I look at Lena and my heart does flips. “I’ve been waiting for Lena to bring it out of me.”
“Well, here’s your food. Sautéed chicken breasts with veggies.”
“Perfect. Thank you again, Mrs. Ingles.”
She leaves us as we sit down and eat. “So tell me about your parents, Lena.”
“My parents are a different breed. I love them both, but they are older and dedicated to their profession.”
“What do they do?”
“My father’s a doctor and my mother’s a nurse. Right now they are in South America. I’m not sure exactly where at the moment, but they are super humanitarians.”
“That’s wonderful, but from your tone, I’m guessing that wasn’t wonderful for you.”
“I was a surprise late in their marriage, and really, they had no time for a child. I was left with family, a nanny at one point, and many others. They have time to save people, but not enough to raise one of their own.”
“I’m sorry. Shit. I think that’s worse than mine. At least I know my parents only loved themselves, not everyone else.”
“I feel like they’re selfish.”
I reach across the table and hold her hand. “That’s without a doubt. Do you want babies? I know I should have asked that before last night.”
“Yes, I want babies. Lots of them, actually. I want to be a good mom.”
“I’m sure you will be.”
“How can you know? We barely know each other.”
“Because I already know you’re patient from when I left you in the office—”
She cuts me off. “Locked me in the office.”
“I unlocked it thirty seconds later,” I argue.
“Yeah, but I didn’t know that.”
“And yet you didn’t kick and scream the door down. So as I was saying, you’re generous. You gave your innocence to me without hesitation, unaware we were on the same playing field. You’re kind because you went with a friend and were willing to stop what we had because you thought your friend liked me. And you’re strong for being willing to battle your fear after nearly dying by facing a night out at a bar.”
“Thank you, Everett.”
The doorbell rings. “I’ll get that. You sit here. It’s probably the first round of trick or treaters.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s already three.”
“Wow, our day disappeared.”
“We got a world of them.”
I walk to the door and peek through the sidelights. Damn it. They couldn’t wait. I open the door for my grandparents. “See, I told you he wouldn’t be in bed again.”
“Grandma,” I scold her. “Come in. I told you two I’d bring her around tomorrow. You shouldn’t be up and about yet.”
I take his arm. “I can walk, boy.”
“I know, but we had to get away from your mother and your uncle.” They roll their eyes.
“Do I even want to know?”
“No. That woman is something else. Now, where’s your special someone?”
“In the kitchen. We were eating lunch.”
“Oh, we’re sorry.”
“Not that sorry,” I grumble, leading them into the kitchen. “Babe, we have some guests,” I inform her as I enter the kitchen with the two lagging behind me. I take her hand in mine and introduce them. “This is my lovely grandmother, Marie, and my grandfather, Owen. Grandpa, Grandma, this is my beautiful Lena.”
“Oh my. You’re exquisite.” My grandma invades her space, pulling her into a hug.
“Thank you. You’re too kind.”
“We’re going to head into the front room. Do you want to join us?”
“Sure. I’ll bring out some drinks,” I tell them, kissing Lena’s left temple.
She leads them out of the kitchen and before they get down the hall, I can hear them laughing. When I bring in the water with lemons, I ask, “Are you telling stories about me?”
“I was. I said you locked me in the office.”
“Yeah, and I’d do it again.” We talk for another two hours when my grandfather shows some fatigue. “Do you want to go lay down?”
“Yes, please. I hate this getting old bullshit.”
“It’s better than not getting old at all,” I say, almost letting her attack slip out. “I can’t wait to get old with my own family.” I bring Lena’s hand to my lips, kissing it lightly.
“Thank you, Everett.” She turns to my grandparents, saying, “He’s so sweet.”
“Only with those he cares about.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” I know she’s not in love with me, but I’m pretty sure that’s where my heart has been since we first met.
“Get some rest. We’ll be down here watching a movie and waiting for the kiddos.”
“So what are we watching?”
“It’s Halloween, so how about Halloween?”
“Sounds good to me.” I search through the device and find all the movies available. We rent the first one and sit back. I love it. By the time the movie’s half over, she’s clinging to me to protect her. Always.
Chapter Twelve
Lena
It’s time to head back to Chicago and our regular lives. We’re in his amazingly expensive Mercedes and it’s the epitome of luxury, but dread strikes me dead in my chest. Our magical long weekend is over and perhaps he’ll forget all about me in a day or two.