Page 82 of Damien
When we arriveat the ferry terminal, I’m relieved to see we’ll make it on the next boat, without having to wait. Julia’s been a trooper for our car ride, but I’m not sure I even want to wait an hour or more for our turn on the ferry. Julia’s chatter is infectious as she gives us a play-by-play of what’s happening with the ferry. When we actually drive onto our spot, her mood shifts to disappointment, since we’re stuck behind a utility van and can’t see much of anything from the cab of my truck.
It’s a beautiful summer day on Puget Sound. Big puffy clouds are high in the sky, and the sun reflects on the rippled waves in the water. Knowing it’s a short ride, as soon as it’s safe, I ask the girls, “Wanna go up on the deck so you can get a better look?”
In no time at all, we’re on top of the deck and have prime real estate against the rail at the front of the ship. Our unobstructed view of the sound as we cross to Anderson Island makes me miss this place even more. As a kid, I loved hanging out here on the deck, with the wind on my face as I scoured the water for any sea life.
“Dame!” Jules gasps, getting my attention. “Did you see that?”
She points in the direction of two sea otters playing along the side of the ferry and squeals. “Can you believe it? They’re adorable.”
Vanessa pulls out her phone and records them for a few minutes, then turns to the two of us. “Say cheese.” Leaning into Jules, we both grin wide as she takes our picture.
“Your turn.” I grin as I snap a few shots of the two most beautiful people in my world. Their matching hazel eyes twinkle in delight, as their long hair flows around them with the wind. Before we return out attention to the otters, I suggest, “Let’s do a selfie.”
While the girls watch the otters, I find myself watching them. They’re so happy and free in this moment, all I can do is smile and enjoy the magnificent view. It’s hard to believe these two have become an intricate part of my life in such a short time.
Hell, mere months ago, I barely looked at any girl twice. I’d been so focused on work and was convinced I didn’t have time for more than that. Fuck, let’s face it. I haven’t done more than hook up with a woman in a few years—and frankly, I was happy about it.
God, I had no fucking clue what happiness was.
This. This right here—watching this beautiful woman and her daughter laugh so carefree, is exactly what I’d been missing in life. Ever since Amber, I’ve sworn off getting seriously involved with anyone. Maybe I had it all wrong.
Or maybe I was meant to wait for these two.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, the fact I’m bringing someone home to meet my family is significant. Mom knew and of course, I dismissed it. I know I can handle any shit my brothers sling at me—but if they even think about giving Van a hard time—they won’t know what hit them.
Sure, they’d just be protecting me, but Vanessa’s nothing like Amber, and I need to make that point clear. I wonder if Mom’s said anything—or if she wants to let me tell them. I’m sure Dad knows. Those two never keep secrets.
Snapping a few more photos to capture this moment, I’m startled when there’s an announcement to return to our vehicles as we’ll be docking soon. Knowing our vacation rental is just a few houses up from my grandparents’, I make my way off the boat to our final destination with ease. Once we’ve unpacked and get things settled, I suggest we visit my family.
Julia’s adorable as she insists on holding both our hands on the walk along the rural road to the cabin. Anderson Island hasn’t developed enough for sidewalks, and it’s a straight shot to my grandparents’ house. I tell her how I used to play in the woods on the vacant lot as we pass, as well as where I like to kayak. She peppers me with questions the entire way.
I swear Mom still has a homing beacon on me because we don’t even step foot on the front porch, and the door bursts open. “Damien! I’m so glad you made it.”
Mom may be barely five-foot-four on a good day, but man, she’s a fierce hugger. I don’t even get the chance to let go of Jules’ hand, and the breath is squeezed out of me. Squeezing her back with my free arm, she finally releases me and steps back.
“Well… who do we have here?” She looks to Vanessa and Jules who each smile in greeting.
“Mom. This is Vanessa and Julia.” Then I turn to the girls and shrug. “This is my mom Daisy.”
Vanessa doesn’t miss a beat as she reaches out a hand to greet my mom. But Mom just shakes her head. “That just won’t do.” Then she steps toward Vanessa and wraps her arms around her to welcome her properly. Thankfully, Vanessa seems at ease and simply returns the hug—as if they’ve been doing it all along.
When they’re finished, Mom pulls back and squats to Julia’s level. “I’ve heard so many things about you, Julia. I couldn’t wait to meet the girl that’s got Dame wrapped around her little finger. I’ll have to share some secrets to help you keep him that way,” Mom says with a wink to me.
“Great… you’re already ganging up on me.” I pretend to pout. But that’s all it takes to put Jules at ease.
She drops my hand like a hot potato and steps in to give Mom one of her famous squeezes. Those two are a match for sure. They both can squeeze the life out of you and not know any better of it.
I glance over them to Vanessa to see if she’s okay, and she just shrugs it off with a smile. Reaching for her hand, I squeeze it, letting her know I’m here for her if she needs me. I know she was nervous to meet my mom, but hopefully, any doubts she had will soon disappear.
When Mom stands up, she’s business as usual. “You two are the last to arrive—except for your sister. She had some business to attend to off island, so she and Luke will join us tomorrow.”
Before I can ask about Dani, Dad greets us, “Hey, Dame. Who do you have here?”
I go through the necessary introductions. When Julia hears his name is Trent, she turns and asks me quizzically, “I thought all the names started with a D.”
“Well, I’m his dad, does that count?” Dad teases.
Jules just shrugs. “Dad does start with D.”
