“Lexington, we just got you back!” Mom shrills.
“I know, but there are still people there, on that island, who need us,” I explain as calmly as I can. “People we care about, who don’t deserve to be there.”
“The island is a mess right now,” Ren steps in to help. “We can’t leave them to fend for themselves. We probably shouldn’t have left in the first place… It’s my fault.”
“Stop,” I grunt. “It is not your fault. We both chose to leave because in the moment it made sense. It took us finding each other to realize what we’re capable of, baby. That’s how I know we can do this…”
Turning to my parents, I convey as much confidence as I can. “I came here today because I couldn’t be in California and not see you. I couldn’t… leave California without seeing you first.” Emotion is threatening to clog my throat, so I clear it. “But we have to do this. I couldn’t live with myself if we didn’t try…”
They look shattered, and it’s breaking my heart all over again.
“We have an arsenal of badass people on our side. I promise you, I wouldn’t let the love of my life risk his if I weren’t fully certain we’ll get out of this.”
My mother is crying, clutching my father. But they both nod. Confident in me.
Theybelievein me.
“We’re sorry we didn’t understand before you left, Lexington,” my dad says, apology in his eyes, framed by pride. “You’re incredible, and you can do anything you set your mind to. We know that now.”
It’s everything I can do not to burst into tears. “Thank you.”
We go on with our meal, talking about lighter topics. And it’sfun. It’s refreshing, and so much more than I could have asked for in my first time bringing a guy to meet my parents. But thereisa dark cloud over us now…
That worry, and doubt… Thefear. It’s palpable.
Hours later, it’s time for us to go. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, and we should get one last night of rest in the comfy bed. Though I won’t lie, the urge to stay here in my childhood bedroom, with Ren, is strong.
Almost as strong as the guilt my parents are throwing at me.
“You can even sleep in your bed together.” Mom tugs on my arm while Ren chuckles. “You’re an adult, after all. We’re cool. Right, Dennis?” She jabs my dad with her elbow.
He looks like he wants to protest, but he wants us to stay more than he wants to keep his son from having sex under his roof. “Uh, sure… Totally cool.”
Huffing, I shake my head. “Yea, you’recoolalright.”
“I’m just… not done with you.” My mom pouts, cupping my face in her hands. “I just got you back.”
“This isn’t goodbye. I promise,” I hum, hugging onto her tight.
Releasing me takes her many generous moments. But she lets go so I can hug my dad. They both hug Ren, and my dad mumbles to him, “Take care of my son.”
I almost burst into tears from those five words, spoken in a commanding plea from my father to my future husband.
“I don’t care if I have to burn the world down to do it,” Ren says. “I’m bringing him back to you, safe and sound. You have my word.”
“Good. Thank you…” My dad pats him on the back.
“And then we can talk wedding details.” My mom smiles. “Because you’re getting married here. I already decided.”
I laugh. “Do we get a say in this?”
She smiles, eyes shining love at both of us as she shakes her head. “No. Of course not.”
Ren and I leave grinning, hearts full enough to overpower the rampant anxiety of what we’re about to do.
In Tauren’s car, we cruise, music crooning at a low volume.
“Your parents rule,” Ren sighs, gazing out the window while I drive. “I’m glad I’m gonna have cool in-laws. Makes up for the lack-thereof on my side.”
