Shit, I just said that, didn’t I?
I rise, pushing my chair back with my legs. “Nothing you have done for him has ever been in his true interest. All you guys have taught him is that money and appearance are the only things that matter. You were ready to shove Gran into the worst facility just to keep up your own facade. Don’t worry, Gran; I took care of it.”
I glance at her, and there are tears in her eyes. But I purposely avoid Cal’s for the time being.
I’m considering if I’ve gone too far.
But I’m not done yet. So, I’m sorry in advance.
“Gran taught him what love was; she taught him how to smile. She showed him the good in this world. She is the only reason he steps foot in this house.”
“You need to watch yo—” His mom tries to interrupt me.
“I’d be very careful with your next words. Because if I remember correctly, you, sir”—I glance at Cal’s father, who is clasping his hands so tight that his knuckles are white—“work at a car dealership. Gosh, it would be a shame if someone bought that place out and closed it for good, wouldn’t it? You don’t deserve to call Cal your son. You don’t deserve the kindness he still gives you. You deserve nothing, and if you speak to Gran or Cal again, I will make sure that is exactly what you get.”
His mother’s chest is rapidly rising and falling as she kicks her chair back behind her as she stands up. She turns on her heel and walks out of the room without a word. With her husband close behind.
Immediately, my heart aches. I need to know how mad I made Cal. “Look, guys, I’m sor—”
Cal grabs me, spinning me around, and his lips crash to mine. He thanks me with his kiss and shows me just how not mad he is.
He pulls away quickly, and embarrassment washes over me, knowing his Gran just saw that.
“Please don’t apologize for that. Please don’t apologize for anything ever again.” He pulls me into his chest, resting his head on mine with his arms around me. My favorite cocoon.
Stella clears her throat, but Cal doesn’t release me, and she says, “Hey, guys. I love what’s happening here. And Becca, girl, I’m going to need a class on how to do what you just did. But Gran’s transport team is here and waiting. And I think it’s high time we get her out of here.”
I nod my head, barely moving in his grasp. “Cal,” I try to say, but it’s muffled in his hoodie.
His lips find my ear, and he whispers so only I can hear him say, “You said you love me.”
Shit. I was hoping he might have missed that.
I nod my head. “I do. I l-love you,” I whisper back, half-regretting that promise I made to always be open and honest with him and half-thanking the universe that he didn’t miss it.
He presses his lips on my ear, kissing gently, and then whispers, “Becca, I love you. I’ve always loved you.”
It hits me. His words uncover the truth that’s been staring me in the face for a while now. I was envious of his Gran, of having someone to come home to, someone to miss.
But I have that. I’ve had that. I have a family. It might not be traditional, and it might be complicated and messy sometimes. But it’s mine, all mine.
Keanu and Max, my protective older “brothers.” Sophie, my annoying-ass “sister.” Brooke, Stella, Cade. We might not be as close, but I would do anything for them, and I like to think they would do the same for me.
Cal. My sweet, loving Cal. He never gave up on me. He never really left. He fought for me, even when I gave up on myself.
I love him. I love him so much. He is my boyfriend, my family, my past, present, and future.
Breathing in deeply, I pull away from my love. “All right, Gran, let’s get you out of here.”
Cal walks up behind her wheelchair and starts moving her out of the dining room when she says, “Becca, that was one hell of a speech. And I wish I had said it to them years ago. So,thank you. I’m very happy that you’re with Cal again. Also, if you guys don’t mind me asking, where the hell are you taking me?”
Everyone starts laughing. She still thinks she’s going to that hellhole, Chemir. Stella glances at me, and I nod to her, giving her my approval to tell them.
Stella hesitates and then reveals what I did. “Becca actually got you a place in the Banford Retirement Community. The moving team will pack all of your belongings up and organize them in your new place. You’ll have your own personal live-in nurse. You’ll have day activities that you can pick from, like assisted swimming, chess, and hundreds of more things. You’ll have a team who will work with you every day to keep you happy and healthy. Customized meal plans. It’s the most prominent and top tier retirement community there is.”
Silence rings in the air.
“Becca?” Gran’s voice is crackly, wet.
