Page 64 of Unraveled

His compliments were never lip service. I could see he meant every word. “Thank you.” I’d missed him. I pulled him to me, seizing his lips in a kiss. A kiss which started out innocently enough, but soon I was ready to wrap myself around him like he was a pole.

He finally pulled away. “Jesus, Layla. We may have to forget the wedding and not leave the hotel room.”

“You don’t know how much I’m tempted to test you on that.”

Outside by the curb, he opened the passenger side of his truck first, always the gentleman, before setting my bag in the back seat. He smacked another kiss on my lips before walking to his own side of the truck.

I felt as if I had my mojo back. Hopefully, this weekend would show that we could get back to the physical side of our relationship.

The four-hour drive south was uneventful. Normal. Normal was the new epitome of a perfect day for me. And it felt normal when he pulled into his childhood home and squeezed my hand. “Ready to meet the fam?”

“I am. Ready to meet the fam.” We both laughed at my Dr. Seuss rhyme.

As soon as we stepped through the door of Kellan’s childhood home, I could sense the love. There were family photos on the walls and handmade quilts on the couches. Or perhaps it was the great smell of dinner cooking that evoked the emotion. But none of it helped my sudden onslaught of nerves. I hadn’t met the parents of someone I was dating since high school. And since I was freaking about the label of girlfriend, how would he introduce me? As the crazy girl with cancer who was stupid enough not to want a commitment with their close-to-perfect son?

Kellan was always in tune with my emotions, even more than I was most days. He took my hand and squeezed as if he knew I was getting anxious.

The first person to come into the living room was an older version of Kellan with grayer hair. He stopped and grinned. “Son. You’re here. And this must be the lovely Layla. So glad you could come down and meet us.”

He moved toward us with his hand outstretched to take mine.

“So nice to meet you, too, Mr. McNeal.”

“Please call me Daniel.”

Just then a woman stepped through the hall into the living room. She was attractive and petite and visibly excited to see her son. She bounded—yes, bounded—over to us.

“Oooh, I’m so happy you’re both here.” She affectionately hugged her son first, then gently giving me a sort of pat-type hug, which I appreciated.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Layla. I’ve heard many amazing things about you from our son.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too, Mrs. McNeal.”

“Oh, please. It’s Wendy.”

“Where is Keira?” Kellan asked, referring to his sister.

“Should be here any minute. And don’t go commenting about her date for the wedding. She’s very sensitive about him cancelling on her.”

Kellan wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t get the scoop. Why’d he cancel?”

Wendy sighed. “Because he wasn’t ready for commitment.”

Guilt welled up. Hadn’t I said something similar to her son?

“They hadn’t been together long, but she would have liked a date for your cousin’s wedding. She’s not looking forward to going solo. Anyhow, come in. Dinner is almost ready. Can I get you something to drink, dear?” she questioned, turning to me.

“Water would be great, but do you need any help in the kitchen?”

She paused, making me think she’d simply tell me to take a seat. But she surprised me. “I have some appetizers I’d love some help putting together.”

Relief hit me. I wouldn’t be the visitor she relegated to the couch to take it easy because I had cancer. Normal. This felt nice.

Dinner was probably delicious. At least it smelled amazing and looked even better. Kellan’s mother served carved honey ham, mashed potatoes with country gravy, green beans with shallots and bacon, along with fluffy rolls and butter. Unfortunately, one of my side effects hadn’t gone away, despite being three weeks out. My taste buds were dead to the world. Still, I ate without complaint, knowing every calorie would fortify my body.

Keira arrived shortly before we sat down. I could tell by the affectionate way Kellan greeted her they were close. She was a beautiful young girl. With long, curly brown hair, big blue eyes, and a fresh face which didn’t need any makeup, she was a natural beauty. She was also quite outgoing and inquisitive.

“So, are you guys staying here at the house tonight?”