Duched(93)

 

 

 

"Yes, but you were young and not nearing thirty like I imagine Brie is."

 

 

 

Getting the feeling he doesn't approve of me.

 

 

 

"She keeps Kellan from burning down the other side of the world and from playing strip poker with actresses in front of open windows. That should count for something," Kris attempts to lighten the situation.

 

 

 

The praise from his brother almost tugs my lips upward.

 

 

 

Thankfully, Soph moves the subject towards a fire that broke out in a different part of their country and their efforts to help those in need because of it. The conversation picks up speed and focus in various directions, allowing me to sit quietly and poke at the hunk of mush.

 

 

 

Before I know it, our dishes are being replaced again, yet this time I smirk at the familiar sight.

 

 

 

This one is something I am more than familiar with. It's one of Kellan's favorites and one that grew on me, not to mention my parents who he spoiled with at the occasional white table meal. You know, he made a huge effort to be a part of my family. To understand them and include them in our lives. Even though his world scares the shit out of me, I hope he knows I plan to make the same strides for him.  

 

 

 

"Steak au poivre," Kellan smugly states. "Now this is my kind of welcome back..."

 

 

 

"You mean home," Kris attempts to correct.

 

 

 

He tilts his head at his brother. "Do I?"

 

 

 

"Of course you do," his father argues loudly. "This is your home, whether you choose to call it that or not."

 

 

 

The animosity I felt earlier begins to rise again.

 

 

 

My boyfriend lifts his utensils and snips, "Home would imply a place where your father is supportive of your ideas yet mine rejects them every chance he gets. Why is that?"

 

 

 

Kenneth folds his hands in his lap. "The dinner table in mixed company is not the right place for this discussion, Kellan."

 

 

 

"Neither is your office. Or your bedroom. Or the kitchen. Or the car. Or the jet. Or the golf course or anywhere else for that matter." He shoves a bite in his mouth. "So as far as I'm concerned here is as perfect as elsewhere."

 

 

 

"Kellan," Kris implores quietly.

 

 

 

"No," he denies his brother. "I could tell by the look on your face when I asked that our father had once again said no. I want to know his reasoning this time. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing or how to run a company. Then, I hadn't properly put together a proposal. Next, it wasn't the right timing. Lastly, Kris' cause was deemed more valuable than mine. So, tell me, father. What is the excuse this time?"

 

 

 

My eyes helplessly drag themselves away from the hunk of meat I have been slowly cutting to his father whose entire body appears to be strained.

 

 

 

"There are already foster care programs-"

 

 

 

"They don't work!" Kellan snaps harshly. "Obviously, they don't work or there wouldn't be so many children homeless and helpless!"

 

 

 

Calmly, Kenneth continues, "There are foster care programs in various places in many countries. A string of orphanages like you've presented would be dismissed as already being in place. The program you already have in motion on the other hand would be viewed as undermining these programs that are sponsored by their country's tax revenues. And because your program is small and not large enough to make the charitable donations beneficial, socially or financially, it would be a waste of time and an embarrassment to present at any of the annual brunches."

 

 

 

The harsh words chosen directed at Kellan causes his locked jaw to begin to throb. Instinctively, I reach my hand over to connect with his. As soon as my touch lands on his skin, the hostility begins to drain, and his chest stops heaving. Our eyes meet and we exchange an unspoken moment of warmth despite the heavy sigh from the end of the table.

 

 

 

Getting the feeling being welcomed by his father is going to be much more difficult than I was afraid of. If this is how he treats his own son, what he thinks of his own flesh and blood, I doubt I even stand a chance. You heard those snide remarks earlier. Why is there a knot in the pit of my stomach telling me this isn't even a glimmer of what's ahead?

 

 

 

 

 

Kellan

 

 

 

Brie giggles and barely pushes at my shoulder. "Stop....We can't just stay in bed all day."