Page 74 of Heartstrings & Horizons
Paige inhales a shaky breath, and then plasters on a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Mom sidles into the entryway, a flicker of irritation evident in her weathered features. Her gaze flicks to Paige, then back to me. Mom is usually harmless, at 5 foot nothing and 100lbs soaking wet, but I don’t miss the feel of Paige stiffening against my side as she clings to my biceps.
“Mom, this is Paige. My fiancée.”
Paige offers her a tentative hand, the lackluster smile on her face faltering slightly. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Brooks.”Shit.That definitely won’t go over well and I didn’t think to prepare her.
Mom doesn’t return the gesture or the smile. “Cade,” mom turns towards me, “come in.”
Paige lowers her hand, tears glistening in her eyes — she’s embarrassed. I give her a reassuring squeeze to let her know we’re in this together, then follow mom into the living room, a mix of anxiety and determination taking over. The room hasn’t changed much over the years. The same floral curtains, well-loved sofa, and framed family photographs are scattered throughout the room.
Mom excuses herself to the kitchen and returns with a pitcher of sweet tea and three glasses. She places them in front of us on the coffee table, then takes a seat in the recliner across from the sofa that Paige and I have perched ourselves on. “Where’s Pops?”
“Oh, you know him. He’s out in the field making sure everything is ready for spring.” Mom and Hank own a small farm outside of Oak Ridge, and it’s my step-dad’s pride and joy. “So, Paige, Cade tells me you’re a student?”
“Actually, Mrs. Brooks…”
“Call me Diane, Brooks was Cade’s daddy and I no longer associate with that trash.”
“Mom!” Paige places her hand on my arm to stop me from reprimanding my mother.
“Diane,” her voice shakes before she steadies herself, “I withdrew from my studies a few weeks ago to pursue photography. The engagement has complicated things.” Paige is concise as she explains our situation, only addressing the questions we have answers to for the time being. We still have some details to work out, like the wedding and the paperwork.
“Interesting,” I can tell my mom is less than impressed. “Cade tells me you met on some sort of dating app?”
Paige nods but I cut in, sensing her distress at my mom’s judgmental tone. I squeeze her hand again and fill the momentary silence. “It took some convincing. She wasn’t impressed with my preference for pizza toppings, and the distance was a challenge at first.” It’s simple and honest. I adore this girl and I have no intention of letting my mom pressure her with an interrogation.
“Cade, can I speak to you alone for a moment?”
“No, whatever you need to say you can say in front of Paige.”
“Fine,” her eyes narrow and I realize I may have made a grave mistake. “I think you’re rushing into something you’re not ready for. What do you two even know about each other? What could you possibly have in common with this girl who doesn’t even have a job or any prospects to speak of? Is she going to move intomymother’s house like a freeloader, taking advantage of your kindness?” Paige flinches. “She’s not good enough formyson.” Her words are dripping with disdain. She opens her mouth to continue but I don’t give her the chance.
“ENOUGH!” My voice is deafening in the silent living room.
Paige
Don't cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I knew Cade’s mom would be apprehensive about our relationship; I even understood it to a degree, but I wasn’t prepared for this level of vitriol.
Meeting Jemma had definitely provided me with a false sense of security where the rest of Cade’s family was concerned. This is a disaster, and I’m fairly certain we’ll never come back from this. There’s no relationship redemption arc in sight. I’m usually a pretty forgiving person, but I feel utterly debased and humiliated beyond repair.
“You may not understand our decision, you may not even support it, but you will not disrespect my future wife that wayeveragain.”
“I raised you better than to speak to your mother that way!”
“You raised me to be kind, and here you are, spewing hateful words about the woman I love. I think you need some time to calm down. We’re leaving. Call me when you’re ready to apologize to me and especially to Paige. Until then, I don’t want to hear from you.”
The L word is not lost on me, but I can’t bring myself to contemplate whether or not he really meant it. Cade lifts himself off of the couch and reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers before tugging me into the entryway and out the front door. The skies have darkened, signaling an impending storm. He pulls me around the side of the house as the emotions of the last few minutes come crashing down around me.
I lose my resolve and let the tears come. Cade’s hands frame my face as he leans his forehead down to meet mine. There are lines of strain around his eyes as he wipes the tears from my cheeks, a low curse on his breath. “Fuck, I’m so sorry Paige.”
“Take me home, Cade.” They’re the only words I can muster.
Cade
