The Artist & The Q.B.

Ch. 34

    All the feelings I felt seeing my mother are forgotten as we drive down the residential suburban streets to my dads house. The excitement to see everyone is almost overwhelming and I can't keep this stupid grin off my face. I glance at Truex giving him a sly grin.

"Nervous?" I ask. He keeps his eyes on the road. It's obvious he's a little more nervous now that he's met my mother. "They're nothing like her." I assure him. "Right here. The blue house on the left." I see the telltale sign of smoke coming from he backyard. Dad is barbecuing something.

Truex puts that truck in park and I watch and the front door open and Logan and Brian spill out. I can't help but squeal and jump out of the truck. "You two are getting tall! Stop it!" I command, laughing as I hug them both. "Miss me?'' I ask, looking up at their twin grinning faces.

"Nope, just wanted to see if you were really bringing Truex Marshall." Logan, smirks looking exactly like his dad. I glare at him and look to Brian seeing the same face.

"You both are here to meet him! Not greet me!" I accuse, trying to control my smile. I feel Truex behind me and sigh. "Truex, these are my snot nosed brothers Logan and Brian." I watch as Logan holds out his hand and then Brian.

"Nice to meet you." Truex tells them and I hear the front door open again. I look up to see dad coming toward us. I meet him halfway and give him a hug.

"Did you find the place okay? Didn't get lost did ya?" He asks.

"Nope, I remembered the way." I assure him.

"Good! Now you don't have an excuse not to come more often."

I groan. "You know its been hard." I say, shaking my head. I feel the sense of guilt creep up as it does every time I see him. His eyes scan my face, he doesn't miss the regret in my eyes.

"I would never blame you. You're my daughter. I would like to see more of you." He responds, earnestly. Making my eyes water.

I nod. "Sorry." Taking me in his arms again he hugs me tightly.

"You're the only thing I miss about your mom. We love ya, Briar Patch." He says, kissing my cheek.

"Alright. Don't make her cry, dad." Logan scolds. "Look! She really did bring him." He says, pointing excitedly to Truex.

"He's huge!" Brian chimes in. "How's he gonna fit through the door?"

I laugh at the image. Truex will have to duck down really low. "I smell Barbecue. What do you got on?" I ask, dad. My stomach rumbling.

"Your favorites, ribs and brisket. Been cooking all morning." He replies, proudly. "Before we do that, you mind introducing me to your fellow, here? Then we can to the backyard and avoid having to fold him up to get him in the house."

I wave towards Truex. "Truex this is my dad, Chris. Dad, this is Truex...my husband." I state, nervously.

I feel all four men freeze and silence issues. Dad is the first to recover.

"Husband? I heard the rumors, we didn't think it was true. God, you didn't tell your mom did you?" He winces, knowing full well how Alicia can be.

"We told her yesterday." I reply, grimly. "It did not go over well."

"Not surprised." He grunts, shaking off the shock. "Well, congratulations." Dad says, holding out his hand to Truex.

"Welcome to our dysfunctional family." He smiles, holding his arms out wide.

Truex smiles. "Thank you, Chris."

He turns to me, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "You could've told me you were dating him a while ago. Then your marriage wouldn't have nearly knocked me over." Dad scolds, jokingly.