"Are you sure you boys want to do this?" Charlene asked as the car pulled into the winding drive. Noah shook his head as he looked at the house they were approaching. He wasn't even sure if house was the right word to describe the sprawling structure before them. It looked like a mansion. It was huge…especially compared to the homes in Oakdale.
"You grew up here?" Luke asked and Noah could tell his husband was just as in awe as he was.
"Yes indeed I did. I lived here for the first eighteen years of my life. Then I married your father, and only come back here for the holidays mostly. It will be nice to see Momma and Daddy again though."
"What are they like?" Noah asked as the car stopped in front of the house and the driver stepped out to open the door for them.
"Well Momma is a sweetheart if I ever saw one," Charlene praised. "She raised Ruthie and me to be respectful young ladies. She was even nice to your father, Baby. And Daddy, well he is one of the nicest men I know. He's just as respectful and kind, and generous too. He was a journalist, Luke. I am sure he will have a lot in common with you. Both of them are smart and college educated, and just so warm and open. I couldn't have asked for better parents growing up."
Luke listened as she continued to gush about her family. He was smiling on the outside, for appearance sake, but inwardly he had to wonder just how much of her description was fact and what was myth. He knew all too well what it was like to have an influential family. Those types that wore masks; showing what they wanted the world to see, versus what was the truth. It wasn't that he doubted that Noah's grandparents were decent people…but his own father had proved that appearances could be more than deceiving. And one thing was for certain he would not allow Noah to get hurt.
"Hello Greta," Charlene greeted when a plump older woman opened the door. "Where is Samuel today?"
"He is being a bad patient is what he's doing," the housekeeper responded as she ushered them inside. I just took him some soup about ten minutes ago and he's just being cranky. How are you doing child? Haven't seen you around here in ages."
"I'm doing just fine, thanks. Where are Momma and Daddy?"
"I'll let them know you are here. Would you and your gentlemen like something to drink?"
"Oh forgive me, Greta, I want you to meet my boys. This is my baby, Noah, and his partner, Luke. Boys this is Greta, she's been the housekeeper here for as long as I can remember. She and Samuel, our butler, have been married forever. I'm sure you will meet Samuel sometime this weekend."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am." Luke said shaking Greta's hand.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Noah said shyly.
"Well, I'll be," Greta said as she reached up a hand to touch Noah's cheek, and placed the other on Luke's. "I do believe these two are the handsomest men I ever did see, Charlene. I can't tell you how happy I am to know that you found your son after all this time. I know you were worried about him."
"Actually he found me," Charlene said proudly. "Happiest day of my life that's for sure. And we would like something to drink if you don't mind."
"I will let your parents know you are here, and then whip you up some of that hot chocolate with cinnamon I know you like. Is that alright with you boys?"
"That would be lovely, thank you," Luke said speaking for himself and Noah. Greta pinched both of their cheeks and went on her way to alert the Wilsons to their arrival. Charlene smiled and slipped out of her coat, gesturing for the boys to do the same and take a seat.
"She seems nice," Noah said smiling as he took Luke's coat and folded it across the chair with his own.
Charlene smiled. "I imagine Great knows even more about me then Momma does. She was always like a second mother to me and she was the one I would confide all my little secrets. She was the one I came to after things went sour with your father. I can't tell you what I would have done without Greta and Samuel in my corner."
Luke thought that bit of information was very telling. It was obvious to him that there was a kinship between the housekeeper and Charlene. There was a warmth there that seemed to permeate the room and he didn't doubt that genuine love was there as well. Greta reminded him of his Grandma Emma.
He reached out to give Noah's hand a squeeze, knowing that his husband was just a little bit nervous. Despite Charlene's assurances that her parents were wonderful people, Luke had to admit he was holding his breath as well. He was good at reading people…at least most of the time. He would be keeping his eye on the Wilsons.
Luke was rubbing Noah's shoulder comfortingly when an elegant elderly woman entered the room. Almost immediately he felt the temperature drop, though he wondered if that was just him being overly cautious.
"Momma," Charlene exclaimed standing to take her mother's hands into hers.
"Hello, dear," The woman greeted with kisses on either of Charlene's cheeks. "Your father and I weren't expecting you so soon, but we are delighted that you could come."
"Momma, I want you to meet my son, Noah Mayer. Noah, this is your grandmother, Ms. Catherine Wilson."
Luke didn't like the appraising look the woman gave Noah as she looked him over. It made him frown. Noah was very shy around strangers, and this woman was not putting him any more at ease.
"Hello," Noah said averting his gaze as he squirmed in his seat. "It's uh nice to meet you."
"Speak up, young man. I can barely hear you."
Noah swallowed and Luke's frown deepened. His own grandmother had a sharp tongue, but this woman seemed downright cold to him. He wasn't sure if he liked her very much.
"I'm sorry," Noah said raising his voice way more than necessary. "It's nice to meet you, Ma'am."
"He has Winston's eyes and your nose, Charlene," Catherine commented and Luke just knew that Noah cringed at that. He wanted to give his husband some comfort but he was waiting to see how Charlene introduced him to her mother first. "What do you do, boy?"
"His name is Noah," Luke blurted before thinking. He didn't appreciate how rude she was being, it certainly wasn't called for.
"And who are you?" Catherine asked pinning Luke with that icy gaze.
"Momma, this is Noah's friend, Luke. He's very protective of him. "
"Noah tends to be very shy," Luke warned. "But if you just talk to him, he will answer you."
"She didn't mean any harm, Luke," Charlene assured him cheerfully. Noah looked between his husband and his mother, before focusing on the woman who was his grandmother again.
"I'm a film student at Oakdale University," he explained. "Up until a month ago I was working at a television station in town. Luke and I want to start our own production company."
"Why is he here?" Catherine asked turning her attention to her daughter once more.
"I told you mother, Noah wanted to meet you and Daddy. He is trying to find out about his roots, and besides he's never been to Tennessee so we came for a visit."
"I meant him," Catherine said throwing a scathing look in Luke's direction. "I don't see why he needed to travel with his friend. He's nineteen isn't he? And I see a ring on his finger, where is his wife."
Luke bit his lip, knowing he should remain quiet but not really sure how well that would work. He was already more than a little put off by this woman's attitude, and her continued disrespect of Noah was grating at his nerves. He wasn't upset with Noah's mom, he knew how delicate a topic their relationship was, and it was always better to gauge the situation before blurting out who they were too each other. After all, the South was not the Midwest.
"If you must know," he said taking a hold of Noah's hand just as Charlene's father entered the room, "He's married to me. We're here to learn more about Noah's family, and quite frankly I am not impressed so far."
"Do not joke that way," the new voice drew their attention and Luke frowned as the silver-haired man came closer. "Who are you to be speaking to my wife in such a manner young man?"
"Daddy," Charlene exclaimed, going to give the man a hug. "It's so good to see you. "This is your grandson, Noah."
"I wasn't joking," Luke said tartly.
Greta chose that moment to reenter the room with three piping hot mugs of hot chocolate. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife, but Greta seemed to handle it with ease. It was such a smooth transition that Luke momentarily forgot what they were discussing before she entered.
"I put extra cinnamon, and warm milk to help you both sleep," Greta directed her words at Luke and Noah. "Your mother always loved cinnamon. She would sit with me in the kitchen for hours just to get a whiff of it."
"Thank you, ma'am," Noah said finding his tongue. "This is delicious."
"Now none of that ma'am stuff. If you are important to Charlene then you are important to me, I dare say. I insist you call me Greta. And that goes for you too, Handsome," she winked at Luke who smiled as he took another sip of the warm chocolate. "Mr. Wilson is there anything I can get for you, Sir? And you as well Lady Catherine?"
"Not at this time, Greta thank you," Mrs. Wilson replied. "If you could just fix up rooms for our guests that would be most appreciated. Fix up Charlene's old room for her and prepare rooms for the gentlemen as well. Noah can stay in the family wing, and I am certain that his friend will find the east wing suitable."
"Now wait just a minute," Noah said surprising even Luke with the strength behind those words.
"Noah, it's okay," Luke tried to soothe as Greta left to perform her duties.
"No, Luke it's not okay," Noah insisted as he turned to face his grandmother. "You have been nothing short of rude since you entered this room, and I've had about enough of that. Luke is my family, he is my husband, and while I can understand not engaging in any activities under your roof I refuse to make him feel like we can't share a bed."
"Baby," Charlene implored.
Luke knew the situation could get volatile if he didn't step in. Noah was squeezing his hand tightly; a sure sign that he was reaching the end of his rope. "Actually, I think Noah and I will find a hotel for the evening. We don't want to cause any trouble."
"No you both will stay here," Charlene insisted. "Momma, Luke and Noah only want to gain some information about the family so that Noah can seek out his roots. Surely you understand that?"
"Noah, since you are my grandson you are more than welcome to stay, but I think you have to understand that certain things just are not acceptable. Your…friend," Mr. Wilson said tripping over the word, "can stay as well, but until you leave we will not speak of the nature of your relationship is that clear?"
"Daddy!" Charlene exclaimed. "You aren't being fair. Noah already told you they wouldn't be doing anything, can't you just accept that."
Luke gave Noah's mom points for trying, but he felt like they were fighting a losing battle. It was ridiculous really. He and Noah were always respectful of his grandmother's home. Snuggling and cuddling was more than enough as long as they could be together. Noah's grandparents on the other hand weren't just asking for discretion…they wanted to completely ignore the fact that their grandson was "one of them". Just thinking that phrase made Luke cringe. Luke wouldn't even care about their rules except that they were making it very clear why the rule was in place.
"Can we just go?" Noah's dejected voice caught him off guard, and he turned to look into his husband's sad eyes. "I don't think I want to stay here, Luke. I'm sorry Momma."
Luke sighed and glared at Noah's grandparents before standing and grabbing both their coats.
"You don't have to leave, boys," Charlene said frowning at both her parents.
"Yes we do," Luke responded as he fastened his coat. "Noah's not comfortable here, and frankly neither am I. Will you give Greta our love please?"
"I just want to know where Momma was adopted," Noah said turning to face his grandparents again. "That's what we came for, to get information."
"What on earth would you want to know that for?" Catherine exclaimed. "Charlene is our daughter, and that is all you need to know."
"Let it go, Noah," Luke said when his husband opened his mouth to speak again. "It's no use arguing with unreasonable people. Ms. Wilson we'll see you tomorrow." He kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek and waited as Noah did the same before turning to the Wilsons. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for your hospitality. Good night."
The silence in the car was anything but peaceful. Luke could feel his husband's unease, and he was at a loss for how to deal with it. He knew he needed to reassure his love hat everything would be okay. That wasn't possible though if he wasn't sure of that himself. He wanted to know what Noah thought about what had happened and how his mother handled it. Did it upset him, or anger him? Did he understand her reasons for doing that? Luke did…it didn't mean he liked it, but he understood it.
Noah still hadn't said a word by the time they reached the hotel. Luke knew he would have to initiate the conversation, but he decided it could wait until they were alone in their bedroom. He was exhausted from the day of travel, and he knew Noah was as well. It didn't take either of them long to strip down to their boxers and slip beneath the warm sheets and covers on the bed. Usually Luke sought solace in Noah's embrace, but tonight he held Noah in his arms, running his fingers through his dark hair, trying his best to soothe away the sadness.
"Are you okay, Baby?" Luke's voice broke through the quiet. He continued to stroke his husband's hair, hoping that he was giving some sort of comfort."
"I just don't understand," Noah admitted. He turned so that he could look into his husband's eyes and he frowned. "Momma is okay with us…isn't she?"
"Yes."
"Then why would she do that?"
"Because," Luke said trying to pick his words carefully. "She knew how her parents would react…and what she should have done was warned us about their attitudes, instead of letting us think they were all nice and loving."
"But she told the housekeeper and she didn't bat an eyelash."
"Grata's a sweetheart," Luke commented. "She reminds me of Grandma Emma. But the thing about the Wilsons is that appearance means something to them. They come from money and prestige and image is more important than family by any standards."
"Your family is rich," Noah pointed out. "Especially Grandma Lucinda and she's not as cold as that woman we just left."
"This is the South, Noah. And I know you are very much aware of how different things are here than in the Midwest. That doesn't make it right, and it doesn't make it any easier to understand but that is how things are. Grandma can be cold when she needs to be, but she has a big heart besides. I have a feeling that Catherine Wilson's heart is as cold as those eyes of hers."
Noah was silent for so long that Luke begin to wonder if he had fallen asleep. He was more than a little surprised when his husband shifted and he saw that there were tear streaks on his face. "I shouldn't have tried this Luke. It's too hard, and not even worth it. If I ever see those people again it will be too soon."
"You don't have to see them again, Noah," Luke assured him as he reached out to wipe away his tears.
"I don't think I'm going to find my family, Luke."
"Noah don't say that."
"It's true," Noah insisted. "Sitting in that room tonight felt like being back with the Colonel. I don't think I'm meant to have family…just people who don't want me. I guess it's too much to expect that I could be normal."
"Hey, there will be no more talk like that," Luke said his tone gentle but stern.
"I just want to be special to someone, you know? I envy the relationship you have with Grandma Lucinda and the one you have with Dad. I want that. And I was stupid enough to think I would find it."
Luke sat up, pulling Noah with him and touched his face so that his husband was looking at him. "You are special, Noah. Very special…and if I end up being the only person who sees that then I will tell you every day until you tell me to stop. You deserve a lot of things, Love. And I'm going to do my damndest to see that you get them. YOU do deserve to be loved; you are loved, and let's remember this. These are your momma's adoptive parents. You are no blood kin of theirs and definitely nothing like them."
"That's a small comfort but they do remind me of my dad."
"Yes, very narrow minded." Luke agreed.
"And I don't know how we will find Momma's birth parents…and what if they don't want to be found. I should just stop while I'm ahead. I have you…and Momma and dad…and I can live with that."
"You deserve to know your roots, Noah. And I'm going to see to it that we find out where you come from. And don't let the Wilsons get you down. If they don't want to get to know you then it's their loss. Because I know for a fact they are missing out on someone incredible."
Noah kissed him softly and Luke found himself wrapped in that strong embrace yet again. He could tell Noah was still sad, but it was a complacent sadness. Exhaustion was kicking in, and Luke kissed Noah once more before those blue eyes closed. He listened to his husband's even breathing for a while, his mind already set on what needed to be done. It was a good hour before he fell asleep with his mind made up. He was ready for a confrontation, and Noah's grandparents wouldn't know what hit them.
"Luke," Greta greeted when she opened the door. Luke was momentarily surprised when the woman pulled him into a hug. "You came back, thank goodness. Charlene was worrying herself sick. It took me forever to get her to go to sleep. Where's Noah."
"Noah's still sleeping, Greta, and I don't have a lot of time. I must get back to him before he realizes I have left."
"I don't suppose I could interest you in a drink then?"
"Thank you so much for your hospitality Greta, but I am afraid I won't be here long enough to enjoy another cup of your delicious hot chocolate. Are Mr. and Mrs. Wilson available?"
"Yes they are in the sitting room. Luke, I do apologize profusely for the way they treated you boys yesterday."
"Don't," Luke said taking the older woman's hands into his own. He kissed her cheek and gave her hands a squeeze. "Noah and I are going to be just fine. I know we aren't welcome here, but if you and Samuel ever make it up to Oakdale, our door is always open."
"Such a sweetie," Greta said pulling him into another hug.
"Greta could you please let Charlene," Howard Wilson stopped midsentence when he spotted Luke. "What are you doing here?"
"I'll let Charlene know about breakfast sir," Greta curtsied and headed toward the staircase, while Luke brushed past Mr. Wilson forcing the man to follow him into the sitting room.
"Please don't stand on my account," Luke said addressing Catherine. I'm not staying long, and I only want to say this once and be done with it."
"I don't see how we could possibly want to hear what you have to say," Catherine said haughtily.
"Let him speak, Catherine," Howard crossed his arms. "This should be good."
"I know you don't want me here," Luke stated pointedly, "and believe me that's fine. Frankly I don't care, and you guys are not people I want to associate with. However, I do have a favor to ask of you."
"You insult us and then expect a favor," Howard scoffed.
"I don't think you need to be making accusations about Insults, Mr. Wilson," Luke said darkly. "Your task is to listen."
"Get on with it then," Howard said crossly.
"What is it you want, boy?" Catherine snapped. "Surely you aren't here to embezzle money out of us."
Luke snorted. "I wouldn't take money from you if you were the last person on earth, Lady Catherine, and I certainly don't need it. What I do need is the information about where you adopted Noah's mom. My husband came here in search of family, and while it is apparent that he will not find that here, you hold the key to where he could find it. Tell me where the adoption was finalized and which orphanage you used and I will leave. You never have to see me or my husband ever again."
"And if we refuse?" Howard asked.
The amusement Luke heard in his voice irritated him and his face darkened even more. "We tell everyone who will listen that you are Noah's grandparents and you'll see us on a regular basis," Luke said swiftly. "It would take no time at all for us to pack up our home and move here to be closer to his relatives. I'm sure all of your high society friends will be thrilled to meet your long lost grandson and his lover."
"And if we comply…"
"You can forget you ever met us," Luke cut Catherine off quickly. "Frankly it's a win-win situation if you ask me. Noah gets to find his roots and you get to continue your charade."
"Give him what he wants," Howard said quickly. Luke was relieved. He had been counting on them calling his bluff. Once he stepped foot out of this house, he had no intentions of ever coming back. And before he left they were going to hear it from him. "If it means we don't have to deal with the likes of him than so be it." Catherine stood from her seat and grabbed a tablet of paper and a pen. She wrote some information down and placed the paper down on the table beside Luke's hand.
"There, now get out of my house or I will call the police," she threatened.
Luke ignored her and picked up the paper. He read it carefully before folding it neatly and placing it in his pocket. "You have made a lot of mistakes today, Lady Catherine. But the biggest one is denying your grandson the chance to make you better people. You hurt him yesterday with your words, and I will not stand for that. I never had any intention of coming back here, and now that I have what I need I will keep my word. It's just too bad that neither of you will get to know how special Noah really is. But that's your loss. Have a nice life. I'll see myself out."
"Luke wait," Charlene called as Luke opened the car door. Luke waited for his mother-in-law to catch up with him and he waited to see what she had to say. "I'm so sorry…you aren't mad at me are you?"
"No, I'm not mad. When you are through visiting your parents, you know where we are." He took her hands in his and kissed her on the cheek. "I understand opinions such as that," He said nodding toward the house. Closed minded people still exist and that is unfortunate, but you know what…Noah's better off without them, and I am glad you had Greta and Samuel to help you become the woman you are today."
"And my baby?"
"You'll have to talk to him when you get back. I'll make sure he knows you love him. I have to get back though, he's probably awake and worried about me."
Charlene hugged him one last time before letting him get in the car. "My son's very lucky to have you, Luke. Take care of him for me."
Luke smiled and waved as he pulled away from the house. He knew he didn't have to reply to his mother-in-laws's request. There was no need; she already knew that taking care of Noah was always the plan.