CHAPTER 37

Grace sat with her husband having dinner since the children were still not back from their friends’ places. It was better that way because she knew her husband’s temper.
“I can see that you have been meaning to tell me about something. What is it my love?” Henry asked her.
“I’m wondering if it is the right time to tell you about this or not,” Grace contemplated about her issue.
“Just tell me. I believe that I can handle anything from you or is it anything that concerns the children. What did they do this time again?” Henry asked as he put his flute of champagne down.
“It’s about the children and this time they did something unexpected but promise me that you will not get angry,” Grace said as she put her hand on top of her husband’s.
“I promise, I will keep my cool,” he said and she smiled even when she fully knows that he won’t keep it.
“You know how our young kids had been close ever since they were small?”
“Yes, I know. They have this bond which I find difficult to even separate. It will be bad once they both get married,” Henry said as he shoved a piece of meat in his mouth.
“Yes, it’s about that exactly. You see, our children they developed their relationship and it’s on another level now,” she tried to beat around the bush.
“Woman, just go straight to the point. What is happening to them?” he asked her.
“They are in love and they are seeing each other,” she said it finally.
“What did you just say? How is that even possible?” he asked her.
“They told me this morning and I was shocked too but there is nothing I can do. I can’t bear to be the cause of their heartbreak so I wanted to talk to you about it first,” she said and watched her husband. He wasn’t feeling good at all and she knew it.
“It’s all my fault. I have pampered this boy so much that I let everything slide and now see where it got us. What will people say when they find out what our kids are doing?’
“Is the only thing you care about people’s opinions? Why don’t you put how our kids feel first and how they felt when they told me that they were in love? It is already difficult for them but they still remain with each other. I saw it in their eyes; they love each other so much. I don’t know what to do, my love.”
“I understand you. I have always tried to give my children everything they wanted but this time it is too much. They don’t know the obstacles that are in front of them now. I think I need to sit down with them and talk,” he said as he wiped his hands.
“They won’t be back early. They are writing so now they are studying. If it’s bad news then I will advise you to speak to them when they are done with their exams,” Grace advised.
“I will speak to them once I think things through. Just call them and tell them that I need them home now,” Henry said.
“Okay, I will call them now. Please be calm with them, okay,” she said as she put her hand on top of his.
“I will try my best. I will go to my study now,” Henry said as he stood up.
Grace watched as her husband left and she prayed that it will go well when he meets the children. She took out her phone and called Harvey first who told her that he was already on his way. She called Ruby and she heard her friends in the background. They were probably still studying.
“Hey baby, you need to come back home now. Your father wants to speak to you and Harvey,” Grace said.
“Okay, I will be on my way,” Ruby said on the other side.
“Okay, drive safely,” she said and hung up.
She took a deep breath and just hoped that all will be well when the kids arrive.
***
Henry took a sip of whiskey and took a deep breath. He was already in his late sixties and he never thought that one day he would be faced with such a situation. He always felt sorry for his youngest son Harvey for growing up and losing his mother at such a young age.
When he met Grace he fell for her, she was kind and beautiful. He couldn’t help himself but fall for the young woman so he proposed and married her. She brought in her young daughter who became a huge pillar for his youngest son. He was glad and relieved to see that his son was okay with Ruby’s presence.
He reminded himself all the time about how their closeness will become trouble one day and now it became true. His son and his wife’s daughter were dating. It was his entire fault and there was no way he could blame the kids.
He suspected that something was happening the night he introduced Janet to Harvey. It was awkward but he just hoped that it wasn’t true. He just wanted his child to have a normal life. Why was he choosing such a dangerous and narrow path?
He wasn’t angry with them at all. He just wanted to hear what the kids were planning. He would do anything to keep his children happy even if it meant going against the norm and let the children be together.
There was a knock on his door and his wife came in.
“The kids are here.”
“Send them in,” he said and the kids both walked into his study.
“I will talk to them alone. I will call you, if I need you,” he told his wife.
Grace respected his wishes and left as soon as the kids were settled.