“I’m hearing you, I promise. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I thought it would be handled and nothing would happen. I clearly didn’t think things through.” The only reason we’re having this conversation right now is because both my parents and brother banged on the front door by the time we rolled out of bed, fed the horses, and finally made ourselves something to eat.
“I don’t care about that, as long as you’re safe. Now, your papa and brother, on the other hand, they may say otherwise.” Poor Beau. As if I haven’t thrown enough trouble at him, he’s currently out on the front porch with said men, who I’m sure are giving him some kind of lecture.
“Do you love Beau though? Truly?” I broke down and told her the whole truth, even my feelings towards Beau and how we both feel the same way.
“I do, and I see nothing changing that, so if Vince and Papa don’t like it, they’ll have to get over it,” I state, just as all three of them walk back inside.
“Hold your horses, daughter of mine,” Dad says.
“We were just making sure Beau wasn’t fucking around with you, and what all we needed to do to beat the shit out of Chad.” Vince is flexing his wrists then doing some kind of weird shoulder stretches.
“Rein in your fight, Mike Tyson.” Beau smirks, but doesn’t say anything. He lets it all play out.
“You know your brother, Lily. All talk because he knows if he does anything, I’ll box his ears and kick him out of the house.” Vince is the baby, therefore, he still lives in their house, though Papa has been pushing him to find a place, but Mama, she’s holding the purse strings tight. But I’m not stepping into that pot of shit.
“I don’t know, Mama, I think he’s more action than you think.” I stand up from the chair Beau has—it’s a deep brown leather, oversized like the couch Mama is sitting on, and so deep seated it’s the perfect couch for cuddling. Maybe Beau and I can do that tonight—a dinner at home, a movie, and then the two of us wrapped up without a care in the world.
“He’s no idiot, Liliana. He knows his hands are his money makers. He better not screw that up either because he’s about to be kicked out of the house, or your mama and I will be moving,” Papa grouses.
“Hush, we are not moving, and you will not mess around with fighting. Also, you two don’t do anything either. Stay safe and love each other.” Mama points her finger at each of us, laying down the law.
“Yes, Mama,” I respond first. My arms wrap around Beau, his arm coming around me, holding me tightly.
“You have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Velasquez.” Our eyes meet, a glimmer in his, and I’m sure he’s thinking about something besides answering my mama.
“Come on, dearie, let’s get back home. They’re waiting on Graham, and then things will be okay. Vincent, you too.” They each hug us, the men shaking hands and doing their typical half-hug stuff.
“Love you guys,” I tell them as they make their way out the door. The minute the front door closes, my body is face-planting into the couch, letting out a breath of air, thankful that we made it through that. I mean, it wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t what I had in mind for today.
“That wasn’t bad, right? Like it could have been so much worse. You didn’t head to the barn instead of dealing with them. By the way, thank you. I know that wasn’t on our to-do list so early on in the day.” Beau sits beside me, moving my hair out of my face.
“Honey, I’d do anything for you. Plus, it’s not like we weren’t going to see them today. I just figured it wasn’t going to be when you were naked and in my robe, or me just in my jeans, but it wasn’t bad either. Your brother was more subdued than I think I ever saw before. That could be because your dad was pretty firm the entire time that he kept his mouth shut, while I told him everything. I’m thinking you may have to go see him one day soon, let him baby you a bit.” Beau’s hands are massaging the base of my neck, running his fingers up to the crown of my head, leaving me purring.
“I know, I know. What time do we have to go see Graham?” I yawn while turning my head to the side. I’m pretty sure suffocating myself wouldn’t be a good idea.
“Soon. I told him we were wrapping up with your parents, then would be stopping at your place for you to change. You’re also packing a few things. I’d feel better if you stayed here, for more than just the weekend,” Beau states. That causes me to lift up, somehow maneuvering my body to where I’m now straddling him.