Chapter 49

CHAPTER 49

SPENCER

T he next morning, I found myself in the driveway, waiting for Marlow to come down from her bedroom upstairs. I had slept on the sofa, a surprisingly comfortable spot. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and dampness. I looked around at the yard and wondered if I would ever be invited back after the disaster last night.

Klaus stepped out onto the porch, his hands in his pockets, and walked over to me. I had no idea what to expect. Rhett was his son. Klaus was a good father and would obviously stand with his son. I just hoped he would hear Marlow out as well.

"Morning, Spencer," he said, his voice deep and steady.

"Morning, Klaus," I replied, straightening up a bit.

"How'd you sleep?" he asked. "All that food knocked me out."

"I slept well," I said, nodding. "That couch isn't too bad."

"I know." He chuckled. "I've fallen asleep on it more than once myself."

"Thanks for having me for Thanksgiving," I said. "I'm sorry about the drama last night."

Klaus waved it off. "Family has its ups and downs. That's just part of it. But I wanted to thank you for looking out for Marlow."

"She's the best person I know," I said earnestly. "She deserves better than what she's been dealing with."

Klaus nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "She does. We all want what's best for her. And Rhett? Well, he's got his own struggles. I know he means well, even if he doesn't always get it right."

I could hear the disappointment in his voice, but Klaus would never speak ill of his son. It was a testament to the kind of man he was—fair, loving, but never blind to reality. It just made me respect him even more.

"Do you think Dakota will keep giving her trouble?" he asked, concern in his tone.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I hope not. But if he does, I won't be asking nicely for him to leave her alone. The apartment has top-notch security. If he does manage to get in, the police will be there quickly."

"I have you to thank for that as well," he said.

I shrugged. "I wanted her to be safe and feel safe. I'm not saying Dakota would do anything to her, but I didn't want to take that chance."

"I agree," he said. "I don't think it's a secret I haven't been all that fond of that man. I never told Rhett to stay away from him, but I made it clear I didn't want him in my house."

"I get it," I said.

"I don't condone violence, but if he pulls that shit again, if you don't kick his ass, I will," he said.

I smiled, nodding my head. "I know. I think now that Rhett has seen Dakota in action, he gets it. Rhett is a good guy. He likes to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. It's why we're still friends after all these years."

Klaus chuckled and put his hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "I'm proud of you, son. I hope you know that if you ever have any troubles, you can always come to us. You're like family around here. And Marlow? Well, from where Jodie and I are standing, we think you might be good for each other. For what it's worth. I don't expect you to ask me for my blessing, but if you did, you would have it."

The acceptance and honesty nearly knocked me on my ass. "Klaus, that means a lot to me."

"Just remember, she's my little girl and I won't put up with anyone hurting her," he warned. "But I think I know you. I have a feeling you're hesitant but don't be. You're good enough for her. She would be lucky to have you and we'd be lucky to have you taking care of her."

I was still trying to process what he said when Marlow came out of the house, her purse slung over her shoulder and her suitcase in her hand. Jodie was behind her with two grocery bags.

"I packed up some leftovers for you guys," Jodie said. "I made sure to put in extra yams for you, Spencer."

"Oh, man," I said, taking the bags from her and reaching for Marlow's suitcase. "Thank you. I don't know if these will make it the whole drive home. I might have to dig in and eat them cold on the side of the road."

Jodie laughed. "I think you'll wait."

Marlow hugged her mother goodbye, then did the same with her father.

"Thank you for dinner and the leftovers," Marlow said. "And I'm sorry about dinner."

"Don't worry about it," Jodie said with a wave of her hand. "We were almost finished anyway."

"I'm going to take a bit of time away from Rhett," Marlow said softly. "I hope that doesn't give you any grief here. I just need some space and to let cooler heads prevail."

"We understand," Jodie said, her eyes kind. "Just remember he's your brother. He loves you."

"I know." Marlow nodded.

"And he'll come around," Klaus added, his eyes meeting hers. "He just needs some time to cool off and think things through. You know Rhett, he can be hot-headed, but he's got a good heart."

Marlow nodded again and gave her father another quick hug before stepping back. She looked at me then, her eyes filled with a hint of sadness. "I know."

"And he'll be okay with whatever this situation is happening here." Jodie smiled.

I tried not to look embarrassed. I was still not ready to put a name on what was happening. Marlow glanced at me, likely understanding the look on my face.

"We better get going," Marlow said.

"Do you guys need anything else?" Jodie asked us. "Traffic shouldn't be too bad with everyone likely staying the whole weekend."

"No, we're all set," I said. "You've sent us home with more than enough food."

"If you guys don't take it, Klaus will be eating turkey sandwiches for the next two weeks and he will not be happy," Jodie said.

"No, he won't," Klaus muttered. "I do turkey one day a year."

"I'll happily eat turkey sandwiches," I said. "Thanks again, guys."

Marlow smiled at her parents.

"Take care of each other," Jodie called out as we walked to the car. "And drive safely."

"Will do," I replied, giving them a final wave.

Marlow rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Will you all stop it? I'm not a child."

I grinned and opened her door. "Come on, kiddo. Let's get you buckled up."

Her parents laughed. Marlow did as well. I couldn't help but grin as I playfully reached for her seatbelt buckle, earning a light slap on the hand. I caught her wrist, laughing in earnest now. "We don't hit, Marlow. Use your words."

Jodie was laughing harder, but it was just background noise to me as Marlow looked me in the eyes, her lips twisting into a devilish little smirk. "You're trouble," she said.

"Only the good kind," I replied, letting go of her wrist and closing her door. I waved to her parents one last time before I put her suitcase in the trunk and the leftovers in the backseat. I got into the driver's seat and looked over at Marlow. She was smiling and had a happy glow about her.

I started the car and honked twice before pulling away.

"How was the couch?" she asked.

"It was fine," I said. "Your parents are great. It was worth sleeping on the couch."

"I'm glad you think so. I'm sorry about the drama though."

"No need to apologize, Marlow." I reached over to give her hand a quick squeeze. "The important thing is we're leaving on a good note. You and Rhett will work things out. Once he gets his head out of his ass."

"Thanks for coming with me," she said. "I'll admit I was a bit selfish in inviting you. I wanted you here, but I also didn't want to face Rhett alone."

"It's cool," I assured her. "It's not like it's a real hardship to visit your family. Your mother's cooking is well worth the drive. And you'll have to fight me for those leftovers. I'm not even kidding."

She laughed, her tension easing visibly. "We'll see about that."

"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a girl," I joked. "I will go to bat for those yams."

"I'll make you a deal," she said. "You can have the yams and I'll take the pie."

I pretended to think about it. "Deal."

The drive back to the city was spent mostly in silence, the radio playing softly as we both lost ourselves in our thoughts, occasionally interrupting the silence with casual conversation. It was comfortable and I could tell she appreciated the quiet after the emotional evening at her parents' home.

I glanced over at Marlow, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, and felt a swell of emotion. This woman beside me, fierce and kind, was the center of my world. I just needed to figure out how to get my head around the idea of having a girlfriend. Obviously, there were plenty of benefits. I just needed to convince myself I could do right by her. Klaus and Jodie seemed to think I could. My friends were telling me I should. I was the only person standing in my own damn way.

As we neared the city, Marlow spoke again. "Do you think things will ever be normal with Rhett again?"

I considered her question carefully. "I think it'll take time. Trust needs to be rebuilt, and that doesn't happen overnight. But I believe it can happen if both of you are willing to work at it."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I hope so. I hate the idea of being at odds with him. He's my brother. It's always been the two of us. It's so weird to not have him on my side. I don't like it."

"He loves you, even if he has a funny way of showing it sometimes," I added.

She chuckled softly. "Yeah, he does."

"I'm not sure he'll forgive me, though," I said casually.

She shook her head. "Which is silly considering he was all for me and Dakota getting together. And Dakota sucks."

"He's worried things will go bad and we'll end up not being friends," I said.

"Aren't things already bad?" she countered.

"Kind of, but I don't think it will stay that way. I don't know. Rhett has to make his own choices. If he wants to be pissed at me, so be it. It's not going to change what I do."

"You're brave," Marlow said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not about bravery." I shrugged lightly. "It's about doing what feels right."

"You're right. I suppose sometimes you just have to make the tough choices and hope for the best."

"Exactly." I nodded in agreement, my fingers drumming on the steering wheel.