"I was Clark's history teacher in tenth grade." Bennett steps forward and shakes Charlie's hand. "And I'm sort of Nelson's professor at the college now."
"Professor?" My mom chimes in. "Why are you taking classes at the college?"
There's an awkward silence that falls over us. Bennett turns back to me, looking like a deer caught in headlights. I can see the regret on his face. I lay a hand on his back and smile, then turn to my mom. "I'm taking a class there to be able to get a recertification. A friend asked me if I could help out with his business this winter, but I needed this first."
"You do too much for others," my mom fusses. I glance between Charlie and our dad. I'm not sure if he's bought that, but he doesn't say anything of the contrary. "But it's so nice to meet you, Bennett. Come on in, we're just having some coffee and talking about this weekend."
"Oh, speaking of." I clap Charlie on the shoulder as we walk through the kitchen to the living room. "Paul and his wife are coming. He said to put them down for a fruit tray. Bennett's family is also coming down from Chicago, so I figured we could invite them as well. Something about a proposal happening too."
"Oh, how exciting!" Joyce claps her hands once before sitting down. "Who's getting engaged?"
"That would be my brother and his long term girlfriend," Bennett says. There aren't many seats for all of us in the living room. I pull Bennett down onto my lap. I see a few poorly hiddensmiles, but no one says anything. I like the feeling of having someone to show off. "He's been bugging me to come back home for it, but with the class I can't. They apparently decided it'd be easier to bring the whole family down. If it's too much, I don't have to invite them to the cookout."
"Nonsense," Charlie says. "Everyone is welcomed. We're going to pick up the meet from Raker's Farm tomorrow and put it on the smoker overnight. He just butchered it a few weeks ago so it's fresh."
My mouth starts watering at the thought of a Raker's smoked meat. It doesn't even matter what kind. Raker's has the market on fresh cuts. We grow our own, granted in a much smaller number, but it's nowhere near what William Raker can do. The conversation steers from food to Bennett and our relationship. Clark chimes in here and there with little quips about the kind of teacher he was in high school. It's all good things, which makes me happy.
Joyce and Mom leave us to talk while they get everything ready for dinner. Bennett and myself are expected to join, which neither of us argue. The conversations continue from one subject to another as we eat together. I'm beyond stuffed by the time our plates are cleared. Bennett's hand is on my thigh again and he squeezes to get my attention. He leans closer so only I can hear.
"If your parents are here tonight, where are we sleeping?"
"What are you two whispering about?" Joyce asks, a teasing tone in her voice.
"Mom, Dad, are y'all sleeping at the house?"
"No, sweetie. We're fine to stay in the guest room here. You two go ahead to your house." I open my mouth to ask if she's sure. I know the mattress in the guest room is smaller, good enough for one person, and I don't want to put them outjust because I brought someone home. "Don't argue with your mama, now."
"Yes, ma'am." I nod and shoot a smile to Bennett. He returns it easily before turning to the rest of the table.
"The food was amazing," Bennett says. "Thank you so much for letting me join. No wonder Nelson is always talking about his family's cooking. You've been holding out on me if you can cook like this."
"Nelson Hargraves," my mom admonishes. "You best be feeding this boy well. He's all bones."
"I'm sure he's feeding him plenty," Clark mumbles on my other side. I don't think he meant for me to hear that because his eyes are wide when I whip my head over to him. His scared expression turns into full laughter. He might be turning eighteen in another month, but that doesn't mean I want to hear him making sexual jokes. Even if they are funny. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I'm sure you are." I shake my head and flick my finger against the side of his head. He flinches away from me, which only makes me laugh as he covers his head. "Keep it up and see what happens."
"Nelson, leave my baby alone." My mom calls me out. We stare at each other for a second, then I turn back to Clark. He sticks his tongue out at me. I scoff and look back at my mom. "You are a grown man, Nelson. Give me some grandbabies and I might take your side every now and again."
"I'm sure he's trying," Clark says under his breath again. Again, he's too young for these thoughts. I shoot him a glare, which makes him break out in a whole new round of laughter. I'll have to talk to him again, but I've noticed he seems happier after our previous ones. I wonder if he's told his crush about his feelings and how that turned out. I'm proud of him for exploring his sexuality and not being afraid to ask questions, even if he'sstill that innocent little boy in my eyes that is running around playing in the mud.
"We're going to head to the house then," I announce to the table. "I'll be back up to help with the animals in a bit."
"Nonsense," my dad says. "I'll help with them tonight and this weekend. You deserve some time off."
I want to say that I don't mind doing it, that I only have a few more months until I won't have the choice in doing it or not. Charlie doesn't meet my eyes, so I just nod. Bennett stands with me and we share hugs before heading back out. The sun is making it's descent already, casting shadows around most things.
Chapter Twenty
"Thisplacereallyismagical," I whisper to Nelson. We're standing just behind the tree line of the lookout area. It's late at night, well past the sun setting. The sky is clear and filled with more stars than I thought possible. "It's romantic as hell. If you propose to me one day, do it here."
"Why am I the one proposing?" Nelson asks. I turn and look at him dumbfounded.
"Why wouldn't you be the one to propose? You're older."
"And you're the… more in charge one in this relationship." I stifle a laugh at his floundering for words. He's so cute when he tries to argue with me.
"Well, I'm deciding now. You're proposing to me." I stand up straight and kiss his cheek with a smile.
