Frost explains who the others are, including 3.
My mother pales. “They’re all your... boyfriends?”
Valley lets out a nervous giggle.
“Yeah,” I say, no apology in my eyes. I'm proud of my guys.
My father clears his throat again. “Wait, how old are you, Hunter?” My father's brow furrows with concern.
Hunter shifts nervously. “Thirty-three, Sir.”
My father pales but recovers fast. “I can’t say I’m a fan of that age difference. You'd better take good care of her.”
“Always, Sir,” Hunter responds.
“Well, alright then.” My father says, slumping a bit in the chair.
“Wait—am I also an heir?” I ask my parents.
“You are.” My father smiles. “If you want it, that is. You will always have a choice. We love you, and will support anything you decide.”
I gasp. I can't even begin to roll that around my head. But they… love me? And are giving me a choice?
“I don’t know...” I trail off.
“It’s fine, Carina. Take all the time you need,” my mother tells me, tears still in her eyes. She gets a look on her face, then says excitedly, “Would you like to see the photo albums now?”
I let that roll around my mind for a minute. Actual photos of me, as a small child. I’m not ready, but how can I say no? I desperately need these first moments with my parents to be good ones.
Finally I say, "Yes, please. I don’t remember anything from before I was taken,” I admit.
“Oh,” my mother says, throwing her arms around me again for a hug. This time, I let her.
Words can’t describe how it feels to be held and rocked by my mother. I never thought this would ever happen for me. I cling to her, not wanting to let go. She smells like home. Vanilla, roses, and clean laundry. I cry unashamedly.
My father joins us. Valley gets up to allow him to sit down next to me. He hugs me, too and I just cry harder. He smells like pine and spices. I can’t believe my parents are hugging me.
“Wait on the photos, Dear.” My father says to my mother. Looking at us, he says, “We have a delicious meal prepared for you.
“I’ll take you all to our dining room,” my father says.
We all get up and follow him.
Valley hugs me then, whispering encouragement. This girl... I say it all the time, but she really is a special human.
When my eyes see the spread laid out for us, my mouth waters. There’s a very tender-looking roast in the center of the long table, surrounded by different veggies, potatoes, and a huge salad.
“It smells delicious,” I say.
“I will give the chef your compliments.” My father smiles at me.
“There’s dessert, too,” my mother tells us.
“Yay!” Valley and I cheer at the same time, making us both giggle.
We sit down and tuck in, filling our plates and bellies. Every single bite is utterly wonderful.
I glance around the table, my heart full seeing my guys, my bestie, and my parents all joking and smiling. My heart is practically skipping, and I’m grinning so wide it almost hurts my cheeks. In this moment, I am truly happy.
