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Finally it came down to a windy Friday, when the four of us seemed overly restless. Kyle wanted us to all go out, maybe see a movie. Ryan wanted to stay in. I went upstairs to find Dakota, and have him break the tie. But when I approached his door, ready to knock softly, I found it already open…

… and Dakota sitting on his bed, his head sunk into his hands.

Thirteen

DAKOTA

“Dakota!”

Her voice was soft but sharp, and laden with concern. I hadn’t heard her coming. Honestly, she’d just about scared the crap out of me.

“Is it Jason?” she gasped. “Is Jason—”

“No, no, nothing like that,” I said quickly.

“Then what’s wrong?”

I put on my second-best smile. I figured my best one would be too much of a giveaway. A little too over the top.

“Nothing darlin’,” I said, doing my best to lie. “All’s good.”

“Bullshit.”

I winced, knowing it was coming. I shouldn’t have even tried.

Sammara glided into the room as she always did, moving with a lithe grace I’d always admired. She sat down next to me on the bed and scooped my hand into hers.

“Tell me.”

I had to tell her of course. That much was a given. But how much to tell her…

“It’s my parents,” I sighed. “Mostly momma.”

“I—Is she okay?”

“Oh yes,” I said. “She’s fine. Stronger than an ox. Stubborn as all hell, and—”

“Then what is it?”

I let out a long, drawn-out sigh. I’d known for days but I’d avoided it, even though I’d have to tell her sooner or later.

“She’s not coming.”

Sammara went quiet, her head dropping a little. I could tell she was disappointed. She began rubbing my arm.

“She’s not gonna accept this,” I said simply. “Daddy’s not fond of it, and he’s told me as much, but eventually I can see him coming around. But momma…”

My pretty little fiancé dropped my hand and swept me up in a great big hug. It felt wonderful, even if she couldn’t get her arms all the way around me.

“Oh Dakota, I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, well I’m not.”

In truth I was angry. Angry at some of the things my mother had said, yes, but mostly angry she wouldn’t even listen. When it came to the nature of my new relationship, her mind was completely closed off to the idea. Worse yet, she interrupted me every time I tried explaining it to her.

“She doesn’t get it,” I said solemnly. “She’ll never understand how the four of us could all be in love with you at the same time… and you with us.”

Sammara tilted my face upward so that I was looking at her. There was sorrow — but not pity — in her eyes.