The Troublemaker - Cathryn Fox Page 0,69

idea what he’s talking about. “Are you telling me you brought a date to your wife’s opening night?”

He laughs. “I guess you could put it that way. Two dates actually.”

I put one hand on my hip. “What’s going on?” I ask, not at all worried my husband is hanging out with any puck bunnies. I trust him with every ounce of my being.

“I’m actually not sure if this will upset you or not, but…”

Worry weaves its way through my veins, but in my heart I know my husband would never do anything to hurt me, not purposely. “Cason, what’s going on?”

“How about instead of telling you, I show you?”

“Okay,” I say and he takes my hand in his. He leads me into the dining area and the buzz of conversation falls over me. I wave to my friends, and glance around to take in all the happy patrons, but my heart stills in my chest when my gaze falls on the couple sitting in the corner.

“Cason,” I gasp, my hand going to my chest. He puts his arms around me. “Did you do this?”

“Yes and no.”

Just then my father stands. Our eyes meet and the uncertainty I see staring back tugs at my heart. My gaze shifts to my mother, who looks just as unsure as my father. Are they worried I’m going to kick them out?

“I paid them a visit last week,” Cason says. “I told them about your grand opening. I didn’t force them to come, they wanted to.” Tears fill my eyes, and I throw my arms around Cason. “Here’s the thing, Kinsley. They treated you unfairly and manipulated you. You stayed strong and achieved your dreams. But the thing is, I think it’s important to have our parents in our lives. They usually fix all the mistakes they made with us, with their grandchildren, and I want our kids to know them. I think it’s important.”

My legs are so wobbly it’s hard to stand. I love this man, I love his values and morals, and the way he cares so deeply about those he loves, and I’m lucky to be one of those people. “You are the best husband ever.”

He smiles. “I think we all have forgiveness in us, and I think them coming tonight means a new beginning for us all.”

“You’re right.”

“Go talk to them.”

I leave his arms and walk to my parents. I step up to their table and smile at them. “Thanks for coming,” I say around the humongous lump in my throat. “What do you think?” I ask and spread my arms.

“I think we’ve found our new favorite spot,” my dad says with a smile, and my heart swells. I glance at my mom, who is nervously toying with her napkin.

“Have you had a chance to look over the menu?”

She blinks up at me and in her eyes I see the love she has for me. “I thought we’d leave it up to you. Chef’s special.”

Tears press against my eyes. Calling me a chef is her way of apologizing, and I accept that.

“Okay,” I say about to head back, but Dad’s hand on my arm stops me.

“Kinsley,” he begins and pauses. “You’ve got a fine man for a husband.”

“He’s the best, Dad.” I glance at Cason, who is watching our exchange carefully. Ready to be there for me if I need him. “I’m a lucky girl.”

“He’s a lucky guy, too,” he says and taking me by surprise, he puts his arms around me. “You did good, Kinsley. I’m proud of you.”

A big stupid hiccupping sob rises from my throat, and Dad squeezes me tight. “Thank you,” I manage to get out. He lets me go and smiles, but his eyes are damp, and that just about makes me cry harder.

“Now go wipe those tears and bring me some food,” He says sternly. “I’m starving. What do you have to do to get service around here?” I laugh, as warmth and happiness weaves its way through me.

“Yes, sir,” I say, and he grins and sits back down. I smile at Mom and she smiles back, a new, deeper understanding and acceptance between us all. I turn to head back to the kitchen, but before I do, I walk back to my husband and I don’t care who is watching, I give him a big kiss.

“What was that for?” he asks, grinning.

“For being the best damn husband in the world, and what you said earlier about us having kids, I thought we should get