Fated Bliss (Bliss #2) (38 page)

“I thought it was my fault that she tried to kill herself,” he admitted, appearing haunted.

“Linc-”

“But then Dad told me about him and Aunt Mags.” He shook his head, his face contorting with pain and anger. “I felt like a tool for being mad at Dad for so long. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

I reached over and squeezed his forearm, replying, “Your dad understands why you were angry, Linc. He doesn’t blame you.”

He nodded and stared at the counter. “I know. We’ve talked about it.” When he met my gaze again, his eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and his lips were quivering. “Well, I guess…I didn’t realize how little Mom cared about me until the day I met you.”

I swallowed down my emotions, giving myself a moment to respond. What I really wanted to do was bawl like a baby.

Linc continued, “And it wasn’t just you. It was Dad, too, you know?” He gave me a look that reminded me of a lost little boy – wide-eyed and only searching to be loved and assured. “You were on the ground, bleeding everywhere. I was freaking. But Dad was cool. Like totally cool. In control.”

There was hero-worship in his face as he described his dad. I loved that. I adored the fact that Ben could be that for Linc.

“I’d just found out about Mom, so my head was a little screwy already. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t notice you – I was thinking about all that stuff. But when Dad told me he had faith in me, I felt like I could do anything, be anyone.” His bottom lip quivered again. “My mom has never said anything like that to me.”

I wanted to find that bitch and kill her.

Linc bit his lip to stop it from shaking and clenched his jaw. “And then you…you were hurt, but you took the time to make sure I was okay.
Me!
” He slapped his chest, overwrought, and spoke with an inordinate vehemence. “You, someone I didn’t know, was more concerned about me than you were for yourself! And it was my fault!
Who does that?!
”

“It was all an accident,” I whispered, my soul mourning for him. I’d never seen him display such a wide array of emotions before. Linc was always happy and easy going.

Linc shook his head, scowling, and went on between gritted teeth. “Mom wouldn’t have done that. She would have cussed up a storm, called me every name in the book, and made me feel like shit.”

I clamped my mouth closed to keep from saying anything negative.

His anger left him, and he deflated, slumping in his stool. “I had this moment when that happened. A lightbulb went off or something.” He tapped the side of his head once with a finger, staring off into nothing again as he remembered, and then held his hand out, his palm upward. There was an expression of sheer disbelief on his face. “Dad was never the bad guy – Mom was.” He lifted his chin and gaped at me, his eyes bewildered. “I stopped being mad at Dad. It was like all that anger just disappeared.
Poof –
it was gone.

“That was the day everything changed. Dad and I...” His voice broke. “Dad and I got you. We got your parent’s, too. Even Bella is pretty cool…for a baby.”

I tried to interject, “Linc-”

Linc scrubbed the top of his head, uncomfortable. “I guess what I wanted to say… What I’m trying to say here is… Well…” He swallowed a few times. “Thank you, Sam.”

I couldn’t hold them in any longer – tears trickled down my cheeks. “There’s no thanks necessary, Linc. I got you and your dad after that day, so I call it even.”

“No.” He shook his head in disagreement. “After living with her all these years, it’s not even, Sam. We’re the lucky ones here. And you show us every day how much.”

I covered my mouth, touched. “Linc…” His name came out watery and chock-full of meaning.

He teared up again. “Thank you, Sam.”

My chin wobbled. “Any time, Lincoln.”

Clearing his voice, Linc stood from his stool, his discomfort palpable. “I’ll, uh…I’ll get the dishes after I take a shower.” He strode past me, rushing to get out of the room.

It took a lot for him to say that to me, I concluded. “Thanks, kiddo,” I croaked, blinking rapidly to dispel the tears, and let him go.

I grabbed my napkin and sopped up my face. My mind was all over the place, trying to process everything that just happened. I wondered what Ben would say when I told him.

“Sam?”

Surprised that he was still here, I glanced over and found Linc standing at the mouth of the hallway. His eyes were red and misty again.

“I love you, Sam,” he whispered and then disappeared down the hall.

I choked on a sob, losing it. I put my head in my hands and let the tears free, my shoulders shaking as I wept. I cried for that wonderful boy and all the horrible things he experienced at his mother’s hands, the one person that should have protected him above all else. To witness it at the forefront in him was crushing.

And for him to tell me he loved me…

If he would have said that at any other time, I would have been able to smile and say it right back, not making a big deal out of it.

But for him to do it after opening up and sharing all that pain with me…

I was wrecked.

My phone rang suddenly. I jumped, startled by the loud melody.

Snap out of it, Sam.

I wiped my face again, exhaling roughly.

I can do this. I’m totally fine.

I slipped off the stool and located my phone by the stove. I took another cleansing breath as I checked the screen, steeling myself, and then answered Mom’s call, faking a cheery mood. “Hey, Mom.”

“What’s wrong?” she asked immediately.

How does she do that?

“I’m fine…now,” I disclosed and rested my hip against the counter. “Linc and I had a bit of a heart-to-heart.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” She sounded pleased as punch. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

Ignoring her question, I asked, “What’s up?” If I didn’t get to the point, she’d drag it out of me, and I’d be a blubbering mess again. “I’m gonna head in shortly.”

“Well…” she trailed, her voice going up an octave.

That couldn’t be good.

“What?” I snapped.

“So, you see… Since we had a room vacant, Teresa rented it like she normally would,” she revealed, her tone cautious.

“Mom, spit it out. What’s wrong?”

“She rented it to Joel and Victoria.”

Motherfucker.

“Sam! Mouth!” Mom yelled.

Guess that slipped out.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, rubbing my temples with my thumb and forefinger.

I didn’t need this today.

Ben
didn’t need this today.

“I haven’t been in there yet,” Mom told me. There was excitement and trepidation in her voice. She wanted to see Victoria, but she didn’t want to upset Ben or me. “I’m hidin’ in the kitchen. I don’t know what to do.”

There was nothing to do.

“Go in there, Mom. There’s no reason to hide. I’ll text Ben and let him know. If he wants to do somethin’, let him do it. If not, they’re guests.”

I wasn’t going to walk up and say hi, though.

“Oh. Well, in that case…” She paused. “Should I not say anythin’ to Victoria about our kids datin’?”

“Mom,” I growled and closed my eyes.

“Okay, okay. I get it. Sheesh, what’s crawled up your hiney today?”

“
Mom!
”

“Fine. I’ll handle it.” She
tsked
. “Good Lord, child. I don’t know what to do with you sometimes.”

I was going to strangle her.

“I need to text Ben,” I told her, exasperated. “I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”

“Sure thing, sweetie,” Mom replied and disconnected.

I typed a quick message to Ben.

Me: Apparently, your parents are staying at the B&B.

I placed my phone on the counter and waited for him to respond, watching it closely as I chewed on my thumbnail.

It dinged a
long
minute later.

Ben: Of course they are.

Ben: I’ll deal with it. Stay there with Linc until you hear from me.

He didn’t want Linc there with them, which was understandable now that I knew everything.

Me: Okay. Love you. Good luck.

Ben: Love you too. And thanks.

Relieved, I sat the phone on the counter.

He’ll deal with it and everything will be okay.

I tipped my head up and stared at the ceiling, overwhelmed. Between Linc, yesterday, and this, I felt tense and on edge.

Everything felt
wrong
.

I decided to take a shower to help. I stayed in there an extra fifteen minutes after I finished washing to let the hot water cascade over me. It eased me tremendously. I felt a world better after I got out and slipped on a small summer dress. I didn’t want to do my hair, so I just put it into a ponytail, still wet.

Once I was finished, I walked back into the kitchen to check my phone, wondering if Ben was done talking to his parents yet.

No such luck.

I had no missed calls or texts.

Suddenly, a cold, callous voice startled me.

“Hello, Samantha.”

Chapter 31

Ben

I hopped out
of my Bronco, letting out a long string of curses.

He
had
to come to Bliss.

He
had
to choose the one of many B&B’s in this area that my girlfriend happened to own.

Nothing was ever simple with that man. My father wouldn’t consider me or my preferences in anything. He just did as he wanted, crossed lines without a second thought.

Did it occur to him that I would be highly uncomfortable with him being around my girlfriend?

Oh, hell no.

Of course not.

My father is a selfish prick!

Was this his way of getting me to talk to him? If so, he was going to get a whole lot more than he bargained for.

I should have known he’d go back on his word – it never failed.

I cursed again.

That son of a bitch!

“Do you kiss my daughter with that mouth?”

With one foot on the first step leading to the porch, I stilled and jerked my head to the side. Brad was kneeling by the flower beds, pulling weeds.

“Sorry,” I grumbled.

Brad wiped his hands on his jeans and climbed to his feet, letting out a loud groan. “Damn…that hurts. These trunks aren’t what they used to be.” He rubbed his thigh, driving the point home, and grinned. “I thank God that I don’t have to do this bullshit every day anymore.” He gestured at the flowers with his thumb. “What’s got you all riled? Sam didn’t get a wild hair or somethin’, did she? It’s been a while, so I wouldn’t be surprised.”

I jerked my head back and forth, having no idea what he was talking about. “No.”

“Wow. Must be serious.” He scratched his beard. “Does it have somethin’ to do with your folks?”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Low and rumbly, his chuckle rang out. “Thought so.”

I wasn’t in the conversing mood.

“I need to get inside.”

Brad crossed his arms over his barrel chest. “Where’s Sam? I thought she’d be with you to meet your folks.”

Running a hand through my hair, I explained, “I told her to stay home.”

His lips twitched under his thick beard. “And she listened?”

A laugh slipped out, but I sobered on a long sigh. “Pops is fishing. I was going to have her bring Linc here, but with them here,” I motioned at the B&B, “I didn’t want him around. This could go several ways.”

Brad tilted his head. “The boy’s sixteen, Ben – you can leave him alone at home for a little while.”

“Not while his mother’s around,” I replied. I would have if things were different. “I can’t get a hold of her and don’t know if she’s still in town.”

He made a clucking sound with his tongue. “That makes more sense. I heard about the scene yesterday.” His shook his head woefully. “Messy business.”

“That about covers it.”

“Well, whatcha waitin’ for? Go on in.” He waved at the house, shooting me an encouraging look.

The man knew how to break up the tension of a moment – I felt more relaxed now. I wondered if he did that on purpose.

Probably
.

“Thanks,” I murmured, continuing up the steps.

“Holler if you need me,” Brad called after me.

I acknowledged him with a wave over my shoulder and opened the door.

Here we go.

The first thing I heard when I walked in was a laugh. I recognized the laugh as my mother’s. However, I had never heard her laugh like that. It was genuine, with real joviality. Mom’s laugh had always reminded me of old crusty bread, hard and decayed after years of desertion and oppression, so this was surprising.

If I thought that was surprising, I was in for a real doozy.

“You can imagine my shock when Joel told me who my son was dating,” Mom said, with elation vibrating in each word. I walked into the dining room just as Mom reached across the table and clasped Emma’s hand. “Isn’t it exciting?
Our
children, Ems…in love.”

Emma was at the head of the table with Mom and Dad on either side of her. I was surprised Dad allowed that. Any other day, he’d take it a sign of weakness and believe it gave Emma all the control over the conversation. However, Dad smiled softly at Mom, an occurrence I’d never beheld. If I wouldn’t have to second-guess my sanity, I’d say there was real love there. On top of that, instead of his normal three piece suit, he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

And Mom…
wow
.

My mother’s eyes were clear and more vivid than ever. Even her skin looked better, not as sickly. The years of alcoholism weren’t kind to her, but where my father looked older, my mother appeared years younger. She’d lost that bloated quality and seemed healthy for once.

Mom had cut her hair, too. My father liked it long, but her wavy black hair was styled around her shoulders, and she had bangs. She wore jeans, as well. Dad hated jeans on women. I’d heard him lecture her before about how women should be in skirts or slacks, which made them look more feminine and tasteful – and Mom wouldn’t want to go against Dad’s every word.

Who are these people?

It’d been some time since I’d been around either of them, but this extreme transformation in both of them made me feel as if my world had been turned upside-down. It didn’t make sense, and I stood in the doorway leading to the dining room slack-jawed.

Dad noticed me first and stood. “Excuse me,” he murmured to Emma and Mom. He met Mom’s eyes, something passing between them, and whispered, “Give me a second with him.”

“Okay,” Mom agreed. Where she was all smiles before, she was now pensive and stiff. “I’ll be here when you’re done.” Longing came over her when her gaze collided with mine. “I’ve missed you, Benjamin.”

A band squeezed my chest. “I’ve missed you too, Mom.”

It wasn’t a lie. No matter what happened, I loved her. I hated that I had to push her out of my life, but I couldn’t have any of their unhealthy bullshit around Linc or me.

“Ben,” Dad said as he approached. He held a hand, motioning at the doorway. “Why don’t we step into the other room?”

I could do that.

There was a whole lot I needed to say to him.

We walked into the foyer as another guest came down the stairs. Dad and I waited until the lady walked out the front door to begin. I opened my mouth, ready to unleash all hell on him, but he started before I could, shocking me further.

“I’m sorry. While I went to see you yesterday, your mother came here to see if she could find Emma. When the lady told her she had a room available, your mother jumped at the chance.” There was a plea in his voice, as if he wanted to please Mom by staying. “I tried to talk her out of it, but she has her heart set on staying here and being close to you.”

What alternate universe had I stepped into?

When did Dad have to talk Mom out of anything? He’d demand it, and she’d cater to him.

I scrubbed my face and shook my head. I even blinked a few times to see if I was awake.

“Ben?” Dad questioned, confused.

Yeah, me too.

“This is the second time in two days that I’ve heard you apologize,” I stated, dumbfounded. “I’ve never heard you apologize for anything.”

Remorse shadowed his face. “I know.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but I couldn’t find the words.

I was speechless.

“There’s a lot I need to apologize for,” Dad continued with earnestness. “There’s not enough apologies to cover all of them. Hell, I don’t deserve your forgiveness. All I ask is that you hear me out for your mother. I don’t care about me in this, Ben.”

Was this a trick?

If it was, it was a new low.

Even for him.

“I have no idea what to say to you right now,” I confessed. I felt off balance and twitchy.

“You don’t have to say anything, Ben. All I ask is that you listen to your mother and me.” Pain resurfaced in him. “If you want to get up and walk out of our lives forever afterward, neither of us will stop you.”

I studied him, searching for any hidden deception, but I didn’t find anything but sincerity.

Holy shit!

He’s genuine.

I took a step closer, keeping my voice low. “I swear to God that if you try to fuck with the life I’ve made here, I will never speak to you again. I won’t even allow you to have anything to do with Lincoln.
Nothing
. For once, Linc and I are happy, and I will do everything in my power to keep it that way. And that includes Samantha. Don’t speak to her. Don’t look at her. I don’t want you in the same room as her.”

Dad swallowed hard and then licked his lips. “I can do that,” he rasped. “I have no intention of hindering your life, Ben.”

I took a step back and nodded. “Fine. I’ll listen.”

∞

Emma aimed her eyes my way, trying to reassure me as she placed coffee cups on the table between Mom and Dad and me.

I dipped my chin subtly to show her my thanks.

“I’ll be inside,” she murmured and straightened, smiling at the three of us. “Shout if you need anythin’.”

I wanted to stay away from other guests or anyone else at the B&B, so I suggested that we go onto the patio. Emma thought we needed coffee. I didn’t need coffee; I needed this over.

Whatever
this
was.

“Thank you, Ems,” Mom replied. Her hands shook as she clutched her mug and took a sip.

“Your welcome,” Emma chirped and flounced back into the house.

“Well,” I prompted them, reclining into the wicker chair, and threw my arm over the back. Outside, I was calm and cool, but on the inside, I was edgy and impatient. “Get on with it.”

Dad fidgeted, appearing anxious and uncertain in the love seat across from me. “I guess it should be me who starts.” When neither Mom nor I said anything, he went on, staring me directly in the eyes. “I have no excuses. There’s absolutely nothing to say that could make up for my horrible behavior. I’ve been heartless and ruthless your entire life, and I’ll have that regret for the rest of mine.” Dad glanced at Mom, his jaw working. “Even your mother – I’ve been deplorable to her, as well.”

I rubbed my eyes in slow circular motions, feeling a headache coming. I was blown away that I was actually sitting here listening to this garbage.

Am I stupid?

“I’ve made so many mistakes. I’ve hurt so many people, not once considering the consequences of my actions.” There was a steely conviction in his voice. “But I’m not that man anymore, Ben. I’m changing. I
have
changed.”

It was a load of crap.

As I leaned forward, I steepled my fingers and rested my elbows on my knees, leveling him with a glare. “Bullshit,” I stated evenly. “I call complete and utter bullshit.”

“Ben,” Mom interjected, but I wasn’t having it.

“No.” I pointed a finger in Dad’s direction. “If he wants to do this, he’s going to listen, too.” I cocked my head at Dad. “Did you come here thinking you could go on and on about change and expect me to brush everything under the rug? Am I supposed to forget everything you’ve done?”

“No.”

What?

I wasn’t expecting that either.

“No?” I repeated.

“No, I don’t expect that at all. You’ll remember, Ben. Everything I did is cemented in your mind.” Dad bent forward. “I came here to tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I was more concerned with work than I was for you and your mother. I’m sorry that I cast both of you aside for my wants and dalliances. I’m sorry that I made a mistake with Gwen, one that I’ve never been more ashamed of, and let you take the fall for it. ” Dad’s tone grew with fervor and volume as he spoke, and his breathing picked up. “I’m sorry that I
forced
you
to marry her. I’m sorry that I sat idle while you were miserable for years and had to deal with that insane, manipulative woman! I’m sorry, okay?!
I’m sorry!
”

My jaw hung open by the time he was done.

Dad wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, with a sheen in his eyes. “I’ve messed up, Ben. I’ve seen the error of my ways. I don’t care about all the things that were once important to me.” His voice lowered, quivering with emotion. “I care about you. I care about your mother and my grandson. I want to live out the rest of my life with my family, not stuck in some office. Money doesn’t mean a thing once you’re dead and gone. You, Linc,” he glanced at Mom and then met my eyes again, “your mother…
you
are what matter the most. I’m sorry it’s taken me such a long time to see that.”

I sat back and studied him again, not entirely convinced. He put on a good show – I’d give him that.

“So what? You just woke up one day and said
I’ve messed up
. Huh?” I waved at Mom. “And you. You’re sober.
You’re sober!
Did you do the same?” A short, cynical bark of laughter escaped me. “My entire life you’ve both been sick, and now what? You’ve changed? I find that very hard to believe.”