“Let’s go, babe. Someone forgot to tell me that they live in the middle of nowhere and I’m ready to get sneaky with my wife in her childhood bedroom.”
“Oh my God, Josh. Just drive!”
Unlike when we drove in Alabama, we don’t stop in each little town that we came to. Joey suggested that we leave her parents early before going back to Los Angeles and maybe spend the night at the motels we came across and pretend like we’re college kids on a budget. I laughed at the budget part because she still hasn’t grasped the fact that I can afford nicer hotels. However, I agreed and told her that I’d thought it’d be romantic, which in turn she unknowingly batted her eyelashes at me.
It’s the small things in life that I’m starting to hold onto longer, like when she’s almost asleep and I tell her that I love her. Her reply is always the same, met with a sigh.
Between loud music, sign-offs, and all the munchies we could possibly eat we finally arrive at her parents. A long driveway that I never thought would end, opened up to this vast property with an amazing two story home complete with a wraparound porch. When I was little I’d see houses like this and wonder about the families who lived inside. And now I know.
Off to the left, in the distance, there’s a pond with a dock. I don’t remember Joey telling me anything about a swimming hole at her house, but then again I spent a lot of time trying not to get to know her. The yard is expansive and where the woods are close to the house, I see a trail starting. Hiking with Joey will be an experience I can’t wait to embark on.
“You’re the Waltons.” I’m a little awestruck by their house. Someone is … well, was sitting on the swing, swaying back and forth until we pulled in and now they’re walking down the steps toward us, one of whom happens to look like an older version of Joey. The screen door opens and I swear I can hear the faint squeak that I would expect the door to make as her father walks out.
Even before I see the inside, I know this is a home. This is where people are loved and they love the people who come to visit. I’m already imagining pictures of Joey all over the walls, and maybe even our wedding picture. It wasn’t great, but it’s still ours until we get a new one. It’s been years since I’ve been in a home where two people love each other and I have a feeling I’m not going to want to leave.
“No, not the Waltons, only the Mitchells and now the Wilsons,” she says. Joey gets out of the car before I can come up with a snappy retort. I watch as she runs to her parents who pick up their pace once they see it’s her. This was a great idea … no, not great, freaking amazing.
My eyes are completely focused on what’s happening in front of me. The love these two have for her, even though her mother signed her up for the show, is indescribable. It’s only when her father starts walking toward the car do I get.
The man who is my father-in-law doesn’t offer to shake my hand. Instead, he pulls me into his arms and pats my back in a hug. And when he tries to let go I hang on a bit longer because it feels like I’m accepted. Hell, I can’t remember the last time my dad hugged me.
“Nolan Mitchell,” he says, extending his hand. “Our meeting is long overdue.”
“Yes, sir, it is. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to bring her home, Mr. Mitchell.”
He pats me on the shoulder and shakes his head. “Nolan. None of that Mr. Mitchell shit.” Nolan chuckles and offers to help with our luggage.
I feel bad because we brought everything, which adds up to four suitcases and two carry-ons. We probably don’t need this much, but I was in a hurry to get the hell out of there and spend some family time with my wife.
“Hey, babe.” Joey steps to me when I reach her and her mother. Her hand rests gently on my stomach and she beams up at me. She’s happy. I did this. I made her smile like this. “This is my mother, Ava. Mom, this is Josh.” The way Joey says my name sends a jolt right to my groin. I bite the inside of my cheek, praying that the pain will counteract the stiffy that’s forming. The last thing I want is for my mother-in-law to see my damn boner.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you …”
“Ava. My son-in-law will call me Ava.” She gives me a hug, but it’s quick and when she’s stepping away, I swear I catch her wiping a tear. “Come on, let’s go inside.”
Joey picks up one of the bags that I dropped and takes my hand with her free one. Side by side we walk up the steps and into her family home. The inside is decorated like one of those magazines you find at the doctor’s office and I get the feeling that I’m not supposed to touch anything.
We follow her father down the hall and up a flight of stairs, down another hall and into her room. I know it’s her room because it screams Joey. The walls are a light shade of pink, with posters of various celebrities, with me being one of them, hanging from them. Pictures of her friends, class ribbons, and other memorabilia adorn every space available.
“Make yourself at home. Beer’s in the fridge when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” Joey kisses him on the cheek and to my surprise he closes the door.
Setting the bags down near her closet, I look over everything while she sits on her bed. She doesn’t tell me not to touch anything or come take things out of my hand.
“Who’s this?” I ask as I pick up a framed photo and her face falls.
“Unfortunately, that’s my two exes—best friend and fiancé—but in the middle is her brother. He died in a car accident and that’s the only picture I have of him from when we were older.”
If I were a lesser of a man I’d be pissed that she has a photo of her ex, but I’m not. I’m Joshua Wilson and this dumba
ss fucked up big time when he cheated on Joey. His loss is so my gain.
“Your room is cute.”
“It’s childish,” she retorts.
I stalk toward her and push myself between her knees, falling into her until she’s lying down. “It’s you and I love it. I wish I could show you mine, but it doesn’t exist.”