When everyone falls silent, he scratches his beard. “First of all, I am not up here to rescue Charlie. He certainly doesn’t need me to save him. For the last few months, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of Homes for Hope. Charlie has done an amazing job, and soon, all those rundown homes will be places for people to live. And he organized this party practically by himself. He’s more than capable of giving his own speech. So, in a minute, I’m going to let him do that.” He gives me a sheepish smile. “I really didn’t want to get into this today. Here. But fuck it.”
“Brad?” Oh God. What is he doing?
“Listen up. Charlie Smith doesn’t need anyone to keep him safe.” He glances at my dad. “Not anymore. He also doesn’t need someone to convince him to stay in this town. He can move whenever and wherever he wants.”
Mom stares at the floor. Guess I know where that came from.
“And he sure as hell doesn’t need me to help him find a guy. Any guy would be lucky to have Charlie.” His eyes meet mine. “Damn lucky. And that guy would be an idiot if he let others get in the way of that.”
I ignore the murmuring of the crowd and give him a cheeky smile. “Then maybe he shouldn’t.”
He stares at me for a second. “Really?”
Am I worried about what the town thinks? What my parents think? I am. But I can’t let that fear stop me. Stop us. “Really.”
Brad grins and turns to my parents. “Sorry, Chuck and Minni. I know this is your day. And this might not be the present you want. But it’s also Valentine’s Day.” He takes my hands. “I love you, Charlie. And I miss you so much. Please give me another chance?”
I nod, ignoring the tears in my eyes and the crowd’s reaction, including my parents. “I love you too.” And then his hands are on me. One in my hair and the other on my face as he kisses me.
“I fucking knew it,” Dani Rae says in a loud voice.
But I ignore her and kiss my boyfriend. Nothing and no one else matters.
Okay, that’s not really true, but we’ll get through it, no matter what. Cheers and whistles break us apart. Brad waves, and I lean against him.
Mom hugs Brad and me with tears in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“You are? I was worried.”
She takes my hands. “Brad is a good man. And that’s what I want for you. Age doesn’t really matter. But most of all?” She leans in and whispers, “He’s always said he’s never leaving this town.”
I look over at Brad, but he’s frowning and watching my dad. “Go talk to him.”
He shakes his head. “We’ll work it out. Tonight is a celebration. And you need to finish your speech.”
Do I? But I get everyone’s attention again. It’s not difficult to talk about my parents and the love they share.
After my speech, people clap enthusiastically. And there’s not a single orange-soda comment. Dad waves his hand to quiet the crowd. “Minni is the one usually talking to you all. Unless your kid’s in trouble.” Everyone laughs. “But now it’s my turn.”
He takes my mom’s hands, his eyes full of affection. “I love this woman with my whole heart. I’ve never regretted a momentof our life together. And I look forward to thirty more years.” He touches her face. “I love you, sweetheart. Happy anniversary.” My mom is crying as they kiss. I glance at Brad.
Relationship goals.
Dad wraps his arm around Mom. “I also want to thank our son, Chas?—”
“Charlie,” I say, and then I wave my hand for him to continue.
“Thanks, Charlie, for arranging all this. And my— And Brad, for helping him. This was wonderful.” He clears his throat. “Excuse me.”
The crowd parts for Dad as he heads toward the kitchen. I squeeze Brad’s hand. “He’ll come around.”
He gives me a sad smile. “I hope so.”
The beautiful benchin the garden seems to help. Mom loves it, of course, and Dad smiles, so that’s something. We take lots of pictures.
I hate that my Dad’s upset. It was a shock. And terrible timing. But he’ll either accept it or he won’t. That’s his choice. I can’t live my life worrying about what others think. I’m an adult.
And for once, I actually believe it.
