Big Man for Christmas - Penny Wylder Page 0,50
tonight. Later. The decision being made makes me feel lighter, and ready.
Earlier when he talked to Casey, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Partially because I’d realized that I was in love with Casey and being that close to him made me tongue tied. Partially because I was worried about what he would say to Tyler, and the reverse. They managed to keep it civil, but I could tell immediately that Tyler didn’t like him.
I am so pleasantly exhausted. That feeling of knowing that you accomplished something good. I will get a good night’s sleep tonight after our conversation, and tomorrow…tomorrow I will talk to Casey. I hope that he won’t be angry, and that he’ll maybe want a repeat of the Fireworks Night that we had all those years ago.
Dad comes in a little after everyone else, and he looks upset. It’s a rare thing for Dad to be upset. But the minute he sees me, he smiles and shakes his head. He’s fine. Don’t ask.
My mother is the happiest I’ve seen her since I’ve been here. More like what I remember as a kid, before I became a disappointment. Then again, Mom has always been hot and cold with me. Jessica is the favorite, and I’ve always either been the best child or the worst. It depends on the day, and it usually has a lot to do with how closely I follow whatever she wants me to do.
I freeze with a piece of cornbread halfway to my mouth. I am full of realizations today. Elgin wouldn’t be half so bad without my mother trying to control everything I do. Even now, she’s forcing me into a relationship I have no interest in because it is what she wants. That is a fucked-up way to treat your child.
And I don’t even know why. Why does she want me to be with Tyler so badly? I don’t understand. Maybe I will never understand. I haven’t pressed her because she’s my mom, and I love her. But I’m not going to bow to these whims anymore.
Unfortunately, that means I have to be prepared to accept her judgement. Even if that means that she doesn’t want to speak to me ever again.
Tyler clears his throat and stands. “Now that everyone is here, I wanted to say a few things.”
My family quiets down, looking at him expectantly. What the fuck?
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home at this festive time. It’s been wonderful to see some of your traditions, and I know Carley and I will be happy coming to visit from time to time.”
My heart stops in my chest. Where is he going with this? I want to talk to him privately and it sounds like he is about to bring all of our business into the open.
“Tyler,” I say quietly, “can I talk to you for a minute.”
He holds up a finger. “In a minute, I want to get this out. As all of you probably know by now, Carley and I had a rocky patch in our relationship. But I’ve come to realize how much she means to me, and how much I need her in my life.”
Mom and Jessica are practically swooning. My father is watching Tyler carefully, and Rhett and the boys just look confused. I don’t know that they were ever filled in on the ‘Tyler is a cheating bastard’ situation.
“That’s why I’m here, to win her back, and make sure that our love is stronger than ever. We’ve been engaged for a while, but that’s on me. There’s something I was waiting for, and now that it’s happening, I want us to set a date.”
“What happened?” My father’s voice. Flat.
“I just got the call this afternoon, that I’m being promoted to partner at the law firm.”
“Partner?” My mother nearly shrieks the word. She jumps up and hugs Tyler. “Oh my goodness, congratulations. That’s so exciting!”
“It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have by my side.”
He turns to me, and my stomach plummets into my toes. Please don’t do this. Please don’t do this. Please don’t do this.
But he does.
Tyler moves his chair to the side and sinks down on one knee in front of me. I’m having déjà vu from the first time he did this, and it couldn’t feel more different. Everyone in the room is holding their breath, and my mother is standing behind Tyler with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen