Page 45 of Meet Me at the Altar

“I know. Is it a good time to talk?”

“Baby, anytime you come over is a good time. Come on in. I was just cooking dinner.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Leon’s upstairs just getting in the shower.”

“It’s fine. I just need to talk to you,” I stated, somewhat relieved that I would not have to face Leon today, hopefully.

I followed her back to the kitchen where the smells of garlic, rosemary, and honey permeated the air. “Would you like to stay for dinner? I’m making honey garlic chicken, roasted potatoes, Brussel sprouts, and focaccia.”

“No, thank you. I won’t be long.”

She removed her apron and sat at the table and patted the center of it. “Have a seat. I think I can guess what this is about.”

“It’s difficult watching Andrès hurting the way that he is. I won’t pretend like I don’t know that he’s always had a strained relationship with Leon since you and Leon started your relationship. I also won’t pretend that Andrès doesn’t have a bit of a temper, but I also know that his temper comes from the need to protect himself and those he loves when he feels they are wronged or not safe.”

“I know that you know all these things, honey, because you’ve always been his biggest supporter. I knew you loved him long before you did.”

I lowered my gaze and then lifted it again. “Then you also know that I’m struggling with watching him struggle. I know that he’s trying to protect me, and in his efforts, he’s pretending that what the two of you are going through doesn’t hurt. Nothing could be further from the truth. We could have a wedding and no one show up but you, him, and me, and he wouldn’t care. As long as his two favorite women are there, the rest wouldn’t matter.”

“You’re right. This hasn’t been easy on me either, Kalli. I love my son, and he has always been my world. Andrès made choices long ago to exit our lives, yours included.”

“No, ma’am. Don’t throw that on me. You and I both know that while he didn’t make the best decisions, there also wasn’t any room for him here. Leon wasn’t trying to win father of the year awards when it came to Drè, but I’m not here to throw accusations.”

“Then don’t. Honey, you two aren’t married yet, but when you do marry, you will understand where I’m coming from. Yes, I love my son, but I also love my husband. I made vows to that man, and he and I will still have to live together long after Drè and the rest of the world goes on with their lives.”

“I get that, and I’m not here to dispute that, but he’s your son. When I marry Drè, I will have his back the same way that I always have and more so, but I will also support, love, and protect my children. If I had kids and some man became interested in me, and I were interested in him, we couldn’t move forward if he couldn’t accept my kids.”

“So, you have come to judge.”

“I only went there because you did. It wasn’t my intention. I simply came to ask that you please show up at our wedding. Whether Leon comes or not is on him. So, when you keep telling Drè you have to see what Leon will do, and Drè keeps saying he can’t come if he doesn’t apologize, trust that he means that. You, on the other hand, he needs you there.”

“Aren’t his father and Tora going to be there?”

“Yes, they are, but you’re his mother. No one can ever take your place, not Tora, his father, Leon, me, my parents—no one. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, Mrs. Porter, but he loves you. You are his world and the one person he wants there more than anyone. He expressed that once before, but he’s not going to beg. You and I both know your son. I’m simply asking you from one woman to another, make a stand for your son that you should have made all those years ago.”

She held her head up and tightened her jaw. “You blame me for him leaving.”

“I did for a long while, but I also came to terms with the fact that Drè made his decision, and he didn’t always make the best ones. Yet, I still know that he wanted you to choose him, to make a stand for him, and you chose Leon back then, just as you’re choosing him now.”

I heard footsteps overhead, and I knew her husband was out of the shower. Before he made his way downstairs, I needed to leave. I was certain that if he saw me, he might say something that was offensive, and if he did, that would land Andrès in jail again.

“I need to leave now, but I just wanted to drop by to implore you to reconsider your decision and your son’s heart.”

She stood with me, and I saw the tears shimmering in her eyes and her jaw quivering, but I didn’t regret my decision.

“Does he know that you’re here?”

“No, he doesn’t.”

She nodded and walked me to the door. “You’re good for him, Kalli. I may not feel comfortable with your approach for him, but he needs a champion on his team.”

I bit my tongue to keep from saying, “The way you should have been.” Instead, I replied, “I always will be. Have a great day.”

I jogged down the porch steps, hopped in my car, and quickly pulled away.

Chapter 17