Zara laughs. “Sounds accurate.” We remain quiet for a few seconds while the kids squeal in excitement, and I driftoff into some other universe where my child and Brandon are playing with the children.
Zara bumps my hip. “Hey. Are you okay?”
“Aha. I was daydreaming. I can see my future here, with my child playing with its cousins.”
“Yeah?” She smiles at me. “Your mother will be ecstatic. The more grandbabies there are, the less the expectation will be for me.”
“She knows you don’t want kids.”
Zara exhales heavily. “I don’t think she has accepted it and believes we’ll change our minds. “‘Help me, Obe-Wan Kenobi; you’re my only hope.’”
I giggle at Zara. “You’re an idiot.”
My father comes to stand beside us, and we automatically straighten our backs as though the King of England has graced us with his presence. My father has always demanded respect not only from his family but also wherever he travels—he’s almost as famous as royalty.
“Afternoon, Charlotte.”
“Hi, Dad. It’s an impressive play gym.”
“It’s built to last at least ten years,” he states.
Zara elbows me.
“Lucky. It might be that long before I have children.”
His dark brown eyes meet mine, the same eyes as Franklin and Jobe. I am no longer afraid of his opinion because pleasing my parents has led me to some of my unhappiest memories. “How are you now thatthatboy is back?”
I clench my hands, and Zara slips away quietly. I keep my gaze forward on the children. “That boy is a man and was once part of this family,” I say in a level and controlled voice.
“He was until he hurt you.”
“I also hurt him, Dad. The whole family did by notaccepting us.” I turn and look at him. “But we have mended our differences, and I hope you all accept he is here to stay.”
“Here to stay as in playing basketball or?—”
“With me.”
He rubs along his jaw and looks down at the ground. “My priority was always your happiness.”
“I know.”
“And this is what you want?”
“It is.”
He steps closer, his face serious. “He hurt my little girl, and for years, I watched you suffer. I just can’t forgive him on a whim.” His eyes search my face, and now, I see through my father’s eyes how hard it must have been for my family to watch me spiral. Hiding behind the frantic office of work, barely giving myself any self-love, he has a right to be protective.
I slowly nod. “He also suffered, Dad. He was ostracized and felt lost. No one knows what he went through.”
“I see.”
“And you’re friends?”
“No. We’re more. Have been for over a month. And I couldn’t be happier.” Only now do I see the family has gathered to listen to my confession.
Byron moves to my other side. “I trust you know what you’re doing?”
I nod at him. “I do. It’s my choice, and now I need you all to accept him back into the family. I want him to come to our next family dinner.”
