19. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
Ken
A s I guided my students through our morning alphabet song, singing the familiar tune, my eyes drifted across the hallway. Through the open door of Stella’s classroom, Natalie walked in with Mia Mendez.
A smile tugged at my lips as Mia’s pink backpack bounced with each skip in her step. Mia’s curly brown hair was pulled up in a ponytail, showing off her dimpled cheeks as she glanced over at Angie and me and gave us a little wave, her eyes twinkling, before she entered Stella’s room.
Watching her go, a bittersweet mixture of emotions filled me. I was really going to miss having Mia’s bright, bubbly presence in our classroom every day. Her endless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things had brought so much joy and energy to our days. She was like a ray of sunshine, always lighting up any room she entered.
I also felt a deep sense of gratitude that Marc had decided to re-enroll Mia in school after everything they had been through recently. She deserved the stability of being back with her friends and teachers, getting to laugh and play and learn each day for the last few weeks of school. After the upheaval in their lives, I knew how important it was for sweet Mia to regain that sense of belonging.
She was resilient, but still just a child. She needed this.
But selfishly—with Mia now enrolled in Stella’s class, Marc and I could pursue our relationship openly without having to sneak around or worry about crossing professional boundaries.
As the students finished their song, I clapped and signaled to Angie that it was time to transition to our math class. Right now, I had to focus on my students, but a part of my heart would always be with Marc and Mia.
***
Later that evening, I stood at the sink at Marc’s house, my hands submerged in warm, soapy water as I washed the dinner dishes. Marc stood close, drying each plate with a dishtowel and stacking them neatly in the cupboard. Our occasional shoulder brushes sparked tiny jolts through me.
“Stella told me Mia had a great day,” I said, glancing over at him with a smile. “She already knew a few kids in the class, so she had some friends to sit with at circle time and during free play.”
Marc’s face lit up, eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s fantastic. I was worried she’d struggle to adjust this late in the school year, but it sounds like she’s finding her place.”
“Stella said she’s a natural leader, always eager to help and make sure everyone’s included.” I handed him a dripping pot, our fingers grazing. “You’ve raised an amazing little girl, Marc.”
He ducked his head, a pleased flush coloring his cheeks. “I can’t take all the credit. She’s got a heart of gold, that one.”
My phone buzzed, vibrating against my thigh. I dried my hands briskly on the towel, retrieving the phone to see my stepmom’s name flashing on the screen. As I read her text, my face dropped, an involuntary groan escaping my lips.
“Everything okay?” Marc asked, noting my change in expression.
I sighed. “It’s Tina, my stepmom. She wants me to come to Fredericksburg this weekend for my dad’s birthday lunch. Says it would mean a lot to him if I was there.”
Marc paused, setting the dishtowel aside and turning fully toward me. “Sounds like things haven’t changed between you and your dad, huh?”
I shrugged. “I don’t think we’ll ever be close, not the way you are with your family. He’s always been distant and critical and I’m tired of trying to measure up to who he wanted me to be.”
Marc placed a gentle hand on my arm, his touch soothing me. “I’m sorry. That must be tough. Does that mean you’re not gonna go?”
I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Not sure. I might if my sister is there, she and I always got along. But after what we’ve been through these past few weeks, I’m not sure I can sit there and listen to him talk shit about my choice of career.”
Marc pressed a kiss to my temple, his strong arms encircling me. “You’re an incredible person with a heart of gold. And what you do is the most important work anyone can do.” He turned his head and kissed my nose. “If you want, I’ll go with you to the birthday lunch. For moral support.”
I lifted my head, searching his eyes. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
He smiled softly, cupping my cheek. “Of course. You’ve been there for me and Mia through everything. Let me be there for you now.”
I surged forward, capturing his lips in a grateful kiss. “Thank you,” I whispered against his mouth. “I love you, big guy.”
Marc laughed, wrapping an arm around me. “I love you too, Kenny. Always.”
***
Gravel crunched underfoot as we stepped down from Marc’s truck in the parking lot of the winery where we were all meeting for lunch. Ahead, rows of grapevines stretched into the horizon, creating a patchwork of greens and golds.
As we headed towards the building’s entrance, I reached out and caught Marc’s hand in mine, interlacing our fingers. His palm was warm and calloused against my own, a satisfying anchor against those nerves that snuck up on me whenever I was around my dad.
A smiling hostess led us through the rustic tasting room and out to a covered patio. White linen tablecloths fluttered in the breeze, adorned with elegant floral centerpieces. The air was filled with the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation.
Marc whistled low. “This place is sweet,” he murmured, his eyes on the vineyards below.
I chuckled as we walked past a buffet table laden with gourmet food. Then I spotted them—Tina, my stepmom, sitting with my sister Caroline, their heads bent together in conversation near the railing.
I tightened my grip on Marc’s hand, the firm pressure of his fingers supporting me as we moved closer. Tina looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she took in our joined hands.
“Ken, darling!” She stepped forward, wearing a knee-length cream dress that matched her ash-blonde hair, and air-kissed my cheek. “So glad you made it.”
“Hi.” I smiled tightly. “This is my boyfriend, Marc. Marc, this is Tina Parker, my stepmom, and my sister, Caroline.”
Caroline gave me a hug. Her hair, the same color as mine, cascaded down her back in carefree, loose curls that reminded me of Mia. “Ken Doll, you came! I thought you might try to get out of this.”
I hugged her back, rolling my eyes at my childhood nickname. “Good to see you, Sis.”
Then they both turned toward Marc, who extended his free hand, shaking theirs warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Ken has told me so much about you.”
Tina’s gaze flicked between us, her eyes a deep shade of blue, her expression inscrutable. “Well, isn’t this a surprise? I had no idea Ken was seeing anyone.”
I bristled at her tone, but before I responded, Caroline chimed in. “It’s great to meet you, Marc. I can’t wait to hear everything about you.”
I shot her a grateful look as Marc thanked her, the pressure in my shoulders easing slightly. At least I had one ally here. The rest of the afternoon might be a minefield of loaded questions and thinly veiled criticism, but with Marc by my side, I could face anything.
Even my own family. “Where’s Dad?” I asked glancing around.
“He and Jerry are around here somewhere, looking at the vineyard,” Caroline said. “Jerry’s my husband,” she explained to Marc as we sat down next to them.
“So, Marc, what is it that you do?” Tina asked, her voice dripping with polite curiosity. I tensed, bracing myself for her reaction to his blue-collar jobs.
Marc squeezed my hand reassuringly before responding. “Currently, I’m working as a mechanic at my family’s auto shop. But I’m starting my own landscaping business.”
Tina’s perfectly sculpted brows lifted in surprise. “Landscaping? How…interesting.”
I gritted my teeth, waiting for the condescension to follow. But before she said anything more, Caroline leaned forward eagerly. “That’s fantastic, Marc! What made you decide to branch out on your own? And what kind of services will you be offering?”
As Marc launched into an explanation of his vision for eco-friendly landscape design and drought-resistant native plantings, I glanced at my sister, grateful. She always had a knack for smoothing over awkward moments with her genuine warmth and interest.
Just then, I spotted my father and Jerry in matching linen shirts and khakis, making their way back from the vineyard, their faces ruddy from the sun and exertion. My stomach clenched with nerves as they approached, my father’s steely gaze landing on me.
“Kendall,” he greeted me gruffly, extending a hand for a firm shake. “Glad you could tear yourself away from finger painting long enough to join us.”
I bristled at the jab but plastered on a tight smile. “Hi Dad. Happy birthday.”
He grunted in acknowledgment before turning his attention to Marc. “And who might this be?”
“Dad, this is my boyfriend, Marc Mendez. Marc, my father, Richard Parker.”
The two men shook hands, my father’s grip looking painfully tight. Jerry stepped forward to introduce himself as well, clapping Marc on the shoulder with a friendly grin.
As we all sat on the balcony patio, enjoying our lunch while overlooking the vineyard, the conversation flowed as easily as the wine, to my surprise. Jerry, always the curious one, remarked on the abundance of wineries they had passed on the drive in. “It’s really quite something, seeing all those rows of grapevines stretching out across the hills. I did not know this little corner of Texas was such a hotspot for wine production.”
Marc leaned forward eagerly, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin. “It’s all about the microclimates in this region. Elevation, soil composition, even the temperature variations between day and night. They create the perfect conditions for growing certain varieties of grapes.”
A warm sense of pride bloomed in my chest as everyone around the table turned their attention to Marc, their faces alight with interest.
“Really? I did not know there was so much science behind it all,” Caroline said with a chuckle, inspecting her glass before taking a sip.
To my surprise, even my father leaned in, his usual stern expression softening with interest, chatting with Marc about local grape varieties.
As I sat there, my hand rested on Marc’s thigh under the table. I don’t know why I was surprised that he’d effortlessly charmed my family, but here he was, with his knowledge and enthusiasm for those plants and dirt, making them see him for the intelligent, passionate person I knew him to be.
Tina caught my eye across the table, a small, approving smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She gave me a subtle nod, as if to say, “He’s a keeper.”
After lunch, Marc joined my father, Tina, and Jerry as they headed out for a more in-depth tour of the winery. Caroline stayed behind, so I joined her on the patio.
Caroline leaned against the railing, her auburn hair catching the afternoon sun. “Marc seems nice, Ken. I’m glad you brought him.”
I sipped my wine, the rich flavor lingering on my tongue. “Thanks. I almost didn’t ‘cause I was worried about how Dad would react.”
She rolled her eyes, a gesture so familiar it transported me back to our childhood. “Ken, you’ve got to stop taking everything so personally. Dad’s a jerk to everyone, not just you. It’s just who he is.”
Her words hit me like a splash of cold water. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ve always been so sensitive about Dad’s criticism. Even when we were kids, you’d take his comments to heart while the rest of us just learned to let it roll off our backs.”
Hmm. Memories of countless family dinners and tense conversations came flooding back. Had I really been misinterpreting things all these years? “But he’s always so hard on me, Caroline. The constant digs about my career, my life choices…”
She sighed, placing a hand on my arm. “Ken, he does that to all of us. Remember when I first started at the firm? He rode me so hard I nearly quit three times in the first month.”
I blinked, surprised. Caroline had always seemed so confident, so at ease in our father’s world. “I didn’t know.”
“Of course you didn’t. You were too busy feeling sorry for yourself.” Her tone was gentle, taking the sting out of her words. “Look, I’m not saying Dad’s behavior is okay. It’s not. But it’s not personal, Ken Doll. It’s just… Dad.”
I let her words sink in, relief and embarrassment coursing through me. Had I really been so self-absorbed that I’d missed my sister’s struggles?
Caroline continued, her voice softening. “He was pretty disappointed when you didn’t join the family business like I did. I think that’s part of why he’s so hard on you.”
I snorted. “Me? In finance? Can you imagine?”
She laughed, the sound light and carefree. “God, no. You’d be miserable. And probably bankrupt half our clients within a week. Stick with the six-year-olds, they’re more fun.”
As we sat and talked together, a weight lifted from my shoulders. Maybe I had been carrying around unnecessary baggage all these years. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself.
I glanced over at Marc, who was gesturing animatedly as he talked with Tina and the vineyard owner as they returned from their tour. His enthusiasm, his passion for life—it was infectious. “Maybe you’re right,” I said, turning back to Caroline. “I’ve been so caught up in what Dad thinks that I’ve been missing out on what really matters.”
She clasped my hand. “It’s never too late to change that, Ken. And for what it’s worth, I think Marc is exactly what you need. He brings out the best in you.”
I watched Marc making his way back towards us, his face lit up with a smile that was meant just for me, and I realized Caroline was right. It was time to let go of old hurts and embrace the life I’d chosen.
A thought struck me like a bolt of lightning. I turned back to Caroline, my mind racing. “Hey, Sis, you work in finance, right?”
She nodded, a curious glint in her eye. “Yeah, why?”
I took a deep breath, excited and nervous at the same time. “I was wondering… what can you tell me about small business loans? Like, what’s the best way to secure one?”
Caroline’s eyes widened, a smile spreading across her face. “Well, well, well. Look who’s finally taking an interest in the family business after all.” She nudged me playfully. “What’s this about? You got a side hustle going on?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Not me. It’s for Marc, actually, to help him get started with his landscaping business. I want to help him however I can, be the partner that he needs.”
Her expression softened, and she glanced over at Marc, who was now chatting with Jerry about something. “That’s great, Ken. I’m happy for you both.” She turned back to me, her business mode kicking in. “Okay, so tell me more about what Marc’s planning. How much capital does he need? Does he have a business plan drawn up yet?”
As I shared what I knew of Marc’s vision, Caroline listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions or suggestions. The rest of the party faded into the background as we dove deeper into the intricacies of small business financing.
Warmth spread through my chest, not just from the wine or the afternoon sun, but from this unexpected moment of connection with my sister. It was like we were on the same team, working towards something positive together.
Marc’s voice drifted over, pulling me back to the present. “What are you two conspiring about over here?” he asked, his eyes twinkling as he approached.
I exchanged a knowing look with Caroline before turning to Marc with a grin. “Oh, nothing much. Just plotting world domination, one kindergarten class at a time.”
As Marc laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist, I caught sight of my father watching us from across the patio. For once, the weight of his gaze didn’t feel so heavy. I had Marc by my side, Caroline in my corner, and a future full of possibilities stretching out before us.
As the birthday celebration wound down, I made a mental note to set up a proper meeting with Caroline to discuss Marc’s business plans in more detail.
For now, though, I was content to bask in the warmth of family, love, and newfound understanding.
***
As we drove home, I replayed the day’s events in my head. The way Marc had charmed my family, how Caroline had helped me see Dad in a new light—it all swirled in my mind. Suddenly, this sense of belonging, of possibility opened up. I didn’t have to be the family outsider anymore, wearing my father’s disapproval like a badge of honor.
With Marc by my side, I was seeing myself—and my place in the world—differently.
We pulled into Marc’s driveway just after sunset. It didn’t escape me how different this homecoming felt compared to our arrival at the winery earlier today. The knot of anxiety that had been twisting in my stomach all morning had unraveled, replaced by a warm contentment.
Marc killed the engine and turned to me, his eyes soft in the fading light. “You okay, Ken Doll?” he asked, teasing me in the gentlest way.
From Marc’s lips, that nickname didn’t sound so bad. “More than okay. Thank you for being there with me today.” I stepped out of the truck, stretched my arms over my head and yawned.
“You’re not sleepy, are you?” Marc held my hand as we walked to the front door. “I’ve got a little surprise planned for later,” he murmured, a playful glint in his eye.
We made our way inside, carrying some leftover birthday cake and the two bottles of wine Marc had picked up that afternoon at the winery. The house felt different without Mia’s bubbly energy filling every corner, but there was something nice about the quiet, too.
“I’ll put this away,” Marc said, gesturing to the cake. “Why don’t you grab one of those bottles and meet me on the patio.”
I did as he suggested, fishing two glasses from the cabinet and heading outside. The evening air caressed my skin, carrying the sweet note of blooming jasmine from Marc’s garden. As I settled onto the patio furniture, the world seemed to soften around me. Crickets tuned up for their nightly symphony. The twinkling lights hung around the patio painted everything in warm, golden hues, transforming the ordinary space into something magical.
Marc joined me a few minutes later, uncorking the bottle with practiced ease. “What a day, huh?” he said, handing me a glass and settling in beside me.
I took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. “It really was. I still can’t believe how well it went. My dad actually smiled at one point.” I leaned over and pecked Marc on the cheek. “Pretty sure that’s a sign of the apocalypse.”
Marc chuckled, his arm draping comfortably around my shoulders. “Your family’s not so bad, Ken. I think they just needed to see you happy.”
I leaned into him, letting his warmth seep into me. “I am happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
We sat together quietly for a while, sipping our wine and watching the stars come out. I thought about the conversation I’d had with Caroline, about Marc’s business plans and our future together.
“Hey,” I said softly, turning to face him. “I was thinking… we should sit down sometime this week and review that business plan for your landscaping company, yeah? Caroline gave me some great advice about small business loans, and I think we could make this happen.”
Marc’s eyes widened, surprise blending with a spark of excitement. “You talked to Caroline about that? Ken, you didn’t need to—”
I cut him off with a gentle kiss. “I wanted to. I believe in you, Marc. In us. I want to help make your dreams come true, just like you’ve helped me.”
He pulled me closer, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you, Ken. So much.”
I melted into Marc’s embrace, our lips meeting in a tender kiss that tasted of wine and promise.
Then Marc pulled back slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I have a surprise for you.”
Intrigued, I watched as he reached over to the patio table and picked up a tablet I hadn’t noticed before. He placed it in my hands, his fingers lingering on mine for a moment.
“Hold this,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I’ll be right back.”
Marc vanished into the house, and I was left alone on the porch swing with the mysterious tablet. Turning it over in my hands, I wasn’t sure if there was something that I was supposed to do, other than just hold this.
Just what was he planning?
A few moments later, the screen flickered to life. My breath caught in my throat as I realized I was looking at Marc’s bathroom.
When Marc appeared on the screen, his warm, inviting gaze, my focus tunneled to the small display, everything else fading away. He stared directly into the camera, his dark eyes smoldering with intensity. Slowly, he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing tantalizing glimpses of his toned chest.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away as Marc started to move, his body swaying to a soft rhythm. It was a private show, just for me—a throwback to his days as Magic Marco, but so much more intimate and meaningful.
As Marc’s hands trailed down his abs, reaching for his belt buckle, my pulse quickened, and time seemed to slow to a crawl. Eyes widened, I watched as he undressed, muscles rippling beneath tanned skin as he took off one garment at a time until he stood naked, like a statue, his semi-hard cock bobbing in front of him.
He turned on the water, steam filling the room, and began to move, began to touch himself, dancing for me to a rhythm that took my breath away and made my pants uncomfortably tight.
Oh yes. This man was perfect—and he was mine.