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Cara pursed her lips, looking to me.
“You know, Lucy, Cara’s mommy and daddy are just as nice as Cara.” I couldn’t tell her the truth. That they scared the shit out of me. However, even though they might not have been nice to me when I met them, I doubted they would pull the same act with a little girl. “If you’re uncomfortable, you just tell one of us and we’ll help, okay?”
Cara sighed from the passenger seat and rested her hand on her stomach. Now nearing three months pregnant she wasjuststarting to show. Not that anyone could tell except for me. It was only when the fabric of her clothing was pulled very taut that an outside eye could tell.
It was just for me and her.
When we pulled up to the Smith house, I immediately felt a fight or flight response. I didn’t want to walk into my demise yet again. “Alright.” I smacked my hands against the steering wheel.Showtime, Taves.“Let’s do this, huh?”
Cara smiled at me and grabbed my hand.
I needed that.
“There they are!”
We all looked to the front door where Stan, Linda, and Katie all stood. Katie was the happiest, followed by Linda who managed a polite smile. Stan trailed behind in the welcome department, looking stoic and cold.
It didn’t matter what they thought of me. I knew what Cara believed. I could see it right on her wrist; the bracelet I’d given her. She never took it off. On top of her constant reassurance, that was a sign.
And I couldn’t imagine a person in this whole world that wouldn’t be charmed by Lucy Taves.
Cara got out first and Lucy followed before either of us could fetch her. I watched as Cara and Lucy walked hand in hand up the walk toward Cara’s family. Just as expected, they were all enchanted by Lucy. Even Stan cracked a smile.
Deep breath. You can do this.
I finally got out of the car and followed my girls up the walk. Stan’s face returned to stone when he laid eyes on me, but Linda made up for it. “Wesley, we’re so happy you all could make it.” She embraced me and kissed my cheek. She was making an effort. For Cara’s sake. I could appreciate that.
“We’ve been looking forward to this all week. Haven’t we, Luce?” I nudged my daughter, who was being a bit bashful, leaning into Cara’s leg.
Lucy nodded adamantly.
“So this is Lucy, hmm?” Linda bent down. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you. Would you like to come inside with me?”
Katie grinned. “There may or may not be something for you in the living room.”
Lucy’s ears perked at the suggestion of a present. “Alright. That sounds nice.”
“Of course, it does! Come with me. I’m your Aunt Katie. I’m like the cool, fun aunt.” Katie held her hand out to Lucy.
Lucy looked up at me and then to Cara.
Cara let go of her hand and pushed her toward Katie. “Go ahead, honey. I promise, she won’t bite.”
At Cara’s encouragement, Lucy accepted Katie’s invitation.
Katie led Lucy inside. “You’ll have to tell me where you got that dress. Does it come in my size?”
Lucy giggled so loud I could hear it even after she disappeared inside. “No, definitely not!”
Thank God for Katie.
Left alone with Stan and Linda, the air was tense.
Stan cleared his throat. “Wesley, I think you and I should talk in private. Man to man.”
Cara touched my back softly. She had been very clear that if anything was making me uncomfortable, we would leave. But I’d been looking forward to getting a chance to talk with Stan since this meeting was arranged.
I could finally let him know my true thoughts, uninhibited by fear.
