“I know enough. Your head is supposed to be focused on your career, not lounging in the clouds with some girl.”
“I’m doing what I have to do, same as I always did. And she’s not just some girl. Nothing you can say will ever make me feel differently about her, Dad. I’m sorry. You can’t have your way this time.”
“I only want what’s best for you, son.”
“She is what’s best for me. I’m doing what you want. I’m pursuing a career in law that I can’t stand, but I will not let you tell me who I should and shouldn’t fall in love with. This girl means a lot to me, and I’d appreciate it if you’d apologize for the way you treated her.”
There was a brief pause before he continued and my heart swelled with pride hearing him put his foot down, but broke at the same time for the pain he probably felt having to do it. “She’s not like us, Dad. And she doesn’t deserve it. If you want to see me, you’ll have to accept her because she’s with me now and that’s it. I let you control enough aspects of my life.” Blake’s tone was hard and cold, but I heard the hurt laced in his words.
“Is that so? You’ll watch how you talk to me, boy. I’m still your father. We’ll finish this discussion another day. Right now it’s Thanksgiving, and your mom went to a lot of trouble cooking for everyone.”
“You finish it. I’m leaving.”
Wow. He’d finally stood up for something—me. I was so proud of him.
There was a rustling, and I slowly backed away, not wanting to get caught. The door flew open, revealing a red-faced Blake. Anger rolled off him, but behind his eyes was a lost little boy and my heart ached for him. For how he must have been feeling. I knew he said what he needed to say, but I also knew it wasn’t easy for him.
He stopped short, flexing his jaw, and then took my hand and pulled. “Come on. We’re leaving.”
“Wha—I,” I stammered, trying my best to keep up with his rushed pace.
“Blake!” Mr. Turner’s voice boomed from behind us, but Blake kept his course.
“Goodbye, Mom. Eva doesn’t deserve to be treated this way. I’ll call you later.” He gave his mom a quick kiss on the cheek.
“No,” she cried. “Please. Wait. I’ll fix it.”
“You can’t. No one can fix him.” Blake continued to drag me around the dining room. He kissed Victoria next, who just looked down at her lap, lost for words. For the first time, I saw the scared little girl in her as well.
Blake pulled me out of the house with such force I was tripping over myself. When we were finally on the sidewalk, I yanked my arm back, trying to stop my feet along the concrete. “Blake, wait! Just hold up a minute.”
“No. I told you I’d protect you, and that includes from my father.”
“Well, I don’t think he likes me very much.” I rushed alongside him again.
“I don’t think he likes himself very much.” Blake looked straight ahead, undeterred in his stride.
“Can you just stop for a second. I’m getting runner’s cramp here.”
Blake stopped short, and I collided into him. I cleared my throat and smoothed my hands down my jacket. “I think we should go back.”
He frowned. “You’re nuts. I’m not going back there.”
“I’m serious, Blake. You don’t get to see them, and your mom looked heartbroken. I’m sure she put a lot of work into today. I can handle him.”
“You shouldn’t have to handle him,” he argued.
I nodded. “Well, I can deal with him then. For you.”
Dropping his head, Blake fisted his hips.
I took his hands, ducking my head under his to reach his eyes. “Hey,” I said softly.
Without lifting his head, he met my gaze, uncertain and questioning.
“I know you want to be there, and I want to be there with you.” I squared my shoulders. “We’ll be a united front. That’s probably the biggest step you’ve ever taken with him, and you did it for me. That’s huge and I appreciate it. I’m sure he got the message. Now let’s be the bigger people. What do you say?”
Blake let out a huge puff of air. “I’m shaking, Angel. Look at me.” He raised an unsteady hand.
I turned it over and kissed his palm. “You’re strong and you have me. You’ll be fine. Let’s just go back. It’ll make you feel better.”
“How could you want to go back there?”
“Because I love you, and your mom and Victoria are awesome. Let’s go make it right.”
Blake studied me, considering my proposition. The corner of his mouth twitched. “Did it hurt?”
“Did what hurt?”
“When you fell from heaven?” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please. I think we’re past the cheesy one-liners, don’t you? Come on, we can still make dessert.”
Back in the hallway, we stood for a moment staring at the same brown metal door we’d entered a few hours prior. Blake took a fortifying inhale and creaked the door open, letting the sound of irate voices spill out.
Rounding the corner to the dining room, a red-faced Elaine wept as Victoria held her shoulders.