Chapter Seven
Cedar
I trudged through the front door, exhausted from the day’s events. All I wanted was to kick off my shoes, grab a snack, and collapse on the couch. But, as usual, my plans were foiled.
"Cedar, dear, we need to talk," my mother called from the living room.
I grumbled under my breath. Why couldn’t they let me rest when I got home? Couldn’t they see I was drained?
"Can I at least freshen up and maybe eat first? I’ve had one long day," I said, rolling my shoulders.
"Won’t take much of your time," she insisted.
I glanced between my mom and dad and decided to get the talk over with—whatever it was.
"Okay, Mom. What are we talking about?" I asked, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.
My father, seated in his favorite armchair, looked up from his newspaper. "We just got off the phone with Mrs. Khalan Jefferson—Flynn’s mom. She mentioned wedding plans. What’s that about?"
I should have known. I’d managed to forget my engagement for a few hours.
My mother patted the couch cushion beside her. "Come sit down, dear. We want to discuss this."
I hesitated, but the stern look on my father’s face urged me on.
"Okay," I said, settling next to my mother.
"Khalan Jefferson called me today," my mother began calmly. "She’s Flynn’s mother, isn’t she?"
I nodded.
"She wants to meet up and discuss wedding plans," my father added, his tone filled with skepticism. "Care to explain why?"
I took a deep breath and held out my hand so they could see the ring on my finger. "Flynn and I are engaged, Dad. We’re getting married."
My mother gasped. "Oh my, that’s a beautiful ring." Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes. "But… how?"
"It just happened, Mom."
My father raised an eyebrow. "That’s quite a leap from ‘we’re just friends’ to ‘we’re getting married.’ What’s really going on, Cedar?"
I shrugged. "We realized our feelings for each other and decided to take the next step."
"I thought you said you weren’t ready for a relationship. You’re still mourning Ciara, right?" he pressed.
"Well, Dad, I recall a certain pair of parents telling me I needed to settle down before, and I quote, ‘cancer catches up with me.’"
"Cedar…"
"Mom, Dad, please," I said, exasperated. "What do you want from me? When I was single, you wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. Now that I’m engaged, you’re still not happy. What on earth am I supposed to do?"
My mother’s expression softened. She took my hands. "We’re happy for you, dear. It just feels sudden. Besides our nagging, are you sure you’re ready for this?"
"Oh, so you admit you’ve been breathing down my neck?" I asked, half-laughing, half-irritated.
"Cedar," my father warned again.
My mother shot him a glance, then looked back at me. "Sweetie, are you sure about this?"
At that moment, I almost admitted I wasn’t sure at all. But I knew if I did, they’d be pushing me to date Devan again by tomorrow morning. So I forced a confident tone.
"Of course I’m sure," I said. "Flynn’s a great guy, and we’re compatible."
My father leaned forward. "Compatible? You’ve been more like siblings. Are you sure you’re not confusing that with compatibility? Marriage is a whole different ball game."
"I know, Dad. But I’ve seen the way he treats me and the people around him," I replied. "He’s kind, respectful, and supportive. What more could I want?"
My mother placed a gentle hand on my arm. "We just want to be certain you’re happy."
I pulled away slightly, sinking back into the sofa. "Thanks, Mom. I’m sure. I know what I want."
My father cleared his throat. "And what about Devan? You went out with him recently, and now you’re engaged to someone else?"
I rolled my eyes. "I wasn’t ‘going out’ with Devan, Dad. I went out with him just to please both of you and I didn’t come back with him if you recalled."
"But he seemed like a nice guy," my mother interjected.
I sighed. "He’s a nice guy, just not my type, trust me. Flynn’s better for me."
My father’s expression softened slightly. "I want to meet Flynn, then. I need to talk with him."
"Fine," I blurted, confident Flynn could handle whatever my father threw at him. "I’ll let him know to call you."
My mother leaned in. "Khalan mentioned meeting over the weekend for wedding plans. She invited us to their home. We wanted your input before we gave her a definite answer."
"Well, now you have my input," I said. "You can go ahead and tell her yes."
My mother nodded and turned to my father, who still looked uncertain. "What do you think, honey? Should we go this weekend?"
"I’ll see what Flynn has to say when we talk. We don’t want to keep Khalan waiting too long for an answer, though." Dad responded.
I nodded, relieved the interrogation was wrapping up. "That’s everything, right? May I please go to my room now?"
My mother smiled apologetically. "Sorry, baby. But promise me you’ll tell me all about how he proposed—at dinner."
I mustered a smile. "Of course, Mom. I won’t leave out a single detail."
Once I reached my room, I pulled out my phone and texted Flynn:
You have a meeting with your future father-in-law tomorrow. Give me a time.
***
With my stomach full from dinner, I settled into bed. The evening had been exhausting; after defending my sudden engagement to my parents, I just wanted peace.
To unwind, I opened my laptop to review a case file about a little girl with adenocarcinoma. It required my undivided attention, but my mind kept drifting back to my conversation with Mom and Dad.
Just as I was making progress, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Devan’s name flashed on the screen.
I hesitated. It was late, and I wasn’t in the mood for drama. But the call continued, and a flicker of curiosity made me pick up.
"Hello?" I greeted, trying to keep my voice neutral.
"Cedar, we need to talk," Devan said, his tone thick with accusation.
"What’s up, Devan?" I asked, feigning nonchalance.
"I heard about your engagement," he said, voice dripping with skepticism. "Is it true?"
I sighed inwardly. "Yes, it’s true."
Silence stretched on the line before Devan exploded. "How could you not tell me? We just went on a date, and now you’re engaged?"
"It just happened," I said quietly.
"What do you mean ‘it just happened’? I thought we…"
"Stop right there, Devan. There’s no ‘we.’ Never was, never will be."
"How can you say that?"
"What do you want me to say, Devan?"
"I don’t know," he snapped. "Maybe explain why I was left in the dark…"
"I don’t owe you an explanation," I replied calmly.
"Like heck you don’t!" Devan shouted. "We were supposed to be getting to know each other, and you were involved with someone else?"
"That’s not true," I said firmly. "We went on one date, and I only agreed out of courtesy."
"Courtesy?" Devan echoed, anger evident in his voice. "You made me believe there was something between us."
"I never led you on," I said. "You asked my mother if you could take me out— not me. I only agreed because she insisted."
"That’s not the point!" Devan yelled. "The point is you’re engaged to Flynn Jefferson, and you never mentioned it."
"Because it’s none of your business," I shot back.
"None of my business?" He let out a humorless laugh. "Your mother sets us up, I spend time trying to court you, and now I find out you’re already with someone else?"
"Talk to her about that," I suggested, tired of the conversation.
"No, I’m talking to you," Devan hissed. "Were you and Flynn already dating when you agreed to see me?"
"For the umpteenth time, I only went on that date so I wouldn’t appear rude."
"Jeez, for someone who hates being rude, you’re doing a fine job right now," he retorted.
"Is there a reason you called other than to throw a tantrum?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.
"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?" Devan accused. "You’re enjoying hurting me."
"I’m not enjoying anything," I said wearily. "I’m just trying to move on with my life."
"Move on?" he repeated venomously. "To the guy you said was just a friend? You’re a liar and—"
"That’s enough, Devan."
"No, it’s not enough—"
I’d had it. "Goodbye, Devan."
I ended the call, relief and annoyance mingling in my chest.
Moments later, my phone buzzed again—Devan calling. I rejected it.
He called again. And again. And again. Every time, I hit reject.
When the ringing finally paused, I exhaled in relief… until it started again. Assuming it was still Devan, I answered without checking the caller ID.
"Listen, stop calling me!" I snapped. "Can’t you take a hint? I don’t want to talk right now. I don’t know what makes you think you’re so irresistible, but you’re wrong! You think you’re hurting? Try having your parents push you to marry some jackass right after you lose your best friend!"
I paused, taking heaving breaths. The line was quiet before a deep, smooth voice spoke.
"Feel better now that you’ve let it all out?"
My eyes widened. I glanced at the screen. It was Flynn. Pressing the phone to my ear, I groaned. "Flynn! Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I thought you were… someone else."
He chuckled. "I gathered. You sounded like you had a lot to vent about. I didn’t mind listening."
I blushed. "I feel terrible. You must think I’m nuts."
"Not at all," Flynn said reassuringly. "You sounded frustrated. I’m glad you trusted me enough to let it out."
"Why didn’t you cut me off?" I asked, still embarrassed. "You knew those words weren’t meant for you."
"You obviously needed to blow off some steam," he said. "Besides, it’s not every day I get to see this fiery side of you."
Despite the teasing, his tone turned serious. "Is Devan giving you a hard time? Because if he is, I can handle it."
"No, Flynn, it’s fine," I insisted. "Really. Don’t worry about it."
"But I do worry," Flynn pressed. "You’re my fiancée, and I won’t let anyone bother you."
"Honestly, it’s okay," I repeated. "Devan’s not a bad guy, he’s just hurting right now. My mom got his hopes up."
Flynn exhaled into the phone. "Alright, if you say so. But if he keeps bothering you, promise you’ll tell me."
"I promise," I said softly, touched by his concern.
We let a comfortable silence settle until Flynn spoke again. "By the way, I replied to your text. I’m good to meet your dad tomorrow at three. I’ll come over."
"Great. Thanks," I said, smiling. "I’ll let him know."
"One more thing—my mom and sister want to take you out to lunch soon. They’re excited to get to know you."
My smile widened. "That sounds lovely. I’m looking forward to it."
We chatted for a few more minutes, the conversation surprisingly easy.
As we wrapped up, Flynn’s voice grew gentle. "Thank you, Cedar. For doing this. I don’t think I could’ve done it with anyone else."
I felt a flush creep over my face. "Me too, Flynn."
"Goodnight, Cedar," he said. "Sweet dreams."
"Goodnight, Flynn," I echoed, smiling. "Sweet dreams.