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49
Cassie wants a moment alone, and as much as I have the urge to charge into her room, I leave her be.
Genevieve is justifiably quickening from the kitchen as I walk back into the shitstorm. Uncle Jeff is raging at my mom and not letting her get a complete sentence out. It’s like when Cassie and I were kids. They’d argue so much.
Uncle Jeff points at my mom while shouting, “If you think I’ll stand by while Reid marries my daughter, you must be out of your mind. And I damn sure won’t support them dating.”
I clench my fists, declaring boldly, “No offense, Uncle Jeff, but you can’t stop us.”
“What did you say?”
Aunt Deanna presses her hand at his chest, trying to calm him.
“Will you stop and listen!” Mom yells. “God, you’re more like our father than you think.”
“I am nothing like him,” Uncle Jeff refutes, green eyes wide. “I wouldn’t do that to them.” He levels his intimidating gaze on me. “You’re family. You’re not dating, and you’re not marrying for money.”
“I don’t want to marry Cassie for that. I’ll give it all up for her if that’s what it takes.”
The three of them stare at me.
Aunt Deanna’s brown eyes soften as she takes in my appearance. “I’ve heard that before,” she mutters, making Uncle Jeff look at her. He harrumphs and glances at the tile.
“You won’t have to,” Mom fills the quiet.
Uncle Jeff’s head flies up. “What do you mean?”
She sniffs. “As I’ve been trying to explain. I found a way to contest what Father stated in the will. My lawyer drafted the paperwork. I just need Cassie to sign that she agrees.”
“Why didn’t you tell her?” I ask before anyone else gets the chance.
Mom sighs. “It happened just before you told me you were involved. I’ve been trying to find the right moment since. I knew she’d feel hurt and question my intentions because, at first, I considered marriage between you two when it didn’t seem like I could change the will.”
Uncle Jeff huffs and turns away, resting his hands on his hips.
“My son’s future means everything to me.” She looks at me. “When you revealed your relationship, it made it harder to say something.”
I flush out a lengthy exhale and run my hand through my hair. “I have to explain it to Cassie. She’s upset.”
“I’ll go,” Aunt Deanna says. “Why don’t the three of you talk?” She steps out of the kitchen before either of us answers.
Silence dawdles until Uncle Jeff speaks again. “Regardless that you sorted out the will, I’m still not okay with my nephew and daughter being in a relationship.”
“I love Cassie, Uncle Jeff. I’m not backing away from what we have.”
A rumble leaves his chest, and he clicks his tongue. “You’ll go off to college. The distance and time will dissolve your feelings. It’s already over.”
“You’re wrong. We made a promise.”
He arches his brows, asking in a mocking tone, “Which is?”
“Forever,” I rasp.
The expression he makes convinces me he finds that silly. “I’ve said forever to a few girls before meeting Deanna. You’re not dating my daughter.”
“As I’ve said, Uncle Jeff, we’re in love. Nothing will change that.” I walk out to the patio, leaving my mom and him to talk as I stride across the yard.
I’ll let Cassie have her moment and remind her again later how much I truly love her and would turn my back on everything to be with her.
