pleasure,” his father said. The picnic table was lined with an airy, white, table cloth. Various foods were placed single file in bright colored ceramic bowls: baked beans, grilled corn, potato salad, and corn bread. His mouth watered. A flurry of activity and motion unfolded as his father moved to the grill, and everyone else rushed in to meet Kansas in person. As the night wore on Kansas began to relax, and her personality sparkled. Watching her laugh with Sky like they were old friends reinforced the fact Kansas was meant to be a Walker. He caught his father’s gaze over the table, communicating with his eyes he wanted to speak with him alone.

“Jett, you want to help me bring out more meat?”

“Yes, Sir.”

In the kitchen a few minutes later his father leaned against the kitchen counter.

“You look as nervous as a long tailed cat in a rocking chair, son. What’s on your mind?”

“I want to marry Kansas.”

“Boy, that’s not news. I saw it in your eyes back before you brought her here.”

“Seriously?”

“Smitten is an understat

ement for what I see when you’re with that young lady. When will the wedding bells ring?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Jett fidgeted. “As soon as possible. There are some … extenuating circumstances.”

“Speak plainly, boy.”

“She’s pregnant.”

“I know your mother and I taught you better than that.”

The disappointment in his father’s voice made him hang his head. “Yes sir, it wasn’t because we were careless. There was an issue with the condom.”

His father nodded. “Well, at least you’re doing the right thing.”