She looked at me. She looked at Derek. She looked at Cara and Grant, and then she looked at me again. "Get out of my house."
I nodded and headed for the hallway where my bag was still waiting, and when Derek grabbed me, I pulled away. "I'll be fine. Remember, I've been through this sort of thing before," I told him. I’d truly miss him.
Just as I was about to head out the front door, I heard the shouting, which surprised me. "GRAY CARSON, GET YOUR BEHIND BACK IN HERE! I'M NOT TALKING TO YOU. I'M TALKING TO THIS MAN WHO HAS COME INTO MY HOME WITHOUT ONE HUMBLE BONE IN HIS BODY. HE'S AT LEAST FORTY, AND HE'S IMPREGNATED MY DAUGHTER? NO! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" She was yelling, and I'd never heard it before. Based on the look on Derek's face, he wasn't used to it either.
Just then, Rick hurried back into the kitchen. "What the hell is going on?" He'd been on a phone call for work, or so I'd find out later, and he was completely perplexed…much like myself.
Addy turned to him and slapped her hand on the counter. "Seems our daughter has decided it's time for her to have a baby before she graduates. So much for the money we paid for her to go to law school so she could have a better life."
I was pretty sure things were headed downhill from there, so I returned to the kitchen to retrieve the pie crusts from the oven when the timer went off, staying quiet so the family could sort things out. As much as it seemed like a cluster fuck, it was actually a relief to me. I was part of a family…a fucked up one, but a family no less.
We were gonna have our ups and downs…our differences of opinions…our arguments. But…we were a family. It was the best news I could have ever received.
Five
Derek
I held the laugh as I thought about the events of the day, but good God, it was something out of a holiday comedy. My mother had been all over the boards that afternoon, and as Dad and I talked about it later that night, he told me she was likely going through menopause which wasn't going to be anyone's friend.
After she attacked Gray for saying we weren't out of the race for children, I sorta slinked back to see how things might go. Yes, I was afraid of the little woman, but I wouldn't step away from defending my man…though he seemed to be pretty fucking good at holding his own…on certain issues.
Once Cara made her grand announcement she was pregnant and her boss was the father of her child, I could see my mother was so far beyond pissed it was merely a blur behind us. I was shocked the top of her head was still intact because I’d have bet the pink slip on my Camaro it would have blown off at her news.
Addy had actually ordered Cara’s boyfriend, Grant Keyes, out of her home. When Dad walked into the kitchen as the shouting escalated, Mom told him Cara had wasted the money they'd contributed to law school because she got knocked up, and I could see Cara bristle before I saw my mother’s daughter come to life. "Grant, get our things so we can leave. We should go back to Dallas and celebrate the holiday as a family," Cara stated without passion. She was cold as a fish, which was exactly how my mother had reacted on more than one occasion.
Dad stopped my sister from running upstairs and kissed her forehead. It seemed to deflate her anger a little because she was totally a daddy’s girl. "Cara Lee, you and your friend aren't going anywhere.
“Go get settled into your room and let me speak with your mother. Maybe you should take a nap or something? If you're carrying the grandchild of Addy Valentine, you probably need the rest," Dad teased with a worried smile.
He then turned to Grant Keyes. "You, however, should come back downstairs after you help her get settled. I'd like to have a talk with you, friend."
Grant nodded and walked upstairs, carrying their luggage with him. I turned to Dad because I was totally confused. "What are we gonna do?" I whispered.
Dad nodded, picking up on my concern. "Your mom's in a mood, and I heard half of what she said to Gray, so take him outta here. He doesn't deserve her wrath because she's not mad at him. Her anger would be misdirected at him when this escalates, and he's too kind to be her scapegoat. Go see Quinn and Mari. She's due any day, and with the other four, I'm sure they'd love a visit and a few extra hands.
"You've got your key to the house, so go visit them for a while so I can attempt to handle things with your mom. I'm used to it, after all. Please explain to Gray we're not always this insane, although it looks like it right now. Anyway, I'm sorry this fell on you and Gray on our first holiday. I honestly like the guy, Derek, and I think he’s good for you," Dad offered with a smile before he hugged me tightly. I kissed his cheek before I grabbed my man to leave the war zone.
I called Quinn on the way to their home and explained to him how we needed a little space from my family. Just as I expected, he was more than happy for us to stop by for a visit. "Come on over. The kids are outside, and Mari's resting, so I could use the company. Don't ring the doorbell. The door's open."
I hung up and turned to Gray. "Feel like playing with QJ, Marie, Cody, and Michael?"
He smiled. "I'd love nothing more."
That was all I needed to hear. We drove to their home, and when we pulled into their driveway, all of the kids raced to the car once we’d stopped. When we got out, they jumped all over us, and I loved it. I could see Gray loved it as well, and it was then I knew we'd find a way to have kids to bless the happy life we were going to share, even if we had to leave Texas. My boyfriend was destined to be a great father, and I would do everything I could to make sure it happened.
I reached down and kissed Marie on the head. "How are you, beautiful?" I asked as we all made our way to the house.
She sighed heavily. "Uncle Derek, why can't girls play football? Daddy says I can't play because I'm a girl, and I don't get it," she asked sincerely.
I considered the options regarding the correct answer to her question, and I decided not to be a sexist prick and tell her pretty, little girls didn't play football. "Sweetheart, he's just worried you'll get hurt. Or maybe he's worried you'll show up all the boys and make them look pathetic," I teased. She smiled brightly and took my hand.
We walked into the house and I could see nothing but utter chaos. I glanced in Gray's direction and saw him taking in the scene as well. There were dirty dishes, stacks of unfolded laundry, and toys everywhere. It was a mess, and as he took it in, I could see he wasn't going to just let it go unchecked. He turned to Quinn and smiled. "Where's Mari?"
"She's actually on bed rest because she’s started dilating and it’s still too soon for the babies. I've been doing my best, but I’m not great at keeping a house. Marie tries, God bless her, but the boys and I aren’t much help," Quinn stated as he tried to start picking up, obviously embarrassed by the state of their home.
My Gray…he was a class act. "Why don't you take the kids outside to play a game and let me get dinner started for you? It's the least I can do because I'm going to rifle through your underwear drawer, Quinn, you sexy man," he teased. Quinn cracked up.
I grabbed Michael and picked him up. "You wanna go out in the yard and kick a ball?"
"Pwease?" He was so damn adorable, so I nodded.
Quinn looked at me and shook his head that my Gray didn't have to do anything in their home. He was just grateful for the visit. Of course, the man I loved wouldn’t settle for anything of the sort. "Come on. You'll be surprised what he can do in a short amount of time. That's why I'm going to marry him," I whispered as Quinn and I took the kids outside and did what we could to entertain them.
An hour later, I heard Marisol’s happy laughter, which always sounded nice, but I credited that to the fact she was a remarkable woman. And, honestly? She was exactly the type of woman Quinn Tucker needed to be his wife. She was a helper to him in all ways that mattered, and she let him believe he was making the decisions for their family while she silently ran the show and still made him feel like a king. He maintained his dignity as the head of the house, and she made certain the train stayed on the tracks. I honestly admired that about their relationship and felt maybe, I
was on the path to enjoying the same life with my little sexpot.
I walked onto the deck to grab a beer…so I could listen to the conversation Mari and Gray were having in the house. "She asked me if I could get pregnant, okay? I know Derek wants kids someday, and we'll figure out the how of it, but I just can't believe she can be so closed minded.
“Hell, Rick told me Derek came out when he was sixteen. Do you think she actually believed he'd change his mind about his sexuality and settle down with Sally Homemaker, no offense. And, by the fucking way, what’s wrong with me that I'm not good enough for Derek? I love that man with my whole heart, and I’d never leave him unless he told me to go. Hell, even then I might just stalk his fine ass. I’ll do everything I can to take care of him, Marisol."
I started to go inside to straighten out things because if he thought my mother was going to break us up? He was sadly mistaken. As I reached for the doorknob, I heard Marisol speak up. "Gray, knock that mess off. Addy is just like Miriam, I swear. I told you the hell I went through when Quinn and I first got together.
“This is only the second time you've been around Addy for any amount of time, and that shit at the hospital doesn’t count, so you can’t really judge the relationship you’ll have with her in the future, sweetheart. She's the type of mother who believes no one is good enough for her children, ever. It takes time with women like that, Gray, trust me. I'd suggest maybe you try to develop a relationship with Addy outside of your relationship with Derek."
A relationship outside of me? How the hell was that even possible? She was my crazy mother. Any kind of relationship with her had to be on her own terms, family or not.
I took my hand off the door handle and turned to the yard, seeing the kids kicking a beach ball amongst themselves. Quinn was helping Michael, and I could see the little guy was getting around better than last time I’d seen him. He seemed to have better balance and coordination, and that was a very good thing.
I walked down the stairs to the yard to hand Quinn a beer. "Seems like Mikey’s doing better," I stated.
Before Quinn could answer, Marie ran up and knelt down next to Michael. "Come on Mikey, I need your help to beat those two boys," she invited as she took his hand and pulled him with her across the yard where QJ and Cody were apparently keeping the ball from her.
Quinn pointed to the deck, so we slowly started walking across the yard. "We actually found him a new doctor. She's a specialist in dealing with toddlers who were born premature, and she's got him going to an occupational therapist. As you can tell, it’s been helping."
I thought for a minute and remembered Beth Allen, Gray's best friend, was going to school for that type of a degree as well. I didn't know much about it, but if it was helping Michael, who was the sweetest kid on the face of the earth, then it must be a very noble profession.
"Gray's best friend, Beth, is going to school for the same kind of thing. I'm glad it's helping him. Little guy needs something to go his way," I responded.
Quinn looked guilty, and I worried I'd stuck my big fuckin' foot in my mouth. "Man, I didn't…"
"No, no. You're right, and when the twins come, he's gonna have to take a back seat for a while. My health insurance doesn't cover his therapy, so Mari and I have been paying for it, but with the expenses for two more mouths to feed, we'll have to stop taking him," Quinn explained.
I felt horrible for them. I mean, they had four kids because Quinn was a stubborn idiot regarding birth control. I remembered when he'd found out Mari went on the pill after Marie was born. I thought they were going to get divorced over it because he was so pissed off about it.
Now, they're adding two more mouths. I hated to be shitty about it, but if you can barely afford the kids you have, you have no business having more. I'd never say it out loud, but it was how I felt.
"What about your mom and dad? I bet they'd help if you asked them," I suggested.
He glanced through the screen door from the deck to the kitchen, probably having heard Marisol’s laugh again. "She's at the table while Gray's making dinner," I whispered.
"I suggested we talk to Mom and Dad about it a while back and you'd have thought I was asking Mari to pick a favorite kid and we'd give the other ones away. My darling wife is as headstrong as my mother and she absolutely refuses help from my parents for any reason. She said she'd take in laundry and make pies for Lewis Café before she'd let my mother have the upper hand regarding anything in our household," he explained as we both finished our beers.
He grabbed us two more, and I glanced into the house, seeing Gray talking animatedly about something with Marisol. "Can't you talk to your parents and ask them not to say anything in front of Mari about the money. You know, sort of under the table? I know your mom's…"
"Just like yours. Do you think Adsila Valentine wouldn't throw it in Gray's face if she was helping you pay bills because of something relating to him? Miriam Tucker would lord over Mari like there's no tomorrow, and we both know it. We'll just have to wait until Mikey gets into school and hope the school system offers some sort of program to help him like we have now," Quinn told me.
As I was about to offer another suggestion, the back door opened and Gray came out, sporting a dish towel over his shoulder. "Kids, come wash up! Dinner's almost ready," he yelled. He looked at Quinn and me and laughed. "You two as well. Derek, I called Addy and told her we'd eat dinner here so they have time to talk to Cara and her friend. Bring me a beer when you come in, will you, please?"
"How'd Mom take it when you told her we were eating here?" I asked, very interested in whether my mother gave him trouble about not allowing her to be the center of attention that night.
Gray grinned at me. "I didn't tell her anything. I suggested maybe she'd rather have some time to talk with Cara and her friend without us being a distraction. I told her I was making dinner for Quinn's family, and if she'd prefer, I could put more beans in the pot and you and I could eat here. She thought it was a good idea and thanked me," he stated with a smug nod of his head, which I thought was adorable.
I honestly wasn’t sure if the fact my mom didn’t pitch a fit at him was good news or not, but maybe what he said had something to do with what Mari said about him having a relationship outside of me? I'd have to ask about that one, but if it worked? I’d drive that bus to glory!
Six
Derek
Quinn and I walked into the house and Quinn stopped short, making me run into him. I glanced around to see what had his attention, and when I saw it, I understood completely.
The house, which had been in chaos with clothes and toys and the normal shit that comes with having four active kids and a mother on bedrest leaving Dad in charge, was now spic-and-span and the place looked perfect.
The kids came running in behind us and hurried toward the kitchen for dinner until Gray stepped forward with his hand in the air like a crossing guard. "Hold it right there, lady and gents! Let's go get washed up. Nobody sits down to dinner with grass stains on their hands and dirt on their faces. Come on," Gray ordered as he picked up little Michael and carried him down the hallway. QJ, Marie, and Cody followed him like the fucking Pied Piper.
Quinn turned to look at me. "I swear to heaven, he's a fucking miracle worker. Look at this place. It hasn't been this orderly and clean since the day before Mari was put on bed rest." Yeah, I could tell my man had worked his magic, yet again. He was one in a million.
"Dude, I gotta ask something, and you're gonna hate me for asking but I'm a nosy, fucking idiot. Don't hit me in the face because we're going to get family pictures done for Christmas gifts on Saturday." I nodded for Quinn to continue, knowing it would be some sort of “gay” question.
"He's a good-looking guy, and he's kinda small, compared to us. Do you…uh, has h-h-he…y-you know?" Quinn stammered out.
I had a feeling I knew what he was gonna ask, so I decided to just answer the dumbass because if I waited for him to get it out, whatever was making the house smell so great
would be gone. Quinn's kids ate like Quinn…face-in-plate, no-holds-barred.
"Let's cut to the chase here. Yes, Gray's a smaller guy in height and weight. He's five-eight, actually, and he weighs about a buck-fifty. He's been workin' out at the gym because he's worried about gettin' fat. I work out at the precinct gym every morning because if I didn't, I'd be a fuckin' sumo wrestler with the way he cooks.
"A few Saturdays ago, we were up to no good, and without tellin' tales outta school, when we got done, I was dehydrated and walkin' funny, but man, the smile on my face could be seen from the International Space Station. That what you wanted to know?" I added the wink for effect.
Quin smiled and punched my shoulder in that guy-way as he shook his head. "Good on you, man. Glad you're happy." With that, we went into the kitchen to wash our hands for dinner.
Quinn kissed Mari's cheek. "How you feelin', baby doll?"
Marisol rubbed her belly and smiled. "I'm so fuckin' miserable I'd welcome death right now, but Gray made a wonderful dinner for us, so wash your damn hands. I'm starving."
We both laughed and washed up. Gray hurried back with all the kids shiny-clean, hair brushed, and clean shirts on Cody and QJ. He placed Michael in his booster seat and proceeded to put dinner on the table.
"What can I do, babe?" I asked as I walked over to the stove and kissed his cheek. I heard the giggles behind me and I chuckled along with them.
"Maybe get the kids some juice or milk? Also, see what Mari wants," Gray suggested. Like the good partner I am, I did as he asked, filling glasses with milk and juice. Mari wanted water, so I filled a large glass with ice and water, placing it in front of her.
"He's got you trained up," Mari teased with a wink.
"More like d…" I began before she cocked an eyebrow, obviously knowing what I was going to say… 'More like dick whipped'.
"Got it. Maybe I should keep you here and send Quinn home with him for a while. I could use someone around to help with this madness."
A Valentine's Quest (The Valentine's Trilogy) Page 4