Page 54 of Powerless

I wrap her in my arms and kiss her temple. “He shouldn’t have said what he did. And I’m not making excuses for him, but he’s an intense man.”

She pulls back and shakes her head. Her big, brown eyes are staring at me. “I don’t care how intense he is, what he said wasn’t called for. I was standing right there while he was attacking us both.” She gulps and takes a step back. “How dare he insinuate that you can’t get to the White House on your own.”

“He’s not wrong though, Kathryn.” I reach for her hand and start toward the back garden. “There’s only ever been one president who was single when elected. The American people feel safer knowing the president is married and to top it off, only four didn’t have families.”

“I’m hearing that it’s not impossible to be elected without a wife and without a family.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Not impossible, just improbable.” I look behind me, worried about the discussion my parents are having.

“Hey,” Kathryn says and places her hand on my thigh. “Whatever happens, it’ll be okay.” She smirks and turns to look at the house. “Besides, your dad doesn’t scare me.”

“It was sexy seeing you take him on like that.”

“Sexy?” Kathryn barks a full belly laugh. “I didn’t like the way he was speaking about you. And, I wasn’t too keen on what he had to say about me either.” Although her words are comforting, I can’t help but worry about what’s happening. “Trust me, it’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure it will be,” I say as I place my hand over hers and lightly squeeze.

It doesn’t take long before my parents join us. Mom and Dad sit next to each other, and Dad looks to Kathryn. “My apologies for my behavior, Kathryn.”

“Apology accepted,” she replies instantly.

The tension is running high, but as the chef begins to set the table for lunch, the anxiousness eases slightly. There’s a lot of small talk around the table, nothing of substance. Dad can’t help but stare at Kathryn, then glance toward me. “I have to say something,” Dad says.

Oh shit, here we go again.

“Titus?” Mom clears her throat and pins him with a silencing look.

Dad lifts his hand to alleviate Mom’s inaudible concerns. “I might not like this match, but I’m impressed at how you defended not only yourself but Bennett too.” Dad meets Kathryn’s eyes, waiting for a reply.

“He’s a good person who has morals. And I respect that about him.”

Dad accepts her reply with a mere nod. Silence enshrouds us as we all stiffly load our plates from the platters the chef has brought out. “Kathryn,” Dad starts. Kathryn’s posture becomes rigid. She looks to him and waits. “Do you love my son?”

“Dad,” I say.

“Yes,” Kathryn replies instantly. “I do.”

“Do you love Kathryn?” Dad looks to me.

“I do.”

“Do you see yourself in the White House with Kathryn?”

“I can’t see myself doing anything of importance without her.” A small smile tugs at the corner of Kathryn’s lips as she stares down at her plate. “She’s my reason why.”

Dad straightens and pulls his shoulders back. “You can clearly handle yourself, Kathryn,” Dad pauses then looks toward me. “And you look happy, son.”

“I am.” It’s like the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders. I no longer have to pretend I’m in a fake relationship. “Kathryn brings me so much joy.”

Dad clicks his tongue to the roof of his mouth. I know he’s not a hundred percent in favor of our relationship, but in time, he’ll come around. He’ll learn to love Kathryn, and if he doesn’t, then that’s on him.

“I for one love seeing my son happy,” Mom says. “And as far as I’m concerned, if Kathryn is willing to stand up to you, then she’s the right person for Bennett.”

There’s a silent exchange between Kathryn and Mom, and that in itself makes me feel so much better.

I know Kathryn is my forever.

But for now, I’m relieved that this wasn’t as intense as I thought it was going to be.

---