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Chapter 13
Vince
My pulse jumped as shallow breaths filled and exited my lungs. I was breathing so lightly that my chest was hardly rising. My training kicked in. Poised for attack, I moved forward with light steps, careful not to make a sound. I wasn’t sure how sturdy this damn umbrella was. But if someone was trying to attack my family, they were about to find out.
I used myself to shield Hailey behind me. She was so tiny in comparison, and I was glad that, at least in this case, I could protect her.
An ominous chill ran through my veins.
My mind jumped to the vehicles on the street outside. Everything seemed normal and familiar. A few of the neighbor’s houses were lit up inside. Everything was normal.
So why did the hairs on the back of my neck prick up? Something was offinsideour house. I was so fixated on Hailey that I’d lost my focus.
Other than the refrigerator humming in the kitchen, it was eerily quiet. A quick snap of sound hit my ears. I surged forward right as the lights flicked on, and a chorus of people yelled, “Surprise!”
“Holy shit, Bacca!” Pete shouted, lunging forward and releasing the pink umbrella from my hand.
Mom’s face flushed crimson as she clapped her hand over her mouth.
“Hey, everybody.” Hailey’s words mirrored my surprise.
“You didn’t know about this?” I asked as she moved to my side. We stood as one unit.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Only me, your father, and Pete,” Mom said. Hudson smooshed her mouth together with his tiny hands. Mom made a loud kissing sound before adding, “And of course, little Hudson. Isn’t that right?” she crooned in baby talk.
“I tried to talk her out of it,” Pete mouthed to me and Hailey.
“We—your father and I—wanted to have a little get-together to celebrate your homecoming.”
“Little?” I asked, looking around the room. I laughed nervously, hating that I didn’t immediately recognize several of the people here.
“We wanted it to be a surprise. Do something nice for you and Hailey.”
“You certainly surprised us,” Hailey said.
“Mom, this is too much,” I said, gesturing to the large spread of appetizers and snacks on the countertops and tables. I couldn’t believe how much food there was.
“I’d like to make a toast,” my dad piped in. Thank God for his ability toread the room. It was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with each passing second.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” Mom said, handing me a flute of champagne, then Hailey.
“Thank you,” we said together. Hailey sent me a tense smile.
“We are so happy to have you back, Son. We know you are happy to be back. Your family and friends wish you a happy return, a speedy recovery, and every ounce of love in our hearts.” Dad choked up a little at the end.
“To safe returns, family and friends,” Pete said, holding his glass in the air.
“Cheers,” Mom added with a shaky voice. Everyone clinked their glass with their closest neighbors. Everyone was full of smiles and laughter.
I felt anything but.
Still, respect and gratitude won out in the end. I held my glass up again. The room quieted down. All eyes were on me. “I’d like to thank you all. Mom, Dad, Pete . . . my amazing wife, Hailey.” I stopped for a second. “I’m still getting used to that concept. Wife,” I repeated. “But damn, it feels good to say it.” Hailey’s eyes were misty. “The last couple of weeks haven’t been easy, but I thank you all for your support and understanding. Especially, you”—I turned fully to Hailey—“the love of my life. I can’t imagine life without you. And I’m so thankful for you and Hudson.” I met her lips for a quick kiss. “To coming home,” I finished.
We clinked glasses again, and I kissed Hailey once more, detesting the nervousness I felt deep down inside.
I picked at the food on my plate. Mom had catered the get-together from some of my favorite places to eat. We had chicken wings, various pasta salads, pizza, and submarine sandwiches from a place I could picture in my mind but couldn’t remember the name of.
