They wait for me to continue.
“Zach and I are not getting married.”
Dad raises his brows, and Mom covers her mouth with her hands.
“But Claire Bear, why?” she asks, her voice soft.
“Because we’re not right for each other,” I say. The words come out a lot more easily than I expected. “Because I don’t love him the way I should love my husband.”
She shakes her head and lowers her hands. “We talked about this. It’s just a rough patch. You’ll?—”
“No, Mom. It’s not just a patch. It’s been months, even before the engagement.” I sit forward and take her hand in mine. “I only kept going because I knew how happy it made you. But it’s not the right thing forme.”
She smiles at me, full of optimism and hope. “How about you and Zach go out on a date? Just the two of you, a nice evening out. On us. You can talk through it all, and I’m sure you’ll see that you’re being rash.”
“It’s already done,” I say. “I talked to Zach this morning. Mike and Julie, too.”
Mom gapes at me. “You toldthembeforeus?”
“Well, yeah. I figured Zach should be the first to know.”
“You didn’t even ask what we thought!” She stands and puts her hands on her hips. “I could have helped you see that you’re making a mistake.”
“This is exactly why I didn’t tell you!” I inhale and exhale again, willing myself to calm down instead of matching her frantic energy. I knew she’d be upset, but I didn’t think it would be to this degree. My mother, who prides herself on her calm demeanor, is losing her cool. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t shake me, too. But I have to maintain control. So in a calmer voice, I say, “I’m sorry you’re so upset. But I know this is right. And it’s my life, my marriage, and my decision. I don’t want to hurt you. But I cannot marry Zach.”
Mom pauses, holding my gaze, and then rushes out of the room, unable to control her reaction anymore. I watch her leave and hear her running up the stairs, then look over at my dad. I can’t read his expression.
He looks at me carefully, then gives me a sad smile. “I’m proud of you, kiddo.”
My eyes widen. “Wait, what?”
He nods. “I’m proud of you. I’ve been wanting to sit you down for the last few weeks to have this conversation, but I didn’t have the guts to do it.” He gestures up toward their bedroom. “Mom will see it, too. She needs some time to process it, and I’ll work on her. She’s been looking through rose-colored glasses, but I’ve seen the way you two are around each other. That’s not the way an engaged couple should act. You guys are more like siblings than fiancés.”
I grimace, but that’s exactly how it feels.
“You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel special, and I don’t think Zach made you feel that way. I also didn’t want you supporting him while he’s off doing who knows what, masquerading as an entrepreneur. So all in all, yeah. This was the right thing to do.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say quietly. “And I know there’s a lot of money involved, so I’m happy to help, and?—”
He holds up a hand. “Don’t even worry about it.”
“I want to contribute.”
“Sure. If that’ll make you feel better. But we can just throw the anniversary party Mom and I have been putting off. It’ll all work out.”
“I hope so.” I bite the inside of my cheek. I feel so good getting this out that I can’t control the next secret that comes out of my mouth. “Annie is staying with me.”
He raises his brows again. “Oh, really?”
I nod. “It’s been really nice. I still don’t think she should have left the way she did, just running off without telling anyone, but…considering Mom’s reaction…”
Dad nods. “Yeah. I know. So with all that in mind, I’m glad you still came and talked to us.”
“Me, too.”
We sit in silence for another few seconds, and I feel better. I’m glad I told them about the wedding, and I’m relieved I told my dad about Annie. He can tell Mom at some point once she’s calmed down.
Now I want everything out in the open.
