Queen of Hearts

by A. C. Grey

  “I love seeing you and the boys, Amy, but I wasn’t expecting you to be here. Boston’s not exactly next door,” Tess said, a bit confused by her sister’s presence.

  “I know, but when I heard that you were bringing your girlfriend home to meet the folks, I couldn’t resist. It’s not something you do often. Tom stayed back East because of work, but the boys and I decided we needed to meet this Zoey that you won’t shut up about.”

  Learning that Tess had rambled about her to various family members made Zoey’s heart swell. Sure, Tess had told her time and again about her feelings, but the fact that she needed to share them with her family added another level. She’d only known these people a few minutes, but she already got the feeling that she fit, that they were truly happy to meet her, and that they’d welcome her with open arms, should Tess choose to spend her life with her. That thought – the thought of spending her life with Tess, sent a shiver down her spine. But it was a good shiver. The kind she’d always prayed would happen, the kind that spread an involuntary smile across her face.

  “Why don’t you two get settled upstairs and we’ll meet you out back,” Tess’s mom suggested. “Your old room is all ready, sweetie.”

  Tess nodded and took Zoey’s hand, leading them upstairs, with her father following, bags in tow. After he set their things down, he smiled and silently left the room.

  Zoey turned and looked at Tess curiously. “They let us share a room? My parents would never go for that . . . but then again, they’d never go for me and you to begin with, so . . .”

  Tess wrapped her arms around Zoey’s neck before placing a kiss on her lips to silence her ramble, wanting to head off any sadness before it started. “My parents would probably like to be more old-fashioned, but they know me too well. They tell me I can’t sleep in same bed with you, I’m just going to ignore them and sneak in here anyway. So might as well avoid the extra trouble. And don’t worry. I have faith. Your parents will come around. And if not, I’ll be your family. I know it’s not the same, but . . . “

  It was Zoey’s turn to cut off their conversation with a kiss. She smiled into the embrace, softly playing her lips across Tess’s before leaning back and staring into those sapphire depths. “I love you, Tess McLeod. Now let’s go downstairs and meet your family. Suddenly, I’m not scared anymore.”

  Tess grinned and grabbed Zoey’s hand as they headed downstairs and out to the backyard.

  The adults were sitting around chatting while the boys attempted to play with their new whiffle ball and bat. “Zoey!” Tommy yelled. “Come play baseball with us!”

  Tess chuckled. “I see I’m forgotten already.”

  Zoey smiled at her as she headed towards the boys. “I can’t help it if they recognize who the real awesome one is.”

  Tess rolled her eyes and took a seat next to her parents and sister as she watched Zoey interact with her nephews. Zoey was bent over Bobby as she slowly and patiently showed him the proper way to swing a bat. She then showed Tommy where to stand to be the catcher and patiently pitched the ball to Bobby, smiling as he missed ball after ball. Finally, he swung and hit the ball, a little dribbling grounder towards Zoey. Bobby took off towards their makeshift first base as Zoey grabbed the ball and pretended to flail about chasing him around the bases, before letting him score a home run.

  Tess watched in happy silence as her girlfriend played with the boys. The bright smile on Zoey’s face as she teased them, coached them, cheered them on, was priceless. Clearly she was having as much fun as the boys. And judging by the stream of giggles coming from them, her nephews adored Zoey as much as she did. A goofy smile spread across Tess’s face as she continued watching them, paying no attention to the conversation the other adults were engaged in.

  “She’s beautiful, Tess.” Her mother’s words cut through Tess’s reverie.

  Tess nodded. “I know.” A look of pure, satisfied joy spread across her face.

  ‘I’m not just talking about her looks, sweetie, though she is beautiful in that respect. I’m talking about her as a person. I can tell already that she’s very special.”

  “But you’ve barely said a word to her yet since the boys are monopolizing her. How can you be sure? I’m not doubting it, because well, I know how special she is, but I’m just curious.” Tess glanced over at her mother briefly before turning her attention back to Zoey.

  “First of all, I trust you. If you say she’s amazing, then I don’t doubt it for a second. But also, just look at her with Tommy and Bobby. A lot of people would have brushed them off, especially after a long car ride and the added stress of meeting the family. Not her. She dove right in. I can already tell, just from the way she treats those children, that she’s got a big heart and that that big heart of hers is in the right place. So, I’m really happy for you honey. I think she’s going to fit in just fine around here. She’s going to be family. I can feel it.”

  Tess nodded again, swallowing hard and trying not to tear up. “I feel it too, Mom. I’ve never been more sure about anything. And I keep finding out more and more things about her that keep me in a state of continual awe.”

  After “failing” to tag Tommy out before he stepped across home plate, Zoey collapsed to the ground in feigned defeat. “Well, you guys beat me fair and square. I don’t see how I’m ever going to survive the agony of defeat.” She swept a dramatic arm across her eyes. The boys immediately launched themselves atop her, tackling her. They erupted in a fit of giggles as she grabbed them and began tickling them. After the three of them finally fell into a breathless silence, Zoey rose to a kneeling position and brushed the grass off her clothes. “Well, boys, what do you say we go see if we can talk Aunt Tess into finding us a drink?” They nodded, but not before each clung to her, hugging her tightly. She wrapped an arm around each boy and squeezed. She looked up and discovered a pair of familiar eyes studying her intently. Tess had a small smile on her face as she locked gazes with Zoey.

  Zoey grinned at her girlfriend as she snuggled against the twins. She could get used to this, she thought, the relaxed, comfortable McLeod family dynamic.

  Tess smiled back. At that moment, right as the boys embraced her girlfriend, Tess knew it. This was her future. Her family, her Zoey, maybe a few more kids, some with dark hair and dark eyes, sharing little moments like this together. Zoey was her future.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  As dinnertime approached, Tess’s mother rose from her seat. “I’m going to head inside and get a start on dinner.”

  As she turned to leave, Zoey stood. “I’m pretty good in the kitchen, can I help with anything?”

  Trish smiled at Zoey and looked past her towards her daughter. “I like this one already, Tess. You wouldn’t be caught within twenty feet of a kitchen. Not that I’d let you in there anyway, being the walking fire hazard that you are.”

  “Hey! That’s not true!” Tess protested.

  Zoey laughed. “Sorry, babe, but it’s so true.” She turned and followed Tess’s mom inside.

  Watching his daughter with studious eyes, Tess’s father finally broke the silence. “She seems quite special, your Zoey.”

  Sensing their need for a private conversation, Amy rose and excused herself, dragging her sons with her. “I’m just going to go inside and get these two cleaned up for dinner.” Tess smiled at her sister as she left.

  “She is special, Daddy. I’ve never met anyone like her.” Tess grinned at her father.

  Her father leaned over a gently took her hand, his blue eyes piercing her own. Her father was not a man of many words, but when he did speak, it meant something. “Just to give you fair warning, I will have to, at some point, have the obligatory talk with this young woman about how to treat my daughter.”

  Tess leaned back. “Daddy . . .” She began to chastise him, but he held a hand up to stop her.

  “Let me finish. As your father, I have to have that conversation. However, what I was about to say, before you interrupted me, was that I don’t
think it’s necessary. I can sense already that she’s a kind, caring, upstanding person. The kind of person who I can trust with my daughter’s heart. I’ve been waiting a long time to meet that kind of person. You are a very special young woman, Tess, and are so precious to your mother and me. I couldn’t stand to see you get walked all over again, like Claire did to you. Somehow, this time around, I’m not worried. I can see that she loves you, which is all that matters.”

  A single tear trickled down Tess’s cheek, which her father reached up and wiped away. Despite his gruff exterior, he was really a teddy bear underneath. Tess looked up at him. “Thank you Daddy, I love her too. Very, very much.”

  “Not many people would have thrown themselves into the deep end like she has. Playing with the boys, helping your mother, despite being nervous – yes, I could tell. It shows that she’s got strong character, that she’s willing to face the tough things in life. The kind of person that will protect my daughter and her heart.” He squeezed her hand.

  “She’s all of those things and more, Daddy.” Tess smiled, letting her father continue, knowing conversations like this didn’t happen very often with her father.

  “She’s got an energy about her that makes you want to love her right away. Even the boys sensed it. I think that’s why they forgot all about their cool Aunt Tess.” Tess laughed at his observation. “But I see there’s a sadness in her eyes.”

  Tess nodded. “I’m not sure if mom told you, but she’s been going through a tough time with her family. Her father is very traditional and doesn’t approve of the fact that she’s playing poker for a living or that she’s dating a woman. He’s cut her off. So she’s lost her family. I know it was the right decision for her . . . not just for my own selfish reasons, but I think she’s finally able to be her true self. A lot of people would have given in, gone back home and fallen in line. She didn’t. She stood up for herself. She’s so strong, Daddy, so brave. But inside, she’s hurting. She’s lost her family. No one should ever be forced to make that choice. I’m so lucky that you and Mom were so understanding with me, that you decided to accept me.”

  Her father nodded. “There was no decision for us to make. You were our daughter and we loved you. End of story. It angers me that a father could choose to shut out his own daughter, simply because he doesn’t agree with the way she’s living her life. Perhaps he’ll come around in time. Until then, Tess, you need to be who I raised you to be. You need to be strong for her and be there for her, protect her, and cherish her. And we will be here too. We will be her family.”

  His words caused a few more rogue tears to spill from Tess’s cheeks as she wrapped her arms around her father in a tight bear hug. “Thank you, Daddy. I love you so much.”

  He smiled and he rubbed a hand across her back. “I love you too, pumpkin. Now let’s go instead and see what our ladies are up to in the kitchen.”

  * * * * *

  As Zoey followed Trish inside, the woman turned and hugged her tightly. “Thank you,” Tess’s mother said.

  “For what?”

  “For making my daughter so happy. I’ve never seen her like this. So giddy and over the moon. And that’s saying something. In case you haven’t noticed, Tess’s a bit on the perky side.”

  Zoey laughed. “Indeed, that is a trait of hers that hard to miss. But it’s endearing. And there’s no need to thank me, Trish. She makes me incredibly happy as well. I can’t really imagine what life was like before she was in it. You’ve raised an incredible woman. So really, I should be thanking you.”

  Trish shook her head. “From what I can tell so far, Zoey, you’re pretty special yourself.”

  After hesitating for few moments, Trish broached the subject of family. “So tell me about your family, Zoey. Tess says you’ve been having a bit of a difficult time lately.” She immediately regretted bringing it up as a brief look of pain washed over Zoey’s face before she recomposed herself. “Or don’t. I know it must be tough, but if you need someone to talk to, know that I’m here and willing to help in any way I can.” She placed a reassuring hand on Zoey’s shoulder.

  “It’s okay, it’s therapeutic to talk about it, I think,” Zoey said as she smiled wanly, before returning her attention to the vegetables she was chopping. “My father is wealthy. I grew up going to the best schools, with the best coaches, the best tutors, and everything I could ever need to help me succeed. And so I did. I excelled at sports, at academics, but I was never really happy. My parents were loving, but a bit distant. My father expected me to fall in line and do as he pleased, just like one of his employees. And I did. For the majority of my life, I was the dutiful daughter. I even went to work for his company. But there was always something missing. I felt like I never really had done anything completely on my own, completely for myself. My dad had always been there to ensure my success. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the support and the great opportunities I’ve had. But it’s stifling. So, after a bad breakup, I quit my job and moved to Vegas to try my hand and poker . . . and met your daughter. The poker, and more importantly, Tess, make me so happy. For the first time in my life I feel fulfilled. But my father found out and threatened to cut me off if I didn’t give up both. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go back to my old life, now that I know what it’s like to be my own person, what it’s like to really love and be loved for who I am. It was a hard decision, but I know I made the right choice in standing up to my father. If he can’t accept me for who I am, that’s his problem.”

  Trish rubbed soothing circles on her back. “But it doesn’t make it any easier, does it?”

  Zoey shook her head as she fought back tears. Trish pulled her into her arms. “I have faith, Zoey. Your father loves you and thought he was doing what was best for you. Sure, he was misguided, but I’m positive that he did what he did out of love. He’ll come around. How could he not? To me, not having someone as special as you in his life doesn’t seem like an option. Give it time. In the meantime, we’re here for you, sweetie, whatever you need. Just ask.”

  Zoey hugged the woman back, holding on tightly. “Thank you.”

  After holding Zoey for a few silent moments, Trish pulled back. “Okay, enough of that serious stuff. How about I tell you some embarrassing stories about Tess?”

  “Deal.” Zoey said, smiling. Trish grinned, glad to see Zoey’s smile return. It hurt her to know that anyone would want to upset such a beautiful soul. She silently thanked the heavens for sending such a special person for her Tess.

  “Well, there was this one time when Tess was about four or five years old and she mooned her grandmother. In public.” Trish laughed as she remembered.

  “She mooned her grandma?” Zoey said in disbelief.

  “Yes. In a very public shopping area. Her grandmother, Joe’s mom, was this very prim and proper lady. She was not amused. Her grandchildren should have better manners than that. And they should especially know that public nudity was to be frowned upon. Joe and I did all we could to keep from laughing long enough to get Tess out of her sight.”

  They shared a laugh and at that moment, Tess and her father entered the kitchen. “What’s so funny?” Tess asked, curious as to the source of their humor.

  “Oh, nothing. Your mom was just telling me about the time you mooned your grandma.” Zoey snickered.

  “Mom! No embarrassing stories! It’s not fair!” Tess protested.

  “Sorry, sweetie, but I couldn’t resist. Now come and help set the table.” Her mother handed her some plates as Zoey and she continued to laugh.

  * * * * *

  Their dinner was a picture perfect, stereotypical family dinner. Lots of laughs, joking, and an overall sense of comfort and love. Tess sat back and admired the way Zoey fit right in. There wasn’t even a trace of girlfriend’s earlier nervousness. Zoey helped Amy cut up food for the boys, engaged her father in a conversation about football, talked celebrity gossip with her sister, and spent time with her mother discussing more embarrassing Tess stories. A s
mile crept across Tess’s face as the dinner progressed. It was as if Zoey had always be there, a part of her family. The way she melded in to her special little clan made Tess love her even more, if that were possible.

  Zoey was having a great time. The McLeods were warm and loving people. It wasn’t hard to believe that Tess had grown up amongst them. It would be difficult not to turn out as wonderful as her girlfriend when surrounded by such supportive, caring family. She reflected on the dinner, the relaxed environment, the lack of any false formalities or decorum. It was so different from what she’d grown up with. She loved her family, but there had never been the carefree ease, never the overwhelming sense of warmth that seemed to exude from every inch of the house, the family. A bittersweet smile crept across her face.