Page 29 of Winter's Kiss

I stood at the large den window of the main house, my stare locked to the empty driveway. I knew they would be there any minute and with each passing second; I found myself growing sicker. I wanted them to be part of my life, but the fear of their disapproval echoed through my mind. I loved my parents.

Could I step away from them forever if it was them or Rowland? Would they put me in such a place?

My arms crossed in front of my chest. I exhaled a deep breath when I felt him wrap his arms around my frame. His head moved beside mine, his body pressed against my backside, and instantly I felt calm, safe. I closed my eyes. My head dropped back against his shoulder with another exhale. I could and I would, I thought. This man had become my world, so easily, as though we were meant to be together.

I relished in the moment of silence with him, the comforts of his hold for only minutes before I heard a car as it pulled to a stop in front of the house. My eyes opened, my gaze shot out the window and for a moment I felt a shot of nervousness move through my chest. All that faded when I saw my sister climb from the backseat. With a smile, I turned toward Rowland and kissed him on the lips quickly before I sprinted toward the entrance.

I walked onto the covered porch, my lips a wide smile as she checked out the Uber driver's ass as he returned to the driver's side of the car. I shook my head as I stepped forward, my arms crossed with a slight tilt of my stand as I waited for her to see me. She grabbed the handle of her suitcase and turned toward me; her head with a nod of approval.

“If all the men look like that here, I might have to relocate to Kentucky.” With a laugh, I made my way down the stairs to her, our arms wrapped around one another in a firm embrace.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” I admitted.

My sister had always been my rock, and I needed her now more than ever. She saw what I was like after him, without him, I needed her to see and help make our parents understand just how much I needed and wanted him.

“There is no other place I would be.” She replied softly. We broke our hug, with a step to the side I grabbed her suitcase as her gaze lifted to the house and then around what of the land she could see. “I gotta admit, this is pretty impressive.” With a smile, I moved up the stairs, Laurel right behind me.

We walked into the foyer, Theo and Anna stood hand in hand with smiles on their faces, ready to welcome my family to theirs. Laurel took a few steps in front of me. Her features were pleased, happy. It took not even a second for her to approve Rowland’s parents, their introductions given with a full hug from them both. As she turned from Anna, her eyes lifted just as Rowland walked into the large entry.

“Sis, this is Rowland. Rowland, this is my sister, Laurel.” She remained still, her gaze moved up and down him as though she was sizing him up. He remained still, his eyebrows at an arch with her slow stride in his direction. I grew nervous once more, both locked in a silent stare. “Sis, I…” She lifted her hand at me, her attention focused on just him.

“Faithful?” She asked him, Rowland, with a single nod.

“No other way.” He replied.

“Angry?” She asked.

“Sometimes.” He answered Laurel, with a tilt of his head.

“Temper?” She asked Rowland with a nod.

“Never toward her.” He replied.

“Kids?” She asked, swiftly.

“Someday.” He answered.

“Love?”She asked.

“Fully.” He replied, Laurel with a nod.

“Beer or vodka?” She asked, my brows furrowed in confusion.

“Bourbon. This is Kentucky.” Laurel nodded her head and turned toward me with a thumbs up.

“He’ll do.” She said with a chuckle. My gaze shifted to Rowland, who stood with a grin across his lips, a light in his eyes that brought out the beauty of their color. He was happy. I made him happy. The reality of that is enough to make me cry.

The afternoon went on without a hitch. Rowland and I took Laurel to the barn so she could see the wedding set up. Traveled into town to introduce her to a few of the townspeople and let her see just how wonderful the small town was. Rowland and she instantly shared a bond. It was marvelous to witness. They laughed and teased one another, as though they had known each other for years. As we returned to the main house, it was just into the early evening when another car pulled up in front of the house.

I knew instantly who it was, and my heart began to race with nervousness. How could they still do this to me thirty years into my life? Why did I allow them such power over my mind and actions?

Rowland said he would stay inside and allow me a minute to welcome my parents to the farm. Laurel, of course, remained by my side. We made our way out the main door and what I saw when we stepped onto the porch was nothing for which I had prepared.

“Andrew?” I paused; my hand gripped my sister’s. “What are you doing here?” My ex grinned and stepped from the side of the car, with a quick sprint, moved up the steps.

“I wanted to make sure you were making the right choice. That you weren’t brainwashed.” I wanted to scream. How could my parents bring him? Why would they do this to me? Disrespect not only me but Rowland and his family, his town. My mouth parted to speak and yet not a single word came out, my parents with a slow step onto the porch.

“Hello dear.” My mother’s voice brought my attention to her and yet I still could not force a single syllable out.

---