Cherishing You (17 page)

He walks us to the driver’s side this time and opens the door. Before I know it, he lifts me and sets me on the seat. Then he steps between my legs and plants a huge kiss on my lips—a hot, steamy one. Wow, he takes my breath every time! After he releases me, I can’t stop my cheeky grin from spreading.

I scoot over and he hops in; we get buckled then pull out. When we get back to the gate, he makes sure to thank Mike and send our gratitude to Steve. Their family really are good people. They sure aren’t like the people who lived in my apartment complex in Texas—I will not miss that place for sure. I’ve been so excited to get my new place by my new job. Although I don’t feel that same excitement anymore, which I’m sure has something to do with Ethan.

He loops his arm around my shoulders and drives back into town, by dad’s shop. Looks like he’s closed for the day, so we head to my childhood home. I do love being home around Mom and Dad, and Ethan’s right—I’m sure they’re probably wondering what I’m up to even though I’ve been taking care of myself for over four years.

I know they still worry; they’re my mom and dad, it’s what they do.

We pull into the driveway and I see both their vehicles there; I guess they went to the shop and picked Mom’s up. Ethan shuts off the truck and once again holds my hand while I get out. Such a gentleman.

We walk up the front steps and in the front door. Ethan is right behind me and we find Dad sitting in the chair. It looks like he’s taking a late-afternoon nap. We tiptoe past him and go into the kitchen, where I smell some cookies baking. Yummy, I love mom’s chocolate chip cookies. They’re the best around; she’s even won a couple baking contests with them. I look around and spot a plate of them on the counter. Just as I’m about to grab one for Ethan and me, Mom says, “Well, hello, you two. Where have you been, Andi?”

I freeze, suddenly feeling like we’re ten years old and just got busted sneaking into the cookie jar. Well, we
are
sneaking into the cookies, but we aren’t ten. And we definitely weren’t kissing back then. The thought makes me giggle.

“Hey, Mom. They look awesome.”

“Oh, honey.” She laughs. “You guys can have all you want, I’m just teasing.” Mom walks over and hands the plate of cookies to me. Ethan laughs and takes one, swallowing it whole in one single bite. He’s always liked them as much as I do.

“So, Mom, what’s with all these cookies? Are you baking for someone?”

“Uh, something like that. I was in the mood to bake, and I know how much you both love them so I decided to make you some. What are you two up to? I see you’ve officially made up.”

“Yes, ma’am, we have,” Ethan says, putting his arm around me and giving me a big, cheesy grin. He is so flipping cute. I love his smile—and everything else about him, come to think of it.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

“Hear what?” Dad asks, coming into the kitchen and snatching a cookie off the plate I’m still holding. I set it down on the counter and turn back to Ethan, wrapping my arm around his waist.

“Mom, Dad . . . Ethan and I are officially dating.” Ethan places a quick kiss to the top of my head.

“Oh, honey, it’s about time you two figured it out. We’ve known for a long time that you were meant for each other. Congratulations, we’re so happy for you both!” Mom says, then gives us both a hug.

“Thank you, Bev. I’m one lucky guy to have this amazing girl who has such awesome parents.”

“Son, you were already part of our family, this just changes your title a little bit. Bev is right though; we’ve always known you were meant for each other, and we’re so happy you figured it out for yourselves. Now, not that it’s any of our business, but does this mean my favorite baby girl is moving back home?”

I knew they were going to think that, and honestly I don’t know what I’m going to do at this point. It makes the most sense for everyone if I did, but what about everything I just finished accomplishing? Am I okay to walk away from it all?

“We actually haven’t worked out the finer details yet, but when we do, you two will be the first to know. We’re just trying to catch up and enjoy our time as much as possible before Sunday comes.”

Thank you, Ethan, for coming to my rescue; he must have sensed me freezing up. I know my parents are probably hoping I’ll jump on the reason to come home, and I want to, I just don’t want to give up everything so soon. I mean, I just landed a dream job, and making serious money to boot. I worked my ass off to get it, so why does it feel like I’m being punished for it?

“Hey, how about we celebrate? We could have a cookout down at the pond, maybe take a swim or play some volleyball?” Dad asks.

“Yeah, it sounds great to me. What do you think, Ethan? You up for some volleyball, or are you getting rusty in your old age?” I tease. Ethan’s ten months older than me—not quite a year, but it may as well be a decade for all the teasing I’ve given him over the years. Of course, it’s a two-way street, and he’s given it back to me just as much.

“Sure, sounds like a blast to me. You know I love food anytime, and it’s been a little while since I spiked a ball on you, but something tells me I won’t have any trouble.”

Ethan gives me a quick peck on the cheek, probably just to distract me.

“Okay, you two, save it for the court. How about you fellas take the grill to the pond and set it up. Andi and I will get the meat ready and whip up some sides.”

“Sounds good.”

“Fine with me, darling,” Dad says, and kisses her forehead. “Come on, Ethan. The woman has spoken, so let’s get it done.”

“Okay, right behind you.” Ethan sweeps me up, twirls around, and then sets me back on my feet. “I’ll see you shortly, sweetheart.” He gives me a quick but hard kiss then follows Dad out the back door of the kitchen. I know they aren’t all the way down the back steps when I hear Ethan let out a chuckle. I feel my cheeks blush a little. I’ve never kissed someone in front of my parents before, but I’m an adult and I plan to keep Ethan, so I guess they may as well get used to it.

“You don’t need to feel embarrassed, honey, but I understand. It was nerve-racking the first time your father kissed me in front of my family too, and we were getting ready to be married. Honestly, if I didn’t know how much that boy’s loved you all these years, I might feel differently, but I’m happy for you both. Oh, and Andi, I can tell you haven’t made your mind up yet about what to do with your near future, but don’t make your decision lightly. I’d hate it if you ended up with any regrets.”

“Did you have any regrets, Mom?”

She’s silent for a few moments and I look at her; she’s staring out the window, probably lost in her memories. I stand there silently, not rushing her. After several minutes, she speaks.

“You know, Andi, I’m not sure if I can answer that question honestly. There were many things that passed and we dealt with them, different paths we could have chosen that we didn’t. But do I regret them? No, honey, not in the sense that if I had chosen differently it would’ve changed the outcome. You see, I knew right away that your father and I were meant to be, but we were both seeing different people. I tried to let go of my boyfriend, but he didn’t like the idea very much. He’d decided I was going to be his wife.

“One night, we had had a dance at the school and I went with friends. Well, your father asked me to dance and, of course, I accepted. We were having the best time, which didn’t go well with my ex, so he butted in and took me as his dancing partner. I could smell alcohol on his breath and it made me nervous, so I tried to break free, but he wasn’t having it. Anyway, your father ended up saving me from him, but my ex took off from the dance and ended up wrecking his car, killing himself. Obviously, I felt horrible about it, but I didn’t want him to drink and drive—or drink at all, for that matter.

“So you see, sometimes we make bad choices that seem okay at the time, but we end up regretting them later. But I don’t regret getting to know your father and marrying him. I’ve loved him from day one, and I always will.”

Crazy how life throws twists in our paths all the time. I had no idea my mom was seeing a guy who ended up killing himself. I’m so glad she didn’t get in the car with him.

“Wow, Mom, I’m sorry that happened. I bet that was a pretty scary time for you. I’m glad you ended up with Dad though. I’m also glad I finally have Ethan.”

“Oh, honey, me too. As for Ethan, you always had him, and I’m glad—he’s one of the good guys. As far as your immediate future, just take some time, sweetheart. You’ll know what to do when you’re ready. Rushing a decision will only lead to regret.”

“Thanks for understanding, Mom. I love you.” I wrap my arms around her and give her a tight hug.

“I love you, baby girl,” she says, hugging me back. “Now, let’s get this food ready and go join our men.” Mom laughs, and I realize just how lucky I am to have such great parents and an amazing boyfriend. It’s still crazy to be calling Ethan my boyfriend, but I’m definitely getting used to the sound of it.

“I can’t believe you guys pulled this off without her suspecting a thing. I have to admit, having everyone park by my place and coming in through the woods was genius.” Even I had wondered where everyone was when we got here, and I knew what was going on.

Andi is going to be completely shocked to see everyone, not to mention the graduation gift waiting for her in the barn. I hope she hasn’t seen it yet; I’m sure she would’ve said something by now if she had though.

“Thanks, Ethan. I know it’s probably silly, but we really wanted to do something special for her graduating college. After the way things ended up after high school, and cancelling the party, we never really celebrated. Now she’s graduated college and we just want to do it right this time. She deserves it.”

“Yes, she does deserve it. I’m so proud of her, Ron, and I’m so glad we finally got everything out. It seems to be working out with her. I don’t think I could’ve handled it if she didn’t feel the same about me.”

“I know, son, but I also knew she was head over heels for you, so I had no worries.”

“I’m just glad it’s settled now. I just wish I knew what she was thinking about for the near future. I know she got the job, and was getting a new place close to it. I just don’t know if that’s important to her or not. I won’t stand in her way though; I don’t want her to regret anything.”

“You two are going to have to talk about it. I don’t know what she’s thinking either, but it’s nice to hear you don’t want her to regret anything. I’m glad you’re respectful to her, although I’m not surprised at all. You’ve loved her for a long time, even if you haven’t admitted it to each other. I have faith it’ll all work out how it’s supposed to. No rush; you have the rest of your lives.”

“Wasn’t it you who was pushing me to talk to her in the first place? How come there’s no rush now?”

“Now you have her, she knows how you feel, and you two are talking. Before, you were at each other’s throats, stuck in denial. Plus, you’re both much happier this way.”

“Hello, Ron, Ethan, how are you guys doing? Thanks for inviting us, Ron. It’ll be great seeing everyone.” Leah and her husband, Drew, walk up to Ron and me. I haven’t seen them for a little while, but I know they got married and had a baby.

“Thank you both for coming. I’m sure Andi will be pleasantly surprised,” Ron says, shaking Drew’s hand.

“Hey, Ron, how’s business going? I haven’t been in for a while, but I’m probably due for an oil change very soon.”

“Oh, you know how it is. Every day is a holiday, but we can definitely get you in. . . .”

I hear Ron talking to Drew, but I see some of the guys from the track coming over so I excuse myself and head towards them. I’m curious to know what that driver thought about the track today.

“Hey, Steve.” I give him a bro handshake and hug combo. “Thanks for coming, man. Did that driver like the track?”

“Hey, bud. Yeah, actually, he did seem to like it. He’s actually staying tonight and is going to run in the Friday Night Lights special.”

“That’s great to hear! I hope he works out for you guys. How are you, Darlene?”