Believe: A Wanted Christmas (Wanted 3.5)

As I came around the corner, I saw a BMW sitting in our driveway.

“Fuck,” I whispered as I saw my mother and father talking to our neighbors. A part of me wanted to drive right on by and not even stop. They had never even seen Maegan and I wanted to keep it that way. After the things my mother said to Amanda, there was no way I could ever forgive her. Ever.

Then Larry pointed to my truck. Son of a bitch. I slowed down and pulled in the driveway and opened the garage door. As I pulled in oh so slowly so as to not wake Amanda, I looked over and said a prayer that they would both stay asleep. I quietly got out of the truck and gently shut the door.

I took a deep breath and walked over to where my parents were standing. Larry was still talking to them and he gave me a funny look.

“Brad, darling!” My mother said as she started to walk toward me. I put my hand up and she stopped instantly. My father walked up and held out his hand. I reached out and shook it. “Dad. ”

“Merry Christmas, son,” he said with a weak smile. I knew my father was caught in the middle and I also knew he really liked Amanda.

My mother looked disappointed. She glanced over my shoulder and looked at the truck. “Where are Amanda and the baby?”

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I turned and looked at my truck and then looked back at her. “They’re asleep in the truck. ”

“Where were y’all?” she said with a questioning look. “Amanda’s parents’ house?”

“No, Mom. They’ll be here soon though. ”

She just looked at me. “So?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “So what?”

“Well, son, where were y’all? We came to bring the baby her presents. ”

My mother and father didn’t even know the name of their only grandchild.

“Maegan. Her name is Maegan, Mom. ”

My mother smiled slightly. “Oh…I guess that is a good name. ”

My father snapped his head over and looked at my mother

I shook my head. She’ll never change. “We were in Mason, celebrating Christmas with our friends. What are you doing here?”

With that, Larry quickly turned and walked back into his house. I was sure he’d be asking questions later.

My mother squared off her shoulders. “I came to see my grandchild and son and give them their Christmas presents. ” Bitch. Did she think I didn’t notice how she didn’t mention Amanda?

“I’m sorry you made the trip out here for nothing. ”

She looked confused and glanced over to my father before looking back at me and giving me that look that used to make me cringe, but no longer had an effect on me.

“I’m sorry? What do you mean ‘for nothing?’ ” she asked.

“I mean, I don’t want anything from you, and neither does our daughter. Yes, our daughter, Mom. Just because you don’t say her name doesn’t mean that Amanda is not very much a part of my world. ”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, for Pete’s sake. You’re mad because I didn’t say Amanda’s name. Fine. We have presents, for you, our grandchild and your wife…Amanda. ”

“Please leave, Mom, and don’t ever come back. ” I gave my father a quick look, and his eyes were filled with sadness. I went to turn away from them when my mother grabbed my arm.

“Bradley. This has gone on too long. How long are you going to punish us? We want to see our grandchild. We deserve to see her, damn it. ”

I let out laugh and shook my head. “You tried to destroy my marriage, Mom. You threatened me and wanted me to leave my wife. I’m sorry…I have nothing left to say to you, and yes…before you even say it, I will always put my wife first. Always. I love her more than I could ever describe. She is my whole world, as well as Maegan and the baby. I’ll never let you hurt any of them. ”

My mother put her hand up to her mouth. “Oh…is Amanda pregnant?”