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She gave into laughter then, but it silenced all too soon. “What happened to your family isn’t the only reason.” She pushed up in bed and sat cross-legged in the middle. “My dad…he’s very laid-back, a real easygoing kind of guy. My mom…she’s another story. We love each other but the fact that I am who I am… Mom tends to go overboard with making sure everyone knows I am who I am when all I want is to hide out at home for a little TLC.”
Therin’s gaze narrowed as it softened. “Sounds like she’s just proud of you. Could be worse, you know? She could treat you like an invalid.” He winked.
Kianti’s smile was sad. “That’s part of it, too. ‘Poor Kianti, it takes all of her strength to belt out such exquisite pieces. My baby’s quite a marvel, isn’t she?’”
“You’re kidding?” Therin asked around his laughter.
“Unless I’m behind a piano, my mother doesn’t want me doing anything.” She laughed a little then. “My dad and I love to get away and fish but we have to sneak off to do it.”
Therin was wiping laugh tears from his eyes by then. “But fishing’s one of the most restful— No?” He asked at the sight of her shaking her head.
“‘Kianti shouldn’t be out there in the hot sun or dead of winter trying to wrestle down some smelly fish,’” she quoted.
“I think we’re just gonna have to educate your mom on what a strong kid she’s got.” Therin kissed his fiancée’s cheek.
“Good luck. I can only pray you’ll still want to marry me after meeting Francina Lawrence.” Kianti’s smile was barely there when Therin tugged her into a tight hug.
San Francisco, California~
Donald and Francina Lawrence were a lovely couple who seemed to complement each other quite well. Therin couldn’t get past how much of them he saw in Kianti. They were all so very small, he felt like a veritable giant bowing humbly as he shook hands with his future in-laws.
Kianti kissed her father and then went to her mother for a hug.
“My Lord, Kibbie, he’s a gorgeous thing, isn’t he?” Francina whispered so only her daughter could hear.
“Ma.” Kianti had never heard her mother go on with such awe. A genuine smile curved her mouth.
“We have to admit this is quite a surprise for us,” Donald Lawrence said once the waitress at the Lark Garden headed off to fill their drink orders. “Kibbie told us she was seeing someone and now engaged… We can see the love, though.” Donald glanced toward his wife who nodded reverently.
“Sorry for springing this on you guys.” Kianti watched Therin kiss the back of her hand. “Everything really did happen very fast.”
“Therin, tell us more about what you do. My husband ordered me not to pry, but now I guess I’m allowed.” She smiled bashfully. “A little,” she added.
Kianti chuckled as Therin smiled and pressed a hand to the black-and-gray-spotted tie he wore. “Politics,” she announced before he could say anything. “Therin’s the former ambassador to Canada.”
“Wait a minute,” Donald breathed, following several silent seconds. “Rucker…” he closed his eyes as realization ensued. “I’ve heard of you. Education? The education organization, right? I’ll be damned.” He leaned over to shake hands with Therin again. “You lead a very interesting life, Mr. Rucker.”
Therin bowed his head to accept the fact. “It’s never been anywhere close to this interesting.”
Kianti could see the change in her father’s expression. “What is it, Daddy?”
Donald Lawrence reached out for his daughter’s hand, squeezing it when she took hold. “I’m happy for you, Kibbie.” His deep-set gaze was soft with love and pride, but clouded noticeably when he looked to Therin again. “You seem like a good man, but I’ve followed what news there’s been about this. Is my daughter safe?” He set Kianti an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, baby, I have to ask.”
“I understand that Mr. Lawrence—”
“It’s Don and Francina, Therin. You’re gonna be part of the family.” Donald nodded and leaned close to shake hands with Therin again.
“Sir.” Therin smiled as if surprised by his reaction to Donald Lawrence’s use of the word family. “I promise you she’s safe. I’d give my life before I let anything happen to her.” Blindly, he reached for Kianti’s hand. “I don’t suspect that’ll be necessary, though.” He smiled again, bringing much needed lightness to the moment.
