Mom nods and slowly moves toward where I’m sitting on the bed. We stare at each other before she sits on the chair at the side. “I don’t know what to say. You’re my son and I hate this chasm that’s opened up between us.”
“It’s only there because you put it there, Mom. I’ve never seen you so cruel. She’s the woman I love, who is now my wife. I’ll always be on her side. Regardless of your thoughts, she’s mine and I’m not giving her up for anything or anyone. And before you spin this around on her, she hasn’t once asked me to pick her over my family,” I spit out, my anger and frustration over this entire situation getting the better of me.
Mom looks sad as she admits, “I can’t loose you, Diego. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
“I know it doesn’t, but you’re the one who made it the way it is. What I don’t understand is why? You’ve not once given me a good reason as to why you don’t want me to be with her.” I fold my arms over my chest and wait, glaring at her sad face.
It hurts seeing her so upset but it hurts more knowing how much she’s hurt Rae and inadvertently, me.
“She’s older than you, and already has a grown daughter. What about a family of your own, Diego? Don’t you want children to call you Daddy?” Mom wipes at her tears. “I want you to have that. You deserve that. Why can’t you see that I’ve only ever had your best interests at heart?”
I close my eyes, trying not to notice her tears. “Mom,” I sigh, “I’m so tired of this, of how you’re acting. Rae hasn’t done anything to you or anyone else to cause this kind of reaction. I love her, and as for children, I’m not sure what will happen in that direction and it isn’t something that we’ve talked about. But, I love her. I really love her and I want and need to be with her and that is something you’re going to have to accept if you want to be part of my life.”
“You’d really risk loosing us all for a woman?”
I harden my jaw against her words. “You’re not listening to me. She’s not just ‘a’ woman! She is my wife. I’ll stand by her, always.”
Mom sits back in the chair, her shoulders slumping and silence descends for a few minutes before she says, “Then bring her for dinner on Sunday.”
I groan. “I’m not sure I want her facing everyone after the way you all treated her while I was unconscious.”
“Diego, you can’t have it both ways and you have to give something. You are both invited to dinner on Sunday. I promise you that I’ll have a good think about what you’ve said. She’ll be as welcome at the farm just as much as Erin, Sylvia, and Sarah are. Just be there.” Mom stands, waiting for my nod. Leaning over she kisses my cheek before leaving with one look over her shoulder.
What a mess!
I’m more exhausted than I remember being in a long time, I allow my eyes to drift closed instead of fighting the tiredness.
“You know,” my eyes snap open at the sound of Eric’s voice, “I never thought you’d be causing so much trouble.” He shakes his head in good humor, standing over me.
I smile, happy to see him. “There wouldn’t be any trouble if Mom would just accept Rae, like she has everyone else’s other halves.” I grumble. “But, I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too…the other age differences have the men older than the women. It’s the other way around with you.” Pointing out the obvious, Eric sits. “How you feeling?”
“Peachy,” I drawl and get a cocked eyebrow from my brother in response. “I’m tired, but otherwise, I’m okay.”
“You want me to break you out?” he grins and I laugh.
“As long as you’re going to give me a ride to my home with Rae, then yes please.”
“That’s the plan.” Eric heads toward the door. “I’ll go and sign whatever to get you out of here already, be ready.”
I look around and laugh. “I’m ready.”
He shakes his head. “Give me a few minutes.”
I grab my cell from the table beside the bed, and after checking it for messages, I turn it over in my hand debating texting Rae that I’ll be there soon, but decide against it. I want to surprise her.
RAE
Slowly waking, I realize that I’m wrapped up in a warm body and stiffen. My heart tells me that it’s Diego but it can’t be because he’s still in the hospital.
“Rae, it
’s me,” he whispers into my neck. “Eric sprung me and brought me home.” He rolls me over, one of his legs slipping between mine as he settles half over me. “I want to sleep holding you like this.”
My hands reach to stroke his handsome face before I bring him down to my lips for a gentle kiss. “I want that,” I whisper. “I’m so glad you’re home, but you’re okay, right? The doc said you’d be okay at home?”
“Don’t worry.” He kisses me again before he buries his face in the crook of my neck. “God, I’ve missed your scent. I love you, Rae. So much.” He settles and the erection he has no chance of hiding throbs against my thigh. “Ignore it,” he mumbles.