Condemned

by Barbara Huffert

  “Oh my God, how did you do that?”

  When he was sure she was steady, he returned her to her feet. “Better hurry up.” He poured some shampoo on her hair. “Don’t want to keep them waiting.”

  Andie was drying off when she gasped, “Oh God, what am I going to wear?”

  Brett reappeared in the doorway. “I think you should come take a look before you panic about that.”

  “But…”

  He pulled her in front of the open closet and waited for her to see what was inside. “Seems like that’s not an issue.”

  “But…”

  “I’m sure they’ll explain,” Brett smothered her protest with a hard kiss. “There. Now you’re not so pale.”

  Andie followed his example and dressed hurriedly. “Brett.” She stopped him at the top of the steps.

  He understood her hesitation and held her against his chest. “They’re not here to judge us. They’re our family. It has to be as important as Jesse said or they wouldn’t be here so early.”

  “But why would they move all my things?”

  “No idea.” He raised her chin and looked into her eyes, letting all his feelings show. “Let’s go find out.” She nodded, still looking uncertain. “I love you.”

  Andie pressed her cheek against his hand. “I love you too.”

  “Twenty-nine minutes,” Sadie commented as they entered the kitchen. “Thank you for not making us wait.”

  “Morning, Aunt Sadie,” Andie mumbled, unsure what to say.

  Brett pulled her into a chair next to him and looked around the table. “Not that I object to this breakfast or any of you being here, I’m just a little surprised to see all of you this early. What’s up?”

  Jordan, Kiley, Shane, Alyssa, and Jesse all deferred to Sadie. “As this bunch already knows, Andrea, Brett called me yesterday and indicated that you might not be coming home. Since that was all the scoundrel would say, I enlisted Jesse to come check on your welfare. Stop blushing, dear. He simply reported that you seemed quite content to stay and assured me I had nothing to worry about. I know better than to request details. One look at your faces tells me all I need to know.” She patted Andie’s arm. “I’m very happy for you. And,” she glared at Brett, “I expect you to keep that look in place. No more nonsense.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Brett promised as he claimed Andie’s hand.

  “Good. Now for the reason we’re all here. I had a call from your mother not long after I spoke with Jesse.” Andie shuddered. “She and your grandmother are coming to visit tomorrow.”

  “No,” Andie gasped.

  “Unfortunately.” Sadie nodded. “I got to thinking and I decided that it would be best to present your situation as settled. I think it’ll be harder for them to meddle.” When Andie groaned, Sadie studied her. “Maybe I’m getting ahead of you. I assumed that Brett planned on inviting you to stay at the very least.”

  “Actually,” Brett interrupted. “That’s kind of backward. It’s Andie who invited me to stay. This is her house now. She’s also replacing me as your partner. Without her, I’m homeless, unemployed, and broke.”

  “You really did it,” Kiley couldn’t keep from commenting.

  “Told you he did.” Jordan looked triumphant. “Brett never did pay attention to his interests unless I forced him to. Andie, I hope you’re more willing to discuss things.”

  “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.” Alyssa laughed at Andie’s stunned expression. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. I don’t think any of them do things halfway.”

  “Everything?” Sadie finally asked, as Brett and Andie both nodded. When she slapped the table, Andie jumped. “Hot damn! Well done. I knew you had some real sense in that pretty head of yours, boy.”

  “Thanks.” Brett seemed pleased with Sadie’s approval. “In case you’re wondering, yes, I did ask Andie to marry me. For now, she has declined but I understand and respect her reasons and intend to keep asking until she accepts.”

  “Andrea!” Sadie was shocked.

  “Don’t start, Miss Sadie,” Brett said protectively. “It’s entirely Andie’s decision and I won’t let you or anyone else interfere.”

  Sadie remained silent for longer than was comfortable. “Fine,” she said, dismissing the subject. “Back to your mother. I called her back and asked her to meet us here instead. I enlisted your friends to help me pack up your things so we could bring them here. We assumed the empty spaces in the master bedroom were to be filled with Andie’s clothes so we got you all settled in. Don’t look so horrified. The girls did most of it.”

  “Thanks.” Andie blushed. “Why are they coming?”

  “To see if you’re ready to get back in line and be a puppet again. You’ve been with me several months. They must have decided that you’d had enough time to admit you’d made a mistake and accept that you are incapable of handling your own life.”

  “Oh, this is bad,” Andie remarked.

  “Not as bad as it would be if you were in my house and merely dating. They would try to convince you that Brett thought of you as a passing fling but isn’t the kind of man you would ever be capable of keeping interested in you. I heard your grandmother say the same things to your mother so I must assume they’ll both do that with you. Good girl for not believing them.”

  “But I do,” Andie whispered.

  “No, you used to.” Brett forced her to meet his eyes. “Remember what we said last night? You deserve the best and since we both know that’s me, you are exactly where you belong. Forever, wench.”

  “Beast.” She gave him a tiny smile. “Keep telling me that after they get here please. And don’t leave me alone with either of them for too long.”

  “Not a problem,” Brett assured her. “I have the constant need to touch you to make sure you’re really here so I doubt I’d let you out of my sight even without them here.”

  “Aw.” Kiley sniffled.

  Jordan pulled her chair closer so she could bury her head in his shoulder. “What she is trying to say is how sweet that sounded. We’ll provide reinforcements too, Andie. I took the liberty of arranging a little dinner tomorrow night to celebrate. Both sets of our parents will be here before the ladies arrive. Mom mentioned how often Gwen and Alex ask about you Andie, so I think they’ll give you both plenty of moral support.”

  “They did seem taken with you when they saw you over the summer. It’ll be fine. You’re also forgetting how charming I can be when I work at it,” Brett added.

  Andie laughed. “I’m well aware of your effect on women. I’m sure they’ll adore you just like every other female.”

  “Stop scowling, Brett,” Jesse piped up. “Andie is just teasing you. She knows she’s the only woman in your life from now on.”

  “It’s entertaining to see you so insecure,” Shane added. “But Jesse’s right, you don’t have any reason to be. You know what she can do so I sure she’ll let you know if you step out of line.”

  “I do wish I’d been here to see that,” Sadie admitted as Brett groaned.

  Andie couldn’t hold in a giggle. “I was so angry I didn’t think about what I was doing. I really didn’t plan on anything more than showing you that I could have escaped if I’d wanted to.”

  “Planned or not, you were very effective.” Brett grinned. “Did they say how long they were staying?”

  “No,” Sadie answered. “I’ll stay until Tuesday but I’m afraid they’ll be here longer. Especially if you let them get under your skin, Andie. Your grandmother has always been able to spot fear a mile away so you mustn’t let them scare you. This is your home now. One that you share with the man you’ve chosen. You already have students in town so you’re doing what you told them you love. Don’t let them intimidate you.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Sadie. What would I do without you in my corner?”

  “You’d be just fine, with or without me. And don’t forget your father. He may not stand up to your mother often but when he does, he doesn’t b
ack down. He’s the one who insisted you visit Hank and me every summer. I didn’t think you ever knew that,” Sadie said at Andie’s surprised expression.

  “I really need to meet him,” Brett stated as he glanced around the table. “Everyone here will help us keep them outnumbered.”

  “You’re our family now too,” Jordan said sincerely.

  “That’s right,” Shane agreed.

  “And nobody messes with my family,” Alyssa added, making them all laugh.

  “I don’t know what to say.” Andie was getting choked up.

  “How about thanks for breakfast and what can you bring for dessert?” Kiley spoke up. “Dee and Will are coming too to show you already have other friends in town. Dee’s helping with dinner but Sadie mentioned that you make wonderful pecan pie.

  “Ooh.” Alyssa licked her lips. “I think I’m going to love having you across the street.”

  “Campini, don’t even think it,” Shane tried to sound fierce. “You promised.”

  “I know.” She rolled her eyes. “We’re starting to talk baby and Shane insists I eat more healthy things before we try to get pregnant.”

  “Lyss!” Kiley pounced on her cousin.

  “Don’t excite yourself, Kiley,” Shane advised. “So far she’s been very unsuccessful at cutting down on her sugar intake. I think this is going to take quite some time to accomplish.”

  “I’m doing better.” Alyssa scowled.

  “Marginally,” Shane admitted.

  “Stop picking on me, McKade.” She swatted his arm. “Focus on why we’re here please. Andie and Brett, remember?”

  “I think we were settled. Tell me you’re not cooking this healthy stuff,” Brett teased.

  “Knock it off. Andie, I expect you to keep him in line,” Alyssa declared.

  “Maybe she could tie him up until he promises to behave,” Jesse suggested wickedly as Kiley began to clear the table.

  “I said I would do that,” Jordan took the plate out of her hand.

  Instead of sitting, Kiley exchange a look with Alyssa who joined her in slipping from the room. “Ah, Jordan…” Brett drew his attention.

  “Damn!” Jordan thrust the dishes at Shane and rushed after them. “Get back here,” he yelled as he took the steps two at a time.

  “Obviously,” Sadie stated, “I’ve missed something.”

  “Miss Sadie, there are some things I think it best that you don’t know.” Jesse winked at Andie.

  “Oh God.” Andie buried her face in her hands.

  “Hey. No hiding. Where’s the brave wench who was here earlier?” Brett leaned over and nibbled on her neck. “You can show them when you’re ready.”

  “I couldn’t…”

  “Sure you could.” Brett looked around the table again. “Family, remember? No judgment but lots of prying.”

  “Sorry.” Jordan walked in behind his wife and sister-in-law. “They are a bit curious.”

  “Aren’t we all?” Jesse chuckled. “But we’ll refrain from imposing our presence any longer today. We’ll just finish up here.” He handed Shane the last of the plates. “And then we’ll be out of your hair.”

  “Mom and Dad should be here with your parents around one tomorrow. We’ll send them over so you can share your news. Ladies.” Jordan ushered Kiley and Sadie out. “I’m sure they can come up with plenty to do without us until then.”

  “Yeah, we’ll be heading home too to rescue Flynn who volunteered to entertain Charlie while we talked. She doesn’t understand why adults need time without children listening for some things. Flynn and Joey will rake up your path this afternoon but they won’t hang around.”

  “I’ll be off too.” Jesse gave Andie a hug. “Told you that the cosmic plan wanted this for you. Promise you two won’t mess with it again.”

  When they both had, Jesse handed Andie back over to Brett and followed Shane and Alyssa home.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  “Let me,” Gwen Hudson patted her son’s arm and followed Andie into the kitchen. “Can we sit for a moment?”

  Andie was a bundle of nerves ever since Brett had insisted they call her father that morning. The two men’d had a lengthy conversation after which Stan Sloan wished his daughter all the happiness in the world and promised to visit soon. He had apologized for her mother’s behavior in advance, causing Andie’s present state. Even the acceptance she got from Brett’s parents hadn’t done much to ease the dread she had for her family’s impending arrival.

  “I’d like to have a private word with you, if you don’t mind,” Gwen spoke softly. “Brett gave us a hint of the reaction your family may have to your news and the plans they had for you. I won’t pretend to understand why some parents are less than supportive of their children. It would make sense if you were doing something self-destructive but that’s not the case here. I just wanted to tell you again how thrilled Alex and I are that you and our son found each other. I sensed you were interested last summer. I could see that Brett was hiding and I was afraid he wouldn’t let himself open up to you.

  “I listened to his conversation with Jordan on the radio. It’s an awful thing for a mother to learn her son is facing trouble alone. Alex and I have always made it clear that Brett could come to us with anything. I don’t know why he thought that had changed or why he’d turned away from Jordan. It also sounded as if he’d done something that had hurt you terribly. I know he isn’t likely to explain much to us though I suspect he finally discussed all of it with Jordan. The thought that my son had caused you pain tore at my heart. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that you managed to work through whatever it was. I was afraid he’d driven you away without even realizing what he could have had.”

  “Thank you.” Andie sniffled at her kind words. “I wish my mother were more like you. She’s not likely to be as receptive as you and your husband are. Um…”

  “What is it, Andie? I know we have a lot to learn about each other but I also know you’re part of our family now. I hope that one day you’ll think of me as more than Brett’s mother and know you can come to me or Alex for any reason just as he can. We won’t be able to refrain from treating you as our child. But if you’re uncomfortable with our familiarity, I’ll speak with Alex and we’ll both try to maintain a bit of distance until you know us better.”

  “Brett kept telling me you’d talk to me like this but I’m afraid I didn’t believe him. My own mother never accepted me for who I am and my grandmother is even worse. I didn’t think it was possible for you to welcome me. If I’m awkward at times, as I’m sure I will be, please just ignore me. My Aunt Sadie and Uncle Hank were the only ones who openly encouraged me and Mom always limited the time I spent with them. I’m just beginning to see that Dad supports me more than I knew. I’m going to need some time to get used to the way your family treats each other.”

  “I’m sure my son will help you. I’ve never seen this side of him. But then he’s never been in love before either.”

  Andie hopped up to pace. “I need to tell you something. Brett asked me to marry him and I said no.”

  “I see.” Gwen proceeded cautiously, as if not wanting to say the wrong thing. “You rejected his offer yet you’re together now and clearly plan on staying together.”

  “I didn’t exactly reject him. I asked for time as just a couple first.”

  “Does that mean you intend to be married at some point in the future?”

  “Yes. I’ve dreamed about that since we met.”

  “Andrea, do you love my son?”

  “More than anything.”

  “Do you have any doubt that he feels the same for you?”

  “None.”

  “As his mother, that’s enough for me to wish you both the best life can offer. He appears content with your situation so why would his father or I object when he doesn’t? I won’t deny that I’d be thrilled to hear of wedding plans but I’m no less thrilled that you’ve made the commitment without the ceremony. You have to live y
our life the way that’s best for you. No one, not even a parent, can decide what that is for you. I’m sorry that your mother doesn’t share that opinion. I’m not saying her way of doing things is wrong. That’s not my place. I just thought you should know that she and I have differing views. I can assure you that Brett will do all he can to make this visit pleasant for all of you.”

  “I’m sure Mom and Grandmother will be quite attracted to Brett. I’ve already accepted that all women find him irresistible even when he’s not intentionally trying to charm them. I must admit that I could be insecure if I let myself be but my heart knows better. No, it’s not their reaction to Brett that makes me wish they weren’t coming. It’s what they are going to say about me. I can already hear them saying how I’m a disappointment by continuing with my foolishness. I fully expect them to say that I’m taking advantage of Brett’s good nature by using him to aid with my defiance. They’ll accuse me of being a spoiled brat who is merely having a temper tantrum and tell me that it’s time to put aside my childish notions and accept the path they know I was meant to follow. I really hope they don’t start during dinner but I won’t be surprised if they do. I’m sorry that you might see this.”

  “Honestly, I hope they do say something while we’re all together. That way, I can express my opinion too. And I can guarantee that Jordan’s mom will speak up as well. No, don’t you give it another thought. We won’t hesitate to point out the many flaws in their views. But if they do find the sense to wait for a more private moment, I’m positive Brett will be very vocal in your defense. I can’t imagine him holding his tongue while anyone speaks unfairly to you. I’m sure you can already see beyond that image he projects. My son may fool most everyone into thinking he’s constantly mellow without a care in the world but we both know he’s not. Not when someone he cares about is up against adversity. When he and Jordan met in first grade they formed a bond that has amazed me ever since. Over the years, he’s found a few others that he’s extended that to. I expect that the one he has with you is even stronger.”