AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Your dad almost shit his pants. Wish we had a photo to frame here at the office.” Mr. Withers can barely hold it together.
Collins still has a worried look on her face. “Baby, your name will only be in association with me when we get married, okay?”
“When?” Massey squeaks.
Collins smiles big, and everyone looks at her, but her eyes fixate on mine. Her chest rises and falls heavily. A small pang of worry paints my chest. Maybe I’ve spoken too soon about marriage? “Whenever I propose, I mean. If that’s what you want.”
Here I am, again, begging for acceptance. Her smile is all I need for a yes, and she is wearing a big smile now.
“I’ll let you know whenever you propose.” She scrunches her nose at me, easing the pinch in my chest.
Well, fuck. That backfired. But, God, I couldn’t love her more. “No choice to accept, huh? How about some dinner?”
“Oh, tacos? I could go for some fish tacos!” She claps her hands together.
“Sounds good. Mr. Withers and Massey, why don’t you call Lawson and Leland? Let’s give everyone the good news together?” I decide to invite everyone for dinner. We are officially free of these chains.
“Couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate.” Mr. Withers nods his head.
“I’ll call Lawson and he will get everyone over to yours. How about we pick up the food?” Massey offers.
“Deal! We will grab the beer,” Collins offers.
“Let’s go, baby.” I hold my hand out.
We head our separate ways for now. I came into the office a nervous boy and left a confident man. There is power in taking control of your life and money does not count on that. For the very first time in my life, I feel at ease. There is no expectation or cloud of judgment. Just a life to live.
I dare anyone to step in the way of me and my family again.
Chapter 27
Collins
Since the meeting, Victor has been considerably less stressed. Massey’s dad has been, too. He’s come around us a little more when we have family gatherings. I guess I never contemplated the magnitude of stress it is being in their position. It was easy to assume that money gives you the power to do, and to take whatever you want. However, that’s far from the truth when speaking of these two men. I still cringe, remembering the way Victor’s dad viewed me with such disgust. As swiftly as that feeling comes, it’s immediately replaced with adoration by the way Victor defended me. The contrast of the entire scene still has my mind bobbing back and forth. Victor proudly claimed me in a room full of people. Verbally announcing that I was his future wife. If that wasn’t the only swoon-factor, he saved our business. He saved Leland’s home and livelihood. It’s the place where I became who I am today. Where Leland instilled a hard work ethic and provided everything he could for us. And where Lawson taught me more about life than anyone. A hard lesson in loving unconditionally.
This week Victor mentioned they’ve had to decline a few clients. Before they take on too much work, they need to make sure they are not too overwhelmed. Unlike before, they want to come home and enjoy the outside life.
Like today, for example. We are sitting at our super secret spot. Alright, it’s no longer super-secret. The whole family is here for a surf session and bonfire. We’ve been spending a lot more time together lately, and in the spirit of being honest, I love it. The heaviness of life seems to have fallen to the wayside. Like breathing air for the first time, we can just enjoy the paradise we live in and the people that are a part of it.
It’s wave after wave and a lot of laughter. My heart could explode listening to my brother’s laughter. I almost forgot what it sounded like. I’ve never seen Leland so relaxed and able to enjoy life.
The shop has continued on as normal. If anything, we’ve picked up a few more clients. Leland has moved into my old place. I think it’s his real first place to relax. Living and working at the shop was twenty-four-seven of shop talk.
We are sitting around the bonfire and I’m listening to everyone talking with each other. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to refrain from a massive grin that wants to escape. “Hey! What do y’all say for a surf competition?” I ask.
“I’m down.” Massey throws her hands in the air.
“Oh, it’s on!” Lawson points to Leland, then at Massey.
Leland crosses his arms, giving Lawson a pointed look. The atmosphere becomes so playful. Leland gives a mischievous grin, glancing over at Taylor. I’m thankful that Taylor didn’t give up. He brings a lightness to Leland’s life. A gentle side that used to be reserved for me when I wasn’t being such a pain in the ass.
“I’m out of practice, but let’s do it,” Taylor nicely says.
“Alright, who’s first?” I point to everyone, waiting for the first two victims.
“Let me go so I can get the nerves out. If y’all go first, I’ll chicken out,” Taylor offers.
“Alright, Leland, you are against him. Couple versus couple,” I say.
