“What’s up, Dad?” He greeted walking through the gate, closing it behind him.
Lewis glanced up from in front of the grill. “Hey, son. I didn’t know you were stopping by today.”
Nate climbed the four steps that led to the top of the deck. “Yeah, I was in the neighborhood and figured I’d see if you and Mom were home.”
“Well, I’m here, but your mom went to the store.” Lewis moved the ribs to the side of the grill and placed some chicken on the rack.
“What’s with all of the food?”
“Sarah wanted me to grill enough to get us through a few days. Knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she expected you and Nick to stop by.”
Nate smiled. They used to joke that Sarah Jenkins-Moore was psychic when it came to her boys. She might not have been their birth mother, but she had a sixth sense where he and Nick were concerned. Nate would never forget the time when she paced the floor one night. He and Nick were around sixteen. Nick had gone out with some friends and hours after he’d left, their mom claimed that something was wrong.
They hadn’t been able to reach his brother and the anxiousness rolling off of Sarah could be felt throughout the house. An hour later they’d gotten a call saying that Nick had been in an accident. He only suffered a broken arm, but none of them ever doubted her intuition again.
She was an amazing mom and the only mother he and Nick had ever known. Their biological father had died in the military before they were born. Then their birth mother, Natalie, died of kidney failure making Nate and Nick orphans at the age of one. Natalie and Sarah had been cousins, as well as best friends. As their godmother, Sarah stepped in and adopted them.
Nate would be forever grateful to her. It hadn’t been easy being a single mom, especially with twin boys. But all of their lives changed when Lewis came onto the scene when Nate was three. He married Sarah and adopted him and Nick shortly after. From day one Lewis had treated them like his own, teaching them everything they needed to know about being a man. What Nate respected the most about Lewis was the way he treated Sarah. Her happiness and security were his top priority, and he worshiped the ground she walked on. Nate planned to treat his own wife the same should he ever get married.
“What’s on your mind son?” Lewis pulled a couple of beers out of the small refrigerator near the grill. He handed one to Nate and then joined him at the table.
“Thanks.” Nate took a long drag from his beer before placing it on the table. They sat in silence for the longest time, and Nate stared out over the manicured lawn. His mother’s flower garden was fully bloomed and it looked as if she’d added some new plants.
“I know you didn’t come over here to admire your mother’s handy work with the yard. Does this unexpected visit and your silence have anything to do with Liberty?”
Nate grunted. Maybe mothers weren’t the only ones with a sixth sense. Nate had come to talk, but at the moment he wasn’t sure what he wanted to share. Lewis knew about Liberty’s return, but not about them getting back together. Nate filled him in on the last couple of months.
“Sounds like you two have been spending a lot of time together. Are you having second thoughts?” Lewis asked.
“No. Not exactly.” Nate pushed his chair back and leaned forward, his elbows on his thighs and his fingers steepled. “Man, Dad. Liberty used to be everything I ever wanted in a woman. Heck, everything I wanted in a wife. She was gorgeous. Selfless. Confident. Independent. I even liked that she was a little stubborn.”
Lewis chuckled. “Was she as stubborn as your mother?” Sarah was headstrong like the rest of the Jenkins women, tenacious, and used to getting her way.
Nate laughed. “Maybe not as stubborn as Mom, but close.”
“You said Liberty was once all of those things. I take it that’s changed.”
“She still has some of those qualities, but she’s…I don’t know, different. Not just her name has changed. I know she’s been through a lot, and pulling her life back together hasn’t been easy. But she’s not as confident as she used to be, and there’s still a sadness about her. That jerk she was married to broke her spirit, and I don’t know if she can get that back.”
Every day that Nate and Liberty spent together, she shared bits and pieces about her marriage. Explaining how unhappy she was and how the relationship had deteriorated over the years. Last night she talked more about her time at the Culpepper’s law firm. Isaac had been emotionally abusive toward her at work and at home. Liberty knew she had to find a way out of the marriage, but it wasn’t until he hit her that she finally left.
“I think Liberty is keeping something from me,” Nate said. “Something she thinks will make me have second thoughts about her and me.”
“How do you know? Has she hinted to something being wrong?”
“Not really, but... I just have this feeling that I can’t shake.”
“Now you’re sounding like your mother. She has more feelings than anyone I know.”
Nate grinned. “And she’s usually right.”
“That’s true,” Lewis said nodding.
“With Liberty, I’ve been mainly trying to show her that she can trust me. That she can confide in me. Don’t get me wrong, we have good communication, but I think she’s still unsure about our relationship. She’s even mentioned that she doesn’t trust her own judgment, and to me, sometimes it feels like she’s waiting for me to hurt her. To treat her wrong or get back at her for what happened in the past.”
“Is that your intent? Are you still holding some animosity toward her?”
Nate shook his head. “No. I really do care about her. I want to see where this relationship goes. She’s special, but if she doesn’t believe that of herself, there’s nothing I can say or do to change her mind.”
“Maybe not, but being with you might help. Think about it. Can you imagine being around someone for years who always put you down, made you feel like you’re unworthy, and have you questioning your own abilities? That girl sounds like a survivor. Some women never get over the type of stress and hurt she endured. Has Liberty gone through any type of therapy?”
“She went through therapy while she was going through her divorce. I might just be reading more into what she’s saying and not saying than necessary. I guess I want the old Kayla back.”
“Well, you might as well give that idea up. She’s not the same person and neither are you. Besides, it’s clear you two didn’t know each other as well as you once thought you did.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“If you’re as serious about her as I think you are, take your time and get to know Liberty. Be gentle with her. Show her how a woman should really be treated.”
That’s exactly what Nate was doing, or at least trying to do. Liberty was such a sweetheart. There were times that he just wanted to hold her tight and never let her go. He never wanted to see her hurt again.
“But Nate, if this young lady is fragile, don’t start something you don’t plan on finishing.”
“I want Liberty in my life for as long as she’ll have me. I knew the first day I met her that she was the one for me.”
Nate also knew she was the reason he hadn’t been able to open his heart to another woman. He couldn’t explain the connection between them. She held a special spot in his heart that no other had ever been able to fill. He might’ve been concerned about her emotional state, but there was no doubt in his mind that he still loved her.
Perhaps his father was right. Maybe loving on Liberty was all she needed to regain confidence in herself, and to know that she was worthy of love.
“So, when are we going to meet this young lady?”
“I’m thinking about bringing her to Sunday brunch next week.”
“Wow. You must be real serious about her if you’re planning to subject her to the Jenkins clan.” Lewis laughed and Nate joined in.
“Yeah, hopefully they don’t scare her away.”
Chapter Eighteen
Liberty was a nervous wreck. She barely slept the night before in anticipation of meeting Nate’s parents. But meeting the whole family at the infamous Sunday brunch added a whole different wave of anxiousness.
She had heard of immediate family members eating together on occasion, but cousins, uncles, and aunts hooking up every week? Who did that? Apparently, the Jenkins family. Nate mentioned that it was a tradition started many years ago, and forty-plus years later, it was still going strong. And if any of the grandkids didn’t show up, their grandmother, Katherine, would personally call the following Monday to find out why.
Liberty stared out the passenger side window of Nate’s car as the city went by in a blur. Had he told them about why she broke things off with him in college? What if they didn't like her? What if they didn't think she was good enough for Nate? Would they be out for blood for breaking his heart? Imagining the possibilities made her nauseous.
Nate reached over and grabbed hold of her hand, giving it a slight squeeze. “Relax. I can feel how tense you are all the way over here. You have nothing to worry about. My family is going to love you. I promise.”
Nate held on to her hand until they reached Indian Hill, a Cincinnati suburb. Every house seemed bigger than the next as they drove through his grandparents’ neighborhood. Liberty knew the Jenkins family had done well for themselves, but she had no idea his grandparents lived in a mansion.
Seeing the huge homes reminded her of the first time Isaac had taken her to his parents’ estate. He’d been trying to impress her with what they had. It took her a while to realize that they might’ve been wealthy, but they were horrible human beings. Quick to belittle anyone who wasn’t in the same tax bracket as them. Liberty hoped Nate's family wasn't like that.
“I might not be ready for this,” she said once he parked near the end of the double-wide, circular driveway. There were cars everywhere.
He looked at her, concern radiating in his dark eyes. “Baby, I’m not going to force you to do anything, but I’d like for you to meet my family. What are you afraid of?”
Liberty looked back at the home before returning her attention to him. “Seeing their estate reminds me of the times that Isaac took me to his parents’ home. It was never a good experience, and I always felt like an outsider. What if your family hates me for the choices I made in college?”
Nate turned to face her, his arm on the back of the seat. “I hope you're not comparing me to Isaac or my family to his family. I can assure you we are not the same people. I will warn you, though. My family is nosy, loud, and opinionated. Some of them are a pain in the ass, but they won’t disrespect you. And what happened between you and me in the past, that’s none of their business. If anyone says anything inappropriately to you, let me know.”
Some of the tension eased from her body. If the Jenkins family was anything like Nate, she had nothing to worry about.
“If at any time you want to leave, tell me and we’re out. All right?”
“Okay.”
He exited the car and walked around to the passenger side and opened her door.
“Looks like you’ll get to meet my cousin Peyton and her family first,” Nate said as he helped Liberty out of the car. He nodded toward the woman walking toward them with a handsome man, a baby, and a little girl trailing a short distance behind.
“Is she the one who used to manage Jenkins & Sons but now lives in New York? The one married to the private investigator?”
“Yes. That’s her. They arrived in town this morning.”
The night before, Nate had given Liberty some insight into many of the people she would meet at the brunch. Seemed the family was dominated with mostly men, but Nate spoke highly of his female cousins. All of them were either construction workers or had worked in the trades at one time. Peyton was an electrician by trade, and did side-jobs in New York, but mainly was a stay at home mom.
“What’s up, stranger?” Nate said, hugging Peyton.
“Not much. It’s good seeing you,” Peyton said before pulling away from Nate and extending her hand. “You must be Liberty.”
“Liberty, this is my cousin, Peyton, her husband Michael, and their children.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Liberty said, comforted by their friendliness.
Peyton’s husband, Michael, carried their one-year-old son, while their daughter held on to Peyton’s hand. Had Nate not mentioned it, Liberty wouldn’t have known that the little girl, Michaela, was actually Peyton’s stepdaughter. They looked so much alike.
Liberty smiled up at Nate when he grabbed her hand. They fell in step behind Peyton and her family as they all headed up the long driveway toward the house.
“That little guy is getting big,” Nate said of Michael Jr.
“Yeah, man, he definitely has the Jenkins family appetite,” Michael said over his shoulder.
Peyton laughed and nudged her husband in the arm. “Don’t be talking about my greedy family.”
“Liberty, you’ll see. Greedy is an understatement. This family is always eating.” Michael laughed, dodging a swat from his wife.
They all laughed, and the nerves Liberty had been battling with earlier subsided.
The smell of barbecue, loud talking, laughing, and music greeted them as they drew closer to the backyard. Nate had mentioned that during the summer months, many of them lounged outside, played volleyball, horseshoes and turned the brunch into a family picnic. Now it was officially fall, and the temperature had dropped to the low-seventies. The sun was shining brightly, and it was still a perfect day for outdoor activities.
When they approached the six-foot wood fence, Liberty slowed and squeezed Nate’s hand. It had been a long time since she met a boyfriend’s family.
He lowered his head and kissed her, pushing away even more of her anxiety. “It’s going to be fine. I promise.”
“I know. I was just being silly worrying for no reason.”
He had been so patient with her over the past month. It was going to take time for her to get used to a kind man who respected her. How sad was that? She couldn’t believe she had gotten used to how poorly Isaac and his family treated her.
The moment they entered the yard that looked more like a small park, Liberty felt at home. Small groups of people were scattered everywhere seeming to be enjoying themselves. Some hung out near the grill on the patio, while others were at picnic tables or sitting by the in-ground swimming pool. If she thought the front of the home was impressive, the backyard was an event planner’s dream. She had expected a lot of people, but the fifty-plus exceeded her expectations, and that was just outside.
The next few minutes included a whirlwind of introductions. There was no way she would remember all of the names and the relationship to Nate. Liberty could understand why the grandmother insisted on the family coming together. The positive energy floating around the large group was palpable.
“Nate, you made it,” a man said coming out of the house, a beer in one hand and a plate in the other.
“Yep, we just got here. Liberty, this is my uncle, Ben. Uncle Ben, this is Liberty,” Nate introduced proudly.
“You’re even more beautiful than Nate described. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Liberty smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Nate talks about you all the time.” Liberty had heard so much about him, she felt like she already knew him. Taking in the tall, handsome man with mesmerizing eyes had her wondering what the hell type of gene pool they had going on. She hadn’t seen so many gorgeous people in one spot in a long time. Nate had mentioned that Ben was his mother’s youngest brother and only about fourteen years older than Nate. That would put him at around fifty, but he didn’t look that much older than Nate. The saying, black don’t crack, definitely applied to the Jenkins family.
“Well, as long as whatever he said was good, then you can believe him.”
“It was very good.”
They talked to him a few more minutes and she was surprise
d that Nate had told him she was studying for the bar. She was filled with gratitude when Ben told her if she had any questions or if there was anything he could do to help, just give him a call.
When they approached the back deck, she saw a few familiar faces.
“What’s up you two?” Liam said giving Nate a fist bump before bending down and kissing her on her cheek. “Welcome to brunch, Liberty. You're a brave woman coming to hang out with all of these animals.” He grinned and she laughed.
Nate wrapped his arm around her waist and started pointing at people. “That’s my cousin, Jerry.” He pointed to a tall, very muscular, dark-skinned man.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said shaking her hand and flashing a devilish smile that she was sure had women throwing themselves at him.
“This is my cousin, Ben Junior, Uncle Ben’s youngest son,” Nate said of the man who was a little shorter than Jerry and had light brown eyes. “Have you guys seen my parents?”
Jerry pointed to the door with his thumb. “Inside.”
Holding her hand again, Nate escorted Liberty into the house, giving more introductions while showing her around the grand space. They kept moving until they reached the kitchen where Nate introduced her to his grandmother, some of his aunts and cousins.
“Gram, have you seen my mom?” Nate asked just as a woman who looked like a younger version of his grandmother walked in. She had smooth skin the color of milk chocolate, and was short with rounded hips. She zoned in on her son.
“Hey, sweetheart. I was wondering when you would get here,” she said accepting a kiss on the cheek from Nate, but her gaze was on Liberty.
“Mom, this is Liberty. Liberty, this is my mother, Sarah Moore.”
“Hey, young lady. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Liberty wasn’t sure what she had expected, but when Sarah hugged her like only a mother could, Liberty didn’t want her to let go. She felt such warmth from the gesture that all of her inhibitions about whether the family would dislike her flew out the door.
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