Nodding, she walked toward him. “I didn’t even get to finish getting him into his pajamas when he just fell back on the bed and was out like a light.” She glanced around. “So, um…”
“Can we sit and talk?”
She still looked tense. “Are your parents with Annabeth?”
“They are. Please, Lexi.” He motioned to the sofa and almost sagged with relief when she begrudgingly agreed and went to take a seat. He sat beside her, but not too close because he didn’t want it to feel like he was crowding her.
The silence was deafening, and he knew he needed to get them talking.
“Obviously, that was awkward for you,” he began carefully. “I had no idea they were coming to visit and…”
“And you didn’t tell them we were dating,” she finished for him.
And that’s when he realized how much he’d screwed up.
“I find it interesting how you talk about how you put your parents in their place after your divorce and then talk to me about this glorious life we’re going to have, but you still never thought to mention our relationship to them.” Her smile was sad. “I get that you’re not as close to them as you once were, but if I’m as important to you as you claim, you would have told your family about us.”
“I honestly haven’t spoken to them much since Annabeth got here,” he said quietly, realizing how lame that sounded. “Between the resort, moving to the rental and then moving back, and then…you…I didn’t want to give them an opportunity to ruin it.”
She didn’t respond.
“Then, as things progressed, it was more important to make sure the kids were okay with us. Remember, they were our toughest critics.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Connor.” Pausing briefly, her mouth opened and quickly shut, like she was trying to choose her words. “Okay, here it is—the kids weren’t our toughest critics or even our biggest challenge,” she said with just a hint of annoyance. “Everything’s fine and well because we’re here at the resort and surrounded by our friends who love and care about us. But the outside world? Your family? What did you think was going to happen when you told your family we’re dating again, huh? Did you think they were suddenly going to be thrilled because you put them in their place?”
“Actually, I did.”
The snort was her first response. “Then you’re lying to yourself. Leopards don’t change their spots. You may have convinced them to back off, and they may have agreed, but that was only going to last until you started dating again. Then they were going to spring right back into action.”
He wanted to argue; he really did, but…she was right.
“You’re right,” he murmured. “I…guess I was just hopeful, that’s all. I talk a good game and just thought we’d all move forward like I wanted to. But their attitude just now was…” His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Holding her gaze, he honestly had no idea if she was going to accept his apology or tell him they were through.
But that wasn’t an option.
Grasping both her hands, he said, “Tell me I didn’t just ruin everything. Tell me we’re going to be okay. Please.”
Slowly, Lexi pulled her hands from his, and it felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“I need time to think, Connor,” she said quietly but firmly. “I’ve spent far too many years dealing with feeling inadequate, and three minutes with your family is threatening to undo all the progress I’ve made.”
“Then I’ll tell them to leave,” he countered. “I’ll go right now and tell them to pack their stuff and go.”
But she was shaking her head. “They’re your parents. They’re always going to be your parents. And if you and I are going to have a future, I want it to be one where you’re not having to choose between us.”
“Lexi, I…”
“You need to go, Connor,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I need to be by myself right now.” Another pause. “And please don’t pressure me on this. We both have to go back to work tomorrow, and I’d appreciate it if you gave me some space.”
What choice did he have?
Solemnly, he got to his feet. He wanted to kiss her cheek, to hold her, but he doubted she’d welcome either of those things. Instead, he said goodnight and let himself out.
Back at his cabin, he found his parents waiting for him and his daughter half asleep on the sofa.
“C’mon, kiddo. Time for bed,” he said, doing his best to sound like his entire world wasn’t crashing down around him.
