Page 116 of Savage Heart

Me: Family meeting tomorrow? Whatever time works for everyone?

Dad: Eleven in the round barn? It’s usually quiet in there at that time.

I go to sleep before I see any other responses, but there are a few more yeses when I wake up, and as I go about the chores, everyone else has confirmed that they’ll be there too.

I’m sitting at the large table nearest to the door five minutes before eleven, and everyone meanders in over the next ten minutes. When we’re all at the table, Dad knocks on the table.

“What’s on your mind, Son?”

“I thought I should let you all know that I’m dating Iris.”

The words hang there for a second.

“What the fuck, Mav?” Cameron says, his jaw tight.

“Cameron, this is not the time for your mouth,” Mom says. “Show some respect, and hear your brother out.”

Cameron swipes his hand over his face and falls back in his chair.

“Some things have come to light, and I’ve been wrong about her,” I say.

“This is a really bad idea,” Grady says. “I know you’ve always had a soft spot where she’s concerned, but she crushed you. I haven’t forgotten what a shell you were after—” He shakes his head, unable to finish.

“I was afraid that’s who this conversation was about,” Charlie finally says.

Billie sighs. “Me too.” Her eyes fill with tears. “Iris? You’d really go there with her?”

“I only wish I hadn’t wasted so much time,” I admit.

“You really sure about this, Son?” Dad asks.

“Yes,” I say. No hesitation. “I have no doubts.”

Charlie opens her mouth, then closes it again. Billie shakes her head, her expression full of concern. Cameron and Grady keep their eyes trained on the table.

I brace myself for more argument, but it’s just quiet. Heavy. It makes me sad. I wish I could tell them everything.

“I’m so happy for you, Maverick,” Mom says.

Every head snaps toward her, mine included.

She smiles. “I remember the way you looked at her as a little boy,” she says. “Like she lit up your whole world. And she looked at you the same way. I thought then that we’d be having this conversation one day. None of it has happened the way I expected it to, and I almost lost hope that it would, but this is the way life goes . . . lots of twists and turns. Iris deserves our love and forgiveness. You’ll remember I’ve been advocating for that all along.”

It’s true, she has, but even I’m surprised that she’s okay with us being in a relationship.

“Didn’t know you meant for him to date her,” Billie snaps. Mom gives her a pointed look, and she swallows hard. “Sorry,” she whispers.

“You both deserve to be happy,” Mom says.

I swallow hard. “Thanks, Mom.”

She nods, like that settles it. My chest loosens a little.

I don’t know how the rest of it will go. I know not everyone’s convinced.

“I’m not sure how to tell Jennifer, but I know I need to soon . . . before someone else does.”

“Yes, you do,” Mom says. “She’s got the flu right now, though, and the last thing you need is to get sick. But the minute she’s better, you need to tell her.”