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Aaron probably should have prepared her with more backstory first. He backed up and made a point of making noise as he approached the kitchen this time. Brynn turned as he entered, but his mother’s back remained towards him.
“How’s it going in here?”
His mother turned, blinking away the wetness in her eyes with a glowing smile. “Great. We’re having fun. Where’s your dad?”
“Watching the game.” He stepped forward and picked a warm roll from the basket.
His mother walked over and slapped his hand away. “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. Don’t fill up on bread.” She turned to Brynn. “He and his sister were always sneaking rolls before every holiday meal, and by the time we sat down for supper, they’d be too full. Until it was time for dessert, of course.”
Aaron pulled in a deep breath. He should correct his mother that his sister was his brother. But he didn’t want to ruin dinner. Brynn and Dani deserved a holiday without his family drama. They all just needed to get through the next couple of hours.
An hour later they were all sitting around his dining table finishing up their dinner. Brynn had wanted to do something special and picked up some flowers from Lily’s Flower Shop for the center of the table. He’d offered to take her shopping for decorations, but she refused. The woman hated him spending his money on her. Hopefully, she’d come around some day.
“Aaron, you should bring Brynn and Dani to see your hometown in Georgia sometime,” his mother said before turning to lean in towards Brynn who was across the table next to him. “There are some marvelous restaurants in Atlanta. Have you ever been to a basketball game in an arena?”
Brynn shook her head. “No.”
“Then it’s settled. You’ll have to come for one of the games. We could get box seats and cater the whole thing,” Mother finished, as if it was already decided.
Brynn just smiled politely and turned her attention to Aaron, as if gauging his reaction.
“Do you have any plans for Christmas?” his mother asked, her gaze volleying between Brynn and Aaron.
“Iris,” his father warned.
His mother spun to look at her husband by her side. “What?”
His dad’s eyes pinned her to the spot.
She turned back to Aaron. “I’d love to see you for the holidays.” Her attention darted to Dani at the table’s end. “You’ll have to tell Yaya Ridley what you want for Christmas.”
Dani’s eyes widened. “You mean a gift?”
His mother clasped her hands together. “Why, of course a gift. Maybe two if you’re extra good for your mama until then.”
Dani beamed.
“So, are you planning on taking some time off from your little project now that you’re married?” his father asked him.
Aaron’s brows drew together. “Project?”
“That place you run for those confused people,” his dad clarified.
Aaron’s body went rigid as he cast a quick glance at Dani and then to Brynn who placed her hand on his thigh, bringing him a wave of comfort while her attention remained glued to his parents. It was the first time she’d initiated physical contact, and that small gesture spoke volumes.
Aaron sighed. “You mean my multimillion-dollar nonprofit? No, I have no plans on stopping my work there. I’m helping teenagers have a safe place to go when their small-minded parents kick them out.” Like Emmanuel should have had.
His father’s hands balled into fists on the table.
His mother winced. “Surely, your father only meant that being around people like that might make things uncomfortable for your new wife and daughter. What might people say about your reputation? What if they think you’re spending time with so many people that are . . . well . . .”
“Gay?”
His mother’s eyes widened in horror, as if he’d cursed the Lord himself to his face. “Look, I don’t think we should be discussing business at the dinner table, it’s improper. Does anyone want dessert?”
“You don’t like gay people?” Dani asked, the earlier joy drained from her expression as a wariness marred her young features.
“We love everybody, honey, just as the Lord commands. But some people are confused. We love the sinner but hate the sin.”
