“He did, Mom, but that was a long time ago and we’ve grown up.”
“But, Tessa, what happens if you gain weight? Will he judge you?”
“No, Mom, he won’t, he loved me back then but wasn’t mature enough to deal with what other people thought or expected. We’ve talked a great deal about this very subject. He isn’t that person any longer. They love me, I truly believe that.”
“They do, Tessa, but sometimes love isn’t enough. Do you think you can handle three men on a daily basis? Have you thought about the prejudice out there, how people will act toward you and treat you because you are married to three men?”
“I have thought about it and have dealt with a little of that already and you know what, Mom? I don’t care what anyone thinks but Mitch, Rance, and Sam. As long as we have each other, I don’t need anything else.”
“You are so much stronger than what I ever was, Tessa. I am so very proud of you. You’ve accomplished so much and done it without the support of a mother. I’m sorry, Tessa. I never wanted to hurt you. I just never wanted you to have your heart broken like I did.” Diane sobbed as she covered her face with her hands.
“I forgive you, Mom.” She stood and wrapped her arms around her mom and held her tight. “If you wouldn’t have got your heart broken then you never would have met Daddy. I don’t think I would have liked that Neil person for a father. What ever happened to them anyhow?”
“Last I heard Tom was on his third marriage, this time without Neil and finally happy and rumor has it that Neil has finally found the love he has been looking for his whole life. His name is Steve. They live in New York. Neil never wanted to live the life his mom and dads did. He just wasn’t strong enough to admit what he wanted and hid his sexuality from everyone until after their second divorce. Thank goodness they never had children. Those marriages lasted less than a year each.”
“Don’t you see, Mom, you weren’t the problem, you being female was the problem. It wouldn’t have mattered who you were, Neil wouldn’t have been happy.”
“You’re right, Tessa, I never thought of that until now. I’m so glad you’re home and happy. Your dad is so happy to have you home. He always wanted to work with you and I think he is enjoying have a lesser work schedule. We have more time to spend together and now we can look forward to more grandkids.”
“In time, Mom. First I need to get married. Come on, the fireworks will be starting soon.” They walked back out to the party and Tessa watched as Diane walked over and kissed her husband. He hugged her and smiled. They looked happy and her dad glanced over to Tessa and winked.
“Everything OK, darlin? Your dad said you went into the house to talk with your mom.” Mitch placed a kiss on the corner of her mouth as Sam wrapped his arms around her from behind.
“I’ve never been better. I’ll tell you guys about the conversation later. Right now I just want to celebrate being with you and being engaged. I guess we have a wedding to plan.”
“We do, baby girl, and you can have anything your heart desires,” Rance told her holding her hands.
“I already have that, Rance,” she told him as she looked into each of their eyes and kissed them soundly as the fireworks lit up the night sky.
THE END
WWW.MADISON-MAXWELL.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Madison lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest. She started writing late in life, creating the type of characters she loves to read about. When not writing she can be found curled up with a good, romantic, naughty book!
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Welcome Home, Tessa [Allure, Wyoming] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 36
