Page 126 of Forbidden to Fall

His eyes sharpened, but after a moment’s hesitation, he nodded.

Taking a controlled breath through my nose, I led James over to Mom and Dad.

Dad’s greeting was a bit cool and his handshake on the formal side, but I could see him trying to make the effort I’d asked him for.

“It’s good to see you, Mr. Stevenson.” James met my dad’s eye squarely but with just enough humility to show he understood this wasn’t easy for anyone involved.

“You too,” Dad said, his eyes watchful.

James turned to Mom. “And it’s great to see you again, Mrs. Stevenson.”

I held my breath. I hadn’t spoken to Mom about James yet. I didn’t know for sure whether Dad had mentioned my wish for them to give James a chance—or whether she’d feel it was warranted.

May had admitted to being angry at Ryan all these years; Mom had been mad at James too. Under all that anger, though, was sadness and disappointment and the need to protect the people they loved.

It was natural for mothers to protect their sons and daughters.

What would Mom do when her daughter’s happiness and her son’s happiness were at odds?

“Forgive me if I don’t know what to say,” Mom said. “I’m trying to wrap my head around this whole situation.” She motioned to the general room, but we knew what she meant. “It goes against my feelings to see you with my Sadie, James.”

I gripped his hand tighter.

Mom’s eyes moved to me. “But”—her gaze flicked to our hands—“I’ve never seen Sadie so happy or thriving, so I’m doing my best to trust her. And you.”

“I understand, Mrs. Stevenson,” James said. “I don’t expect you to trust me yet, but I promise I won’t betray Sadie’s trust—or yours when I earn it. Sadie is everything to me.”

Her eyes softened at his response. “Why don’t you two come over for dinner tomorrow? I’m making some lasagna.”

I blinked. She was inviting James over for dinner? Mom wasn’t May Carver. She didn’t offer her home and food to just anybody.

I smiled at her gratefully and squeezed James’s hand. “What do you think?”

“I’d love that, Mrs. Stevenson. Just tell me what I can bring.”

This response also pleased Mom, and I breathed a sigh of relief—just in time to catch Ryan watching us.

My stomach sank. Seeing Mom and Dad talk to James must feel like another layer of betrayal. I could only hope it would ultimately help rather than hurt.

Despite feeling for Ryan, the hope created by the interaction between James and my parents ran through me all night as we celebrated at Horseshoe Holler.

For months, I’d been living in fear. Fear of the truth about James and me getting out. Fear of hurting Ryan. Fear of losing my job at Keller’s. But dancing and laughing with James at the reception and the prospect of dinner with Mom and Dad on the horizon? They were confirmation that facing my fears head-on would always be better than hiding from them.

I still had some fears I hadn’t faced, though. Fears that I’d allowed to get in the way of something I really wanted.

And I knew what I needed to do to fix that.

“James?” I said suddenly.

He looked at me.

“I’m going to reject Morgan’s offer.” I smiled. Probably like a crazy person.

But I didn’t care.

I wanted the risk, and I wanted the reward.

I wanted to be the butterfly.