29. TWENTY NINE
TWENTY NINE
Natalia
I’m honestly a little shell shocked when we walk in the door of the house, and I blink around at everything lying just the way we left it.
It feels like an earthquake tore through our lives, and so it’s surreal to see Jayden’s favorite rattle lying on the kitchen counter and the extra stash of diapers we forgot to pack in the bag innocently waiting for us when we get home.
Colton’s arm is warm around my shoulders. “Can I make you a tea? Something to eat?”
I’m still standing in the entry, holding Jayden’s carrier since he fell asleep in the car.
Colton stoops to take it from me, but my fist doesn’t want to unlock from around the handle.
“Hey, he’s safe. You’re safe. We’re home.”
I burst into tears.
I know it’s stupid, but just hearing him say the word home feels so right. I sniffle into his shirt as he wraps me in his arms and purrs, stroking my hair. “Ah, please tell me what I said wrong.”
“No, you’re perfect. I just want to hear you say it again.”
He pulls back, looking down at me. “Say what? You’re safe?”
I shake my head. “Home. I want this to be home.”
His eyes get a little teary then, and he drops to his knees in front of me—which really only brings him to just below my eye level. “This is your home. Did you doubt it?”
I can finally set Jayden’s carrier down gently and spread my arms out for Colton to rest his head against my chest. “And you’re my boys. I didn’t know how much I needed this, but I do.”
We stay there just like that for a long moment until a buzzing from my pocket alerts me to a phone call. When I pull out my phone, I see three missed calls from Elisa.
I frown. “Hello?”
“Oh thank god, Natalia. You’re OK? There’s been some crazy shit in the news about a stalker and a kidnapping and we’re all trying to work out what the hell is real and what’s some crazy AI bullshit.”
“I was in the news?” That’s going to take some getting used to. Then it hits me. “Mami and Papi saw?”
“Uh yeah. About that. They’re coming to Mosswood.”
“They’re what?”
“I’m sorry! Tia called, and I couldn’t lie. And I kinda I told her I knew where you were.”
“And they’re coming? Both of them?” Mierda. I have no idea how they’re going to react to the whole shifter thing. I suppose I have to tell them I’m a shifter now. Oh my god. What did they see online?
Wow. That’s a lot.
“I’m sorry, prima. Don’t hate me.”
“Of course I don’t hate you, Lis. When did they leave?”
“Just now. They’re on the bus. I think they’re planning on bringing you home with them.”
I stiffen my back. “Not if I can help it.”
“You’re really staying?”
I glance at Colton, and a smile creeps over my face. “I’m really staying. I’ve found my fated mate.”
“Huh?”
I laugh. “I guess I have a lot of explaining to do. You better let me practice on you so I can get it right when my parents get here. How long have you got?”
Turns out Elisa has a ton of questions. We’re still talking an hour later when Jayden wakes up demanding a feed. Colton brings him to me, and I settle him in my lap while Colton hands me a cold water and a sandwich and kisses my forehead.
“OK, but a goat? You can really just turn into a goat?”
“I mean, I did it once, but yeah.”
“And how did you know you were a shifter?”
I think back to the days and nights I spent in heat and feel flushed all over just remembering. “Ah… let’s just say there are some things you just learn when you come to Mosswood. So when are you coming to visit me?”
“I thought you’d never ask. I need to meet your new fella and Jayden. I am dying for some baby cuddles. Just tell me when.”
We promise to make a time for her to visit soon, and then Colton and I spend the afternoon setting up the guest room for my parents. We’re just fluffing the pillows when I turn to check on Jayden, who we left on his tummy on a blanket by the bed.
I gasp in surprise.
Jayden is not where I left him! I do not need that kind of shock two times in one day, but it turns out he has scooched toward me by kicking his little legs as if he’s swimming. His little face is red, and his mouth open in a big gummy grin. “Colton, look!”
Colton dashes around the bed and stops in his tracks. “He’s crawling!”
“Sort of!”
“Oh shit. We have to baby proof the house. Where’s that baby gate? Do I need to put covers on the stove?”
I laugh. “I don’t think he’s reaching the stove any time soon, but look at him.”
He comes to a stop all puffed out and starts crying, so I bend and pick him up.
“You’re such a clever boy, aren’t you? No one’s going to hold you back, huh?”
He squeals happily.
Colton wraps his arms around us both and kisses us. “You’re both amazing. Now excuse me while I cover every corner with padding and tape up all the drawers. I can’t take any more scares or near misses. You might both have to wear padded suits every day.”
I’m not sure what to expect when the bus pulls up at the bus station outside town and the doors open. Mom and Dad climb down from the coach and look around the empty station.
I hesitate, not knowing whether to hurry over or let them come to me.
Colton and Jayden are waiting in the car, but I wanted to do this part on my own.
Mom spots me immediately and lets out a cry that’s somewhere between relief and distress. “Natalia! Dios, look at you. Oh, you look so good. Have you done something different with your hair?”
I step into her embrace and have to resist the urge to switch right back to the person I used to be. “Hola, Mami, Papi.” I kiss my father.
He looks around anxiously. “This doesn’t look like a good place for my little girl to stay in.”
“It’s much nicer in town. Trust me.”
He frowns. “I don’t like it. Why don’t we book the next bus home and get out of here?”
I pause. “Then you’re not angry with me?”
“Ay, of course we’re not angry. We’re just worried.” Mom fusses with my hair, brushing it back behind my shoulder like she used to when I was a little girl.
It’s a relief, but I’m still watching my father, sweating as the line between his brows grows. “Mija, I can never stay angry with you, but I would like a proper explanation about why you ran out of the church and then haven’t called us for weeks! Can’t you see how worried your mother is?”
“I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have done that. I should have stayed and explained. I just couldn’t face you being disappointed with me.”
“Disappointed!” They share a look and then my mom gives me a sad smile. “Natalia, we’re disappointed for you. Of course we are. Miguel told us about the diagnosis! It’s OK. We still love you.”
I shake my head, words escaping me for a moment. I press my lips together around what I really want to say and just breathe for a minute. When I finally speak, I’m somewhat in control. “I don’t even know why you’re talking to Miguel.”
Dad gives a little shrug. “It’s just what men do, Natalia. This thing with his other woman will blow over, you’ll see. He loves you. It’s just the way of the world.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, shutting my eyes for a moment and breathing out another long, slow breath.
I’m not going to get into a shouting match with my parents at the bus stop.
I’m not. “OK, listen. There are some things I have to say. Things I wish I’d been brave enough to say weeks ago, but I wasn’t.
I needed time and maybe some encouragement to find that part of myself. ”
“Chula, what are you talking about?”
I blow out a breath, which stirs the hair around my face. “I’m not taking him back. I don’t even think he wants that. But even if he does, I’m done with him.”
“Oh, Natalia. Don’t give up. I’m sure there’s a treatment.”
“Maybe. And maybe that’s something I can explore, but it won’t be with Miguel. I found the person I’m meant to be with and he doesn’t care.”
“What person?” Dad’s eyes narrow.
“You would have seen the stories. Well, they’re true. But you should know that Colton is a shifter—a supernatural.” I take a gulp of air and press my lips together for a moment, and then I tell them. “And so am I.”
They’re silent.
God, why are they silent?
“This is a lot,” Mom says slowly.
“I know it’s a lot. I understand if you are upset or confused or if you have questions—”
Mom grabs my hands. “Then you’re still getting married?”
I burst out laughing “Mom!”
“Ay, Natalia. I am so relieved.”
“Mom, really? That’s your question. I’ve just told you I’m a shifter and I have a new man and he’s a shifter and you want to know if we’re getting married?”
“Well, is he catholic? Does he want children? Have you met his mother?”
OK, now she’s just teasing me. I turn to my father, who is watching me with a guarded expression. “Does he treat you right?”
My eyes well up again. “The best, Pa. The best, I promise.”
Then he hugs me and Mom is crying.
“I want you to meet him. He’s waiting in the car. But we haven’t even talked about marriage yet, so can you just, you know? Relax a little?”
“We just want you to be happy, mija.” Dad picks up all the bags.
“Come on, I’ll take you to meet him and his son, Jayden. They’re both in the car.”
“His son? How old is he, Natalia?”
“Mom, do you live under a rock? He’s a celebrity.”
She shrugs. “I don’t know what to believe on the news anymore. How can you trust anything you see?”
I shelve that comment for later. I dread to ask what she’s been seeing.
By the time we get to Colton’s car, we’re all talking over each other. Mom peppers me with so many questions I can’t keep track of them all until we get to the truck and she freezes, clutching my hand and staring through the window. “Ay, el bebé! He is adorable.”
Then she’s crying all over again and hugging me.
Colton gets out of the car and approaches looking worried.
“I think this is good,” I mouth at him over Mom’s shoulder.
I straighten, brushing down the front of the dress I put on especially for them. “Mami, Papi, this is Colton.” And then under my breath I add, “Please be nice.”
Mom turns to him and gives a little shriek. “Oh, so handsome! And so tall!”
I guess I shouldn’t have worried.
Colton leans down to let Mom kiss him on both cheeks and shakes my dad’s hand.
And then Jayden wins both of them over when we pull him out of his baby seat for cuddles.
We help put the luggage in the trunk and then I climb into the back seat with Dad and Jayden while Mom takes the passenger seat.
Dad folds his arms across his chest. “Just plan a smaller wedding this time, mija. I’m still paying off the last one you never had.”
I wince. “Dad!”
“Oh, but you are getting married!” Mom exclaims from the front seat.
Colton meets my eye in the rearview mirror and gives me a wink. “Finally I’ve got the backup I need. I’m sure between the three of us we can convince her to agree. I would have asked her weeks ago.”
And I think I fall in love with him a little bit more right then and there.