Kaden glared at Luc. “Mom, we aren’t on a local ball hockey team. This is the professional hockey league, and this should be a non-issue. Meaning, he should know better.”
“If I can say something,” Luc started. “Mrs. O’Conner, I’m a good guy. I know what the code says, and I know how your son feels. I’m sure he’s told you that there are stories about me. I know he’s tried to convince anyone who will listen. But that was when I was young and stupid. Isn’t everyone at one time? I’m sure there are plenty of stories out there about various Renegades players. But like most of them, I’m not that person anymore. Judge me for what I did back then, but get to know the man I am now.” Luc paused for a moment, as if he was thinking of what to say next. Then he added, “Can you please pass the mashed potatoes?”
“Well, Luc, I do agree with you,” Kassie’s mom said. “Everyone does things in their lives that they might regret later. We can’t change our pasts, we can only choose to do better in the future.” She smiled, her eyes twinkling as she watched Luc.
Kassie already knew her mom was on her side, but for her to say it in front of Kaden was a surprise. Looked like Luc’s charm worked on all O’Conner women.
Kaden slid his chair away from the table, the familiar look of annoyance on his face. He deadpanned toward the baby. “Kaleb needs to be changed.”
But before he could pick him up, Kassie’s mom chimed in. “Ali, dear, since you’re done eating, can you please grab Kaleb? Kassie, can you help me with the coffee? Mr. Mar—I mean, Joe, we have dessert in the kitchen that your thoughtful son brought. Would you mind helping me grab it?” Her mom hurried them all out of the dining room, leaving the boys alone.
“Mom,” Kassie said, once they were in the kitchen, standing around. “What do you expect them to accomplish in there? You know as well as I do that Kaden will sit there and not say a word. He’s got Dad’s stubborn side.”
“I know. But I hope they will try to discuss things, at least a little. Then we can go back in and try to move things along.” She fussed with the coffee maker until a fresh pot was brewing. “And if not, don’t worry. I’ll sit your brother down and make him listen to me. Besides, we all know he’s no expert in affairs of the heart. Just look at how long it took for him to sort things out with Ali.”
At first there was no sound coming from the dining room, but then she did hear voices. She believed this whole thing might still be able to be cleared up. Or at least getting it out in the open would invite discussion.
“I know if Kaden would just listen to Luc, I mean really listen, they could work this out. They both want the same thing for me, happiness.” Kassie knew all her thoughts made sense. But when Kaden was in macho-caveman mode, making sense was not something he would consider.
“That’s the problem, dear. Kaden is having a hard time with someone taking his place in your life. With Luc in your life, you won’t need Kaden to protect you. Luc will do that.”
“So, he’s just going to throw his weight around and scare away any guy who tries to get close to me?” It seemed like a dumb excuse, but in a ridiculous way it kind of did make sense.
“Afraid so.” Joe spoke up. “I hope you don’t mind me interjecting.”
“Not at all, Joe. It’s nice to hear some outside opinions. My son is just so stubborn. Kassie is right about one thing; her brother does have his daddy’s bull-headedness. My son is a good man; he just doesn’t know any better. He can’t see that his little sister is now a beautiful young woman.” She put her arm around Kassie and lovingly pulled her close.
“Kassie, I do believe the boys will work this out,” Joe said. “It may take some time, but it’ll be okay. Your brother just wants to make sure you won’t get hurt. With your dad gone, I’m sure he takes that responsibility very seriously. Maybe don’t be so hard on him. Us guys, we have hard heads, so sometimes it takes us longer than it should to get us to understand.” Joe’s voice was sincere. “I believe he’ll come around in his own time.”
“Thanks, Mr. Marcella.”
“However, don’t expect Luc to back down and wait for your brother to come around. He’s got a stubborn streak in him as well, and when he sees something he wants, he doesn’t stop until he has it,” Joe added with a knowing nod.
The coffee was done brewing, and Kassie and Joe carried the cupcakes to the dining room. She didn’t know how long the guys had talked, or if they even spoke at all, but they were silent now. Ali followed them back to the dining room.
“That was a long diaper change,” Kaden commented with irritated sarcasm, as his wife returned to the dining room with baby Kaleb. Ali waved her husband off with a shake of her head. Judging by the smile on her lips and the way she rolled her eyes, Kassie knew she wasn’t letting Kaden’s bratty comment rattle her.
“Kaden Michael! Mind your manners,” their mom scolded. With that the table grew quiet. “Ali, honey, you do know that you’re allowed to slap him in front of me, right?”
That comment got a laugh out of everyone but Kaden.
Joe finished his cupcake and coffee without another comment. Ali and Kassie spoke about generic topics, while Luc kept his arm draped around Kassie’s shoulders. She noticed how Kaden watched them. It looked as if her brother wanted to say something, but never did. After having talked to her mom and Luc’s dad, Kassie wasn’t letting Kaden’s attitude bother her so much. At least not right now.
The evening wound down, and Luc’s dad appeared to be getting restless and even a bit tired as a yawn crept up on him.
“Well, Mrs. O’Conner, thank you so much for dinner,” Luc said. “It’s been a really long two days. Dad looks like it’s getting close to his bedtime.” Luc nodded to his tired looking dad.
“I wish I could say that wasn’t true. But these old bones don’t work as well as they did in my younger years. They tell me when it’s time to call it a night these days.”
“Please, you’re not that old, Dad.” Luc snickered, then turned his attention to Kassie. “I think we’re going to get going.” Luc kissed Kassie on the cheek before standing up. “Sweets, call me when you get home?”
Kassie smiled. She loved when he called her that, and it was even nicer in front of her family. “Absolutely. Be careful going home, okay?”
Her family stood up and said their goodbyes. Kaden was polite to Luc’s dad, and then nodded to Luc, but never spoke. At least that was something.
“Joe, I’m so glad you made it over. Hopefully we’ll be able to get together again,” her mom said.
“I’d like that. Thanks so much for inviting me.”
Luc leaned in and whispered in her ear. “If you want to stop over later, I’ll be home.”
“Depends on what time I leave here. I’ll let you know.” Kassie walked them to the front door. She didn’t even stop to check if Kaden was watching before she kissed Luc goodnight. “Drive carefully. Bye, Joe. I’ll see you soon.”