Whatever awkwardness I expected with Rhys’ parents around, is non-existent. His dad, is more of the quiet type, but he’s kind and charming, a lot like Rhys. His mom is sweet and full of grace. More grace than I could ever have.
Several times today, she’s nearly brought me to tears with her kindness and acceptance.
I don’t deserve it.
“Kelsey,” she pats my hand as we stand side by side, watching the men playing with Reid. “Honey, you have to know, we all make mistakes. If I know my son at all, I know that he cares deeply for you. Enough that he can find it in his heart to forgive you. You’ll need to be able to forgive yourself too.”
Her words take me by surprise. I’m unsure what, if anything, I can say back to that.
“I don’t know what he’s told you, but there are some things that I’m not sure people can come back from,” I reply, honestly.
“Well now, that may be true,” she says, matter of factly. “I’m not sure you’re there though.”
I’m pretty sure that keeping Reid a secret is unforgivable. Still, I’m not willing to argue with her about it.
“Neither of us were thrilled to find out the circumstances surrounding our grandson. I’m sure I also don’t need to tell you that Rhys was deeply hurt by being left in the dark. That doesn’t mean things are beyond repair. What you’ve done in the past few weeks, speaks volumes. And, if we’re being honest, from the outside – I can see why you may have made the choices you did when you found out you were expecting.”
She pauses, and I take a drink of the water sitting in front of me, feeling uneasy by this conversation.
“The thing about Rhys is, he’s always wanted a family of his own one day. He’s wanted to settle down, get married and have children. And, Rhys has always done the right thing. All of that aside, he looks at you like you mean something to him.”
I’m so caught up in what Donna is saying, that I don’t notice Rhys has joined us until he puts an arm around my shoulder, startling me.
“What are you two ladies up to? I hope my mom’s not telling you embarrassing stories about when I was a kid,” Rhys jokes.
I force a smile and laugh, “Things were just getting good.”
“Well, I hate to cut this party short. Mom, Dad said he’s ready to head to the hotel and turn in for the night.”
“Oh alright, I’ll be right there,” she shoos Rhys away and turns back to me. “I meant every word I said, sweetheart. As far as Jim and I are concerned, you’re already family. We couldn’t be more in love with that little boy in there either. Thank you for opening your home to us today,” Donna pulls me in for a hug as I fight back the urge to cry.
“I’m going to take them to the hotel, then if it’s ok with you, I’ll swing back by?” Rhys asks as he brings Reid to me.
* * *
Rhys
When I get back to Kelsey’s place, I send her a text instead of knocking – just in case little man is sleeping. I’m irrationally pissed when she tells me the doors unlocked, to come on in.
Seeing her rocking Reid to sleep only upsets me more. I’m a cop, and protective by nature. I can’t help it. Anyone could have walked right in. That door should have never been left unlocked, and I don’t hesitate to tell her about it as soon as my boy is tucked in and I’ve kissed his forehead.
“Back off Rhys, I only unlocked it before I came in here. It’s been a few minutes. I knew you were coming back. Relax. It’s a safe neighborhood,” she says as she pulls Reid’s door partially closed.
“That means nothing. Kelsey, I see it every day at work. People are shitty, the world is crazy. You can’t blame me for wanting to keep the two of you safe.”
“Right got it, tone it down caveman.”
Her flippant attitude has my palms itching. What I wouldn’t give to spank her ass for being such a brat sometimes. Just thinking about it has my cock hardening.
“Kelsey, I’m serious. Don’t leave the Goddamn door unlocked again.”
“Fuck off, Rhys.”
I spin on my heels and pin her to the wall, “You’re fucking infuriating. Would it kill you to listen to me?”
Her breath ticks up, her chest rising and falling, pushing her breasts out even more. “In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t take orders from you.”
“You need to, especially when you’re putting our child in jeopardy.” Wrong word choice. I know it as soon as her eyes harden. The punch in the gut that comes from her confirms it.
“I have never put Reid in jeopardy, you asshole.”
“Shit,” I wheeze. Kelsey packs a punch. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Of course, you didn’t,” she flips me the finger as she walked into her bedroom and slams the door behind her.
I’m such a fucking dumbass. Clearly, I’m no good at expressing my feelings and making her understand that I give a damn. Instead, I keep right on putting my foot in my mouth. Shaking my head, I sulk into the spare bedroom and throw myself on the futon where I toss and turn the rest of the night.
The next morning, she’s gracious enough to join my parents for breakfast before we hit the road and head back home. I wish like hell I had more time, but my work schedule shifted this week, and I’ve got to get back.
My parents hug Kelsey and give us a few minutes alone while they love on Reid in the gift shop of the restaurant before we leave.
“Hey,” I reach for her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry about last night. I meant what I said about locking the door, you can’t fault me there. I see far too much evil at work, Kels. But I’m sorry for even remotely sounding like you’d put Reid at risk.”
“I hear you, and I’m sorry for how I reacted. Hormones,” she grumbles the last word and my breath hitches. “Oh my god! NOT that, you fool. I’m not pregnant.” Clearly, she reads me well.
I give her a nervous laugh as she shakes her head.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you all weekend too – Reid’s surgery is scheduled for July 31st. It’s a Tuesday.”
“Alright. I’ll be there,” I say as I pull my phone from my pocket and add the date to my calendar.
“If you can’t make it…”
“Kelsey, I’ll be there. Let me check my schedule, and I’ll probably take some vacation time and stay for a few days after too. I’ll work it out.”
She nods and looks down at the ground, “Okay. There’s something else I wanted to mention to you too.”
I put a finger under her chin and lift her head. It kills me when I feel like she’s hiding from me. “Go on.”
“After Reid’s surgery, once we get the all clear from his doctor’s…well, I’m going to come out your way for a few days. To, uhm, to look at some places to live. I think it’s time you stop commuting four hours to be with your son.”
Her words take my breath away. If there was anything in this world she could have given me, aside from our son, this is it. I can’t fight back the smile on my face. “You’re serious?”
I can’t say I haven’t given thought to moving here to be with them or hoped she would want to come to Florida with me. So, this…takes a huge weight off my shoulders.
“Very serious,” her own grin, lighting up her face.
Pulling her closer, I wrap my arms around her and push her body against mine. “You know, I have an extra bedroom. You don’t need to find your own place.”
Kelsey laughs at me, “That is a discussion to have for another day. Somehow, I knew you’d say that. For now, let’s get Reid through this little hiccup, and we’ll talk.”
I’m still hugging her when my parents come out. My mom has Reid in her arms, and my dad has a bunch of bags in his.
“I tried to tell her she didn’t need to buy every toy they had,” my dad grunts.
“Oh, but I did, it’s what grandparents get to do. I made sure they were all age appropriate. There are a few things in there for Kelsey too.”
“You didn’t have to,” Kelsey separates herself from me.
We help her get Reid, and several bags, loaded into her car. My parents hug her goodbye, and I give her a kiss on the lips.
“I’ll call you when I get home.”
“Okay. I’m sure this little guy is ready for a nap. If he doesn’t fall asleep in the car. Drive safe.”
I wait and watch as Kelsey pulls off before I get in the driver’s seat and head home with my parents.