Chapter 32
32
RAINN
I watch, stunned, as Mac takes the stage. He hates talking in front of a crowd. Hates attention on him. He’s doing this for me.
Just proving a point.
His parents are staring at him as if he’s about to announce he sold his horse.
“Thanks, everyone, for coming and supporting kids like Hettie.” He smiles, almost looking relaxed. But his hands shake as he adjusts the mic to make it taller. “Cher and Rainn put together an amazing event. And Slade.” He points to our roommate, and I laugh. Such a goof. “Let’s give them a hand, everyone!” The crowd applauds enthusiastically. Mac darts a nervous glance at me, and I give him a thumbs-up.
He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. “Rainn can tell you this is not my thing. Crowds. Being in a crowd. Talking to a crowd.” He shrugs like what can you do? “Honestly, it feels a lot like being on an airplane that’s losing altitude fast.” He sort of mutters that last part. “I like horses. They don’t judge you. Okay, sometimes, Daisy—never mind.” He scratches his head. “I’m so proud of Hettie for standing up for who she is. Sometimes you have to be brave.” His eyes reach mine. “Words are easy to say. Action is harder. But necessary to prove your point.”
I stare at Mac, in awe of his bravery. But also worried he’ll do something and regret it. Or not do something and regret it more.
“Love isn’t always enough. Heck, life is complicated.” He looks at his parents, and they look nervous. But also a little proud. “So, first off, I want to say…I’m sorry.”
There are several gasps from the crowd. My eyes prickle, and I blink back my tears.
“I hate liars and people who pretend to be something they aren’t. Yet I’ve been pretending for a while now. Pretending everything is okay. That I could handle everything on my own. I also pretended to be…” He glances over at Sally Jo and swallows. “Um, straight. When that’s not exactly the truth. And Hal and Joy, I lied to you all, too, but that’s not my story to tell. The person I lied to the most was myself. Which brings me back to my point. Sometimes, love is enough. But you have to fight like heck for it. So, I guess this is me”—he holds his arms out wide—“fightin’ like heck. Rainn Harding is my best friend. Always has been and I hope always will be. He’s an amazing man. And I love him.” He takes a deep breath, and his eyes find mine. “I’m in love with him. I don’t want to spend a day without you, Rainn.”
I hold my hands against my heart.
My heart is so full. I can’t believe Mac did all this for me. For us. Mac smiles that shy Mac smile I love so much and shakes his head. “And I guess it’s good that I love the man so much.” He pulls the chain from around his neck. His eyes find mine, and I can see the question. I nod. This man has been so brave for me. I can be brave for him. He pulls the ring off the chain and puts it on his finger. “Since he’s my husband.”
The crowd cheers and whistles, but I barely notice. My eyes are on Mac. He’s all that matters. I remove the chain from my neck and slip my ring on my finger. Then I race up the steps to claim my man.
The crowd goes nuts, but I don’t let that distract me. As I lean in to kiss him, and he puts a hand on my chest. “Hold on, Doc. It’s not midnight.”
I laugh. “Shut up and kiss me, husband.” When we kiss, it’s like no one else is there. Just Mac.
And he’s mine.
I get lost in his kiss for a minute or two.
Cher separates us. And I can’t help the grin on my face. “Okay, boys, let’s keep this PG. There’s so much love in the air tonight.”
Mac and I leave the stage holding hands. I keep my eyes on him and not my dad.
“Roz will perform again in a bit, and then we’ll countdown to midnight. But since everyone’s making speeches, I guess it’s my turn.” She shakes her head like she still can’t believe she’s doing this.
“What the heck is she doing?” Mac asks.
I shrug. “Not sure.” And then I kiss him.
“Better save those up. It’ll be midnight soon.”
“So listen up,” Cher says, getting everyone’s attention. “Every single interview I’ve done for the last six months has been about whether I’m angry or heartbroken over what happened with Rainn. This may not be the right place or time, but I’m so tired of talking about this, y’all. I stopped the wedding. But that’s not even the point. Sometimes, you think you have found the right person. And when it turns out not to be true, it’s hard. Rainn was not the right person for me, and I am over the moon for him and Mac. They deserve to be happy. And so do I.”
Mac and I both cheer for her, and she smiles and blows us a kiss.
“Come with me, husband.” I pull Mac through the crowd, stopping here and there for people to pat us on the back and congratulate us. I try to take the outer perimeter away from his family and mine. We’re not ready for that yet. I need a few minutes alone with Mac to tell him how proud I am of him.
Of course that doesn’t work out because as soon as we maneuver out of the ballroom and into the hall, my dad steps in front of us.
The man looks deranged. And I wonder where the nearest security guard is.
“How dare you. First Henry and then you?” He glares at Mac. “This is all your fault.”
“That’s enough, Dad.” I move in front of Mac. “It’s no one’s fault. I love Mac.”
“I didn’t raise you to be a?—”
“You didn’t raise him at all,” Roz says, their voice controlled but furious. “Not really.”
Dad stares at Roz like they have two heads. Like they’re a freak. “Who the hell do you think you are? This is a private conversation.”
“Roz,” Levor says in a warning tone, “remember where you are. And how many people are watching.”
I glance up at his words. We’ve attracted a crowd, thanks to Roz. And several have their cameras out.
“It’s fine, M—Roz.” And it really is. I turn to my father. “I don’t care what you think. I don’t care if you cut me off. I’m done living my life the way you want me to.”
Zye pushes through the crowd with Miles on his heels. “What’s going on here?”
Dad looks at my brother with disgust, but Zye just rolls his eyes.
“Are we really doing this again?” He crosses his arms. “Miles, sweetie, can you get security? Just in case we need it.”
Miles nods, but he looks hesitant to leave.
“Nothing I can’t handle, Zye.” I smile at Roz. “And I appreciate the gesture, Roz, but I’m fine.”
They smile. And it’s strange seeing Mom behind all the makeup and the costumes. They really are brilliant at it. Zye’s gaze ping-pongs between us.
Levor sighs in relief. “See, Roz. Everything is fine.”
They turn and glare at him. “I am not fine. Don’t try to manage me, Levor.”
“It’s my job, sweetheart.”
They press their lips together, and I wonder what they’re not saying. It could be anything from it’s no longer your job to I’m not just a job . I haven’t really gotten a handle on their relationship.
Dad snorts. “Listen to your boyfriend, honey, and mind your own business.”
Zye gasps, and Levor actually takes a step back. Roz seems to grow. They’re already in platform shoes but now they seem to take up more space. “You are a despicable, hateful man. But somehow, you’ve fooled so many people. Including me.”
“You don’t know me.”
“Oh, but I do, Sheriff. You’re cruel and mean and pathetic. And a liar. I was so stuck in my own misery that I couldn’t see it. Otherwise, I never would’ve left my son with you.”
The sheriff goes completely still. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Belinda lets out a gasp—when did she get here? She covers her mouth. “Liv? Oh my God. I should’ve known. Your singing?—”
Dad glares at Belinda and points his finger at Roz. “That is not Olivia. Olivia Danica Jaine is a drugged out?—”
Levor steps forward and clears his throat. “Unless you want to be sued until you’re broke and penniless, I suggest you consider your next words very carefully.”
Dad throws up his hands. “What about you, McVay? Are you really going to support this nonsense?”
At first, I think he’s talking to Mac, and then I realize Mac’s parents are standing beside Belinda.
I wrap my arm around Mac. This is his greatest fear.
Deputy McVay rubs his forehead. “I’m shocked. And hurt, I guess. That Mac didn’t think he could tell us. And I’m more than a little confused about everything else that’s happened tonight.” His eyes dart to Roz and then focus on Mac. “But I’ll always support my son. I hope you know that, Mac.”
Dad snorts. “Right, because you’ve been so good at that in the past. If it weren’t for me, you never would’ve stopped drinking.”
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Mac’s dad angry. “That is not true, Frank. You helped me get what I needed. But Eddie getting hurt because of me…” His voice breaks, and he clears his throat. “I knew then I had to do things differently.”
“Dad,” Mac whispers, and I squeeze his hand.
Dad balls his hands into fists. “Cedar Ridge is a wholesome town. And if you’re going to support this—maybe you need to work elsewhere.”
Deputy McVay’s mouth drops open.
“Hold on,” Mac says, and I put my hand on his chest. My dad is still a sheriff. He doesn’t need to get arrested.
“Could you speak up, Frank? I don’t think everyone got that,” Roz says. That’s when I remember all the cameras. Looking around, I see a bunch more. We’ve gathered a large crowd. “They already know from the other videos that you’re homophobic and transphobic. But I think it might actually be illegal to fire your deputy because he supports his gay son.”
“Not gay,” Mac whispers, so only I can hear.
“How do you feel about queer?” I ask, and he nods.
“Queer son, actually.”
Roz nods. “Queer son.”
Zye presses his hands to his chest.
I can see the love in their eyes as they look at Zye and then me. It doesn’t erase all the pain of the last ten years. But it does help. They turn their attention back on my father. “So, what’s it gonna be, Sheriff? Are you gonna go back to the party and behave yourself?”
“No,” I say, interrupting them. “That’s not gonna happen. And I can’t believe I’m doing this again. But, Dad, you are not welcome here. This event is to support and raise money for trans kids. And you denied yours. You don’t get to be here eating the food, spilling your hate, and acting like you belong. Because you don’t. I should’ve done this before, but it’s never too late. Please leave.”
“You ungrateful little shit.” His nostrils flare. “You’re kicking me out? Again?”
“What can I say? If you want a different outcome, Dad, stop being a fucking asshole.”
He clenches his hands, and I can see the rage in his face. “You will regret?—”
One of the security guards steps between Dad and me. “Time for you to go.”
Dad looks like he wants to say more. Wants to rant at anyone and everyone. But he has no one on his side. “I’m done, Rainn. Do you hear me? I’m not paying for your school or anything. You’re on your own.” He shakes off the security guard’s hand and storms out.
It’s like a weight has been lifted. Holy shit. I still need to pay for med school, but I’ll figure it out.
“Rainn, you’re not on your own.” Roz squeezes my hand and Levor tries to lead them away while Zye flings himself in their arms.
It’s a quick hug because cameras are rolling, and Levor is still trying to lead them away.
“Not at all alone, my boy,” Hal says, and Joy nods. “Well done.”
When Roz leaves, so does the audience.
Mac’s mom hugs him and then me. “I can’t believe you two are married. But heck, I’m not really surprised.”
I dart a glance at Mac. “We’re not. Married, I mean. Not really. We signed the divorce papers.”
Mac ducks his head. “About that…”
Casey pats my back. “Sorry, Rainn. Your husband never signed, so I guess you’re stuck with him. No takesies backsies.”
“Mac?” I grasp his arms so he’s looking at me and no one else. “You didn’t sign the divorce papers?”
“No, I was going to, but—” He shrugs, looking a little helpless. “I’m sor?—”
“Don’t you dare apologize.” I crush our lips together and kiss him until he’s breathless. This time, there’s nothing between us. Not the divorce or our families.
After that I’m able to enjoy the event with my husband by my side. Watching my mother reach their dreams is bittersweet. But they stood up for me, and maybe it’ll be okay. The most important thing is that I have my family, and now it’s even bigger. Hettie, Hal, and Joy. Cher, Mama Gladdie. Zye and Miles. Isaac, Adrian, and Simon. And even Reginald. But most of all, I have my man beside me. My husband. As we countdown to midnight, I can’t wait to claim my New Year’s Eve kiss.
I chuckle.
“What?” Mac asks.
“What do you get when you add a fancy ball with fancy clothes, a handsome prince, a defeated villain, a glittery fairy godmother, an even handsomer best man, and a kiss at midnight?”
“A weird-as-heck fairytale?”
“Our weird-as-heck fairytale. And a dream come true.”
And when the clock strikes midnight, I pour all my love for Mac into that kiss. No longer holding anything back.
“I love you so much, Rainn.”
“Then marry me,” I say the words against his mouth.
He pulls back and laughs. “Already did that. I have the ring to prove it.”
“That was by accident. This time, marry me on purpose.”
He studies my face. “Wouldn’t we have to get divorced first?”
“So practical.” I shake my head. “Edward McVay, will you do me the honor of marrying me again? Renew our vows together. This time, intentionally. So we both remember it.”
He bites his lip, humor shining in his dark eyes. “I just have one question.”
I brush his hair back from his face. “Yes, my love?”
“Will there be tacos?”