13. Foster #2
“That was the Rothenburg family after they arrived in America from Prussia. The family's matriarch, Alexandria, was insistent that they shorten their name. As a good husband does, Maximilian agreed. They had money, but the only things of sentimental value they brought were a clock, their wedding rings, and a teddy bear for one of the children. Within three years, they started the business, and it went well. It was a family portrait in the hall that they took at a cousin’s wedding. There are a few from that day. They sent one back to Europe to Alexandria’s mother, as she never moved to the States.
Alexandria insisted that every home has a family picture of all the generations.
Our home is where you raise a family, and photos should reflect that.
You know, Clara, Foster’s mother, was adamant that we wouldn’t name any of our children after relatives.
The second, third, etcetera, weren’t for her.
She felt everyone has their own personality. ”
“Got it. Names not to be used,” Sutton notes. Then I realize it must be an odd sentence for my dad. “I mean, if Foster gets a dog or something. I’m a fan of dogs.”
Smacking my lips together, I feel we might derail soon. “Well, thanks for that short version of history.” I’m sarcastic. Poor Sutton for having listened to that.
“I haven’t even reached the part of how I met Foster’s mother. I think you will like this.”
Sutton looks between us with interest. “Do share.”
“I met Foster’s mother when she was my father’s secretary at Roth Real Estate. Also, met at the office as you could imagine.”
My brows furrow as I reflect on that. “Huh… why did that slip my mind?”
My dad’s smirk grows. “Because you are more like your old man than you think.”
“Ooh, Foster is following tradition,” Sutton teases me.
“And that’s important, Sutton. It goes along with how one must understand family loyalty and strong ethics.”
Shit, I need to divert, it’s getting too risky. “How has the stock market been treating you?” That will save us.
Sammy returns with the drinks, plus sets down a tray of cheeses and crackers. As he hands over our drinks, I notice Sutton eyeing the food to decide what might be edible or not. Something about some cheeses not being pregnancy-safe or something.
“Thank you,” my dad says briefly. “Stocks are great. The oil market took a hit, but I moved those stocks a while ago. I’m going to hold on to any IT stocks I have before selling.
But enough about numbers. What are you two doing in your free time?
You know, Sutton, my son never updates me on his love life.
You must be special if you are the first.”
Sutton glances at me, looking touched. “Life throws us surprises. Least expected and all that. We bonded over our love of food. Also, I was unfortunate to be thrown into his work bubble when a colleague got ill. Foster enjoys tipping the power scale in his career.”
That makes my father proud. “He wants success on his terms.”
“I feel like I should join Sammy in the kitchen since you both are talking as though I’m not here.”
Sutton touches my thigh to assure me. “Has anything been bad yet? I think we’re singing your praises,” she teases me.
“Foster’s mother would love to see this. The number of times she would tell us how happy she would be to see her son in love is beyond countable.”
That’s true.
I do wonder what she would think now. She’d be over the moon, of that I’m certain. All of her life decisions, as crazy as they may have been, were to ensure I end up happy and not alone. It comes to me that Sutton and my mom would probably have hit it off. It’s a comfort.
The next hour, we talk more about Sutton coming from Everhope and stories of when I was in high school or college. Every time Sutton would laugh. She now has plenty of ammunition to tease me.
When we wrapped up the conversation, it was clear that my dad had given Sutton the stamp of approval. That’s good, as next time we meet, we’ll be sharing the big news.
As we close the front door behind us, I stop to find my brother walking up the front steps. Every inch of his facial expression is sly.
I wasn’t expecting to run into Patrick today.
“Well, well, well, did I miss a family gathering? Figured I would stop by to see Dad. Guess the memo didn’t reach me,” he says with a smug smirk as he runs his eyes up and down Sutton, who steps close to me and takes my hand.
“We’re just leaving.”
“And who might this beauty be?”
Ah hell. “Sutton, Patrick. Patrick, Sutton. My girlfriend.” Sutton smiles civilly, but it is more reserved than the one for my dad.
My brother’s grin grows. “No shit. Little brother finally brings home a woman.”
Shaking my head, I’m not going to make us endure more. He also brings out the worst in me—the part that doesn’t want him to slip any news of the clause to Sutton. I’m not even sure if I’m lying to her or prolonging the truth.
“Well, Dad is in the living room, and we’ve gotta go. We’re having dinner with friends.”
I pull Sutton along to walk down the steps and leave.
“That’s a shame. I would have loved to learn more,” he calls out. “See ya around.”
“Yeah, bye.” I wave in the air and don’t turn around.
When we get into my car, Sutton bursts out laughing while I start the engine. “Wow, awkward award. You mentioned that you two have an odd relationship, but that was on another level. What’s the deal?”
I look at her blankly. “He treats me like I’m a kid, has no boundaries. And it isn’t good for my father’s Zen. Patrick is… Every family has one member who is a little out there. That’s him.”
“Ah, the pariah of the family?”
“Exactly. He caused a lot of trouble when he was younger. He’s turned his life around a bit but lacks maturity on some days.”
Sutton lifts her shoulders, unbothered by the dynamic. “It can happen. Your dad is lovely. I see parts of him in you. And everything about that home, as soon as you walk in, you feel that it isn’t just a house. He was right that the family lives there.”
“It’s the only place I grew up. Haven’t been upstairs in a long time, but other than changing the bed, I’m positive that all of the models my dad and I made are still up there.”
“That’s sweet.”
We both shift on our seats to face one another. “So… that’s done. Your parents?”
“Not a worry. We’re a repeat of them,” she says breezily.
“I should still probably talk to your dad and ask for your hand in marriage.”
“He’ll laugh, but by all means.” Her tongue clicks, and I can see other thoughts are hitting her.
“Maybe it’s pregnancy emotions or I’m caught up in the moment, but after that visit just now, it has me thinking.
I should start moving things into your house, even though I can’t end my lease for another six months.
Marriage, preparing for the baby, all of that.
I’m ready to make that move sooner rather than later. ”
Inside me, elation blooms. This is good news. I like it when she’s at my place, as she lives there. She’s comfortable and has already made herself at home. More importantly, our future is everything about us.
I interlace our fingers, my thumb stroking hers. “Speeding up our timeline is the right mindset to have. I want you to live with me sooner rather than later too. Everything is changing fast, but close proximity will make it easier.”
“I’m aware.”
“We keep having front-seat conversations.”
She cracks a grin. “We do, don’t we?”
Her sigh is heavy. “How long do we keep holding off on telling our friends? I’m not sure I can do it much longer. I mean, do we also get married, then voila, drop it all at once on them?”
Chuckling, the thought has crossed my mind a few times, as well. “That’s an option. But don’t you want some type of wedding?”