Chp21. Stepmother dearest
Gail announces dinner. "I would like too fresh up" Kaylee says. "o' let me show you" I lead her upstairs. To the room she and Ray will share. She looks at both sets of bags. And smile. "Please sit (point at the bed) I'll just be a minute." I sit and wait.
I replay their entrance; I see my dad pissed but deeply happy, in love, the way he looks at me. I can't ever remember him looking at Carla that way. She has kind eyes. When she looked at Ray, they shine a bright green. The vibe is pure deep love, like I feel for Chris. I just had to show them my love. I think I surprised her by hugging her. I can see how happy, caring they are.
Kylee pov:
I stare in the mirror washing my hands. Not the introduction I expected. Ben's dad is in for a world of hurt. Touch my son! I had planned on asking cousin Marvin, the family lawyer, to stomp him, but Ray said he'd take care of it. I suspect his son-in-law Christian will pile on. I calm myself.
I was surprised and happy at Anna acceptance of me. how good she felt in my arms. I can see they are a happy, loving couple. She was so good with Ben. Strong, caring, giving. I didn't believe Ray totally about how great his daughter was. A father love can blind them to the true person. My little sister is a point in fact, spoiled, selfish, brat. But Anna is all he said and more.
I stare in the mirror, seeing my doubts, fears, I waver a little. Then feel Ray's love. His commitment. Our commitment! Yes. I am strong, I am loved, I am a tigress. My family is everything, An, my family is Ben, Ray, and now Anna. Everyone else in the family well they need to live with it, and better pay proper respect to Ray and Anna or else. My father and brothers will be a problem over money and race. But I love my new family members. Yes, I love them both. I smile at the mirror. Let go talk to Anna. I leave the bathroom sit on the bed.
Anna-pov
She returns and sit next to me. "I know you must have questions" I look down "Do you love my daddy?" looking up I see a bright, honest smile. "With all my heart." Smiling "Our you moving here or Ray moving there?" "I'm moving to Ray's; I already have a teaching job at the junior college in Tacoma."
"why the secret's?" "it wasn't you, Anna. But my family is very intense, driven to success. They don't understand a mixed couple. Or the economic difference. To them rich marries rich. I was a disappointment for having Ben. And pursuing the History degree."
I am stunned, how dare they judge my father. He is successful. His military career, his woodworking. Hell he's been on this old house, woodshop, and a half dozen other DIY shows. "my father is very successful; he always has been. If your family can't see the man he is. fuck'm."
she laughs. "Anna, your father is incredible gifted, and loves what he does. I love him for who he is. I could care less about money. I make a good living teaching and writing, doing consulate work. He is my world. But I love my family and I won't give up either. So everyone is going to have to co-exist." "I won't take them insulting him, or degrading him." "she hugs me. "baby girl, you and me both.
They will learn not to screw with strong women." I melt into her arms. "Yea, if they get bad I'll sick Christian on them." "let hope they don't I can see dad and my oldest brother Lewis groveling for mercy" we laugh. Returning to the great room. We see the guys talking.
"Gentleman, to the table. Now." Say Kaylee as I smirk. we all go to the kitchen island and eat. The conversation turns rowdy as Ben and Christian tease Ray. Jason and Gail join us. I smile at the group, we are. Jason and Gail, Ray, Kylee, and Ben, Christian and me: what great group, a great Family. I realize this is my family. This is my world. God! I love my world.
After dinner, we play pool in my office. Women vs guys. They lose badly, we switch off. Ben is a quiet funny guy. Really good sense of humor. The two of us hit it off. He's very much a mom's boy. We both have one parent who's worthless, and one that is incredible. He loves to give, he volunteers, and has all ways been the care giver, I can see why medicinal is a good fit. Kaylee is a good mother. I see her, strong presence in the room.
Christian holds me. as we take a late snack, my cookies disappear at an alarming rate. As three males gorge themselves, like starving animals. Mom and I roll on the floor. Yes, Kaylee is no mommy dearest, she's mom supreme.
