PART 14

                                    

                                          
CLAIRE'S POV
                          
The nerves really set in as I pressed the code to my parent's gate and drove through. Ethan remained quiet the entire drive from the airport and even through the small southern beachfront, Alabama town. 
                          
"Ethan, stop worrying. It is what it is. If they don't see the beautiful man that I see in you then it's their loss," I said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. 
                          
He sighed, worriedly, "I know, it's just important to me to change what they think of me. I want you in my life, Claire. And it would be a lot easier if your family liked me."
                          
Reaching over I kissed his cheek, "I guess it's now or never, darlin'. Come on, mom texted when we came into town that dinner was almost ready."
                          
Ethan nodded and we got out of the car, walking to the door after grabbing our bags. 
                          
"Claire Bear!" Palmer yelled as we walked through the front door, running up to hug me. 
                          
"Hey Ethan! I'm so glad you're here and that you and Claire are together. And not just because I love you and Grayson!" she said as she turned her attention to my boyfriend. 
                          
"It's good to see you again, Palmer," Ethan chuckled as he hugged Palmer back. 
                          
"Come on, E. I'll show you my room so we can set our stuff down and then meet my parents," I said as I walked up the stairs to my room. 
                          
After showing him my room and all the main parts of the house I finished in the kitchen where my mom was chopping tomatoes and dad was stirring whatever was in the pot on the stove. 
                          
"Hey Momma. Hey daddy," I greeted them with a smile and gestures to E, "This is Ethan."
                          
"Hey sweet girl! I've missed you so much!" My mom said as she put down her knife and came to hug my neck, dad following as well. 
                          
As mom and dad swapped out with the hugs my mom immediately wrapped Ethan up in a hug as well, "It's so good to meet you, Ethan. Thank you for taking care of our Claire out there."
                          
"It comes naturally Mrs. Bolden," Ethan replied. 
                          
"Oh no. That won't do. Call me Hazel," my mom said back with a smile. 
                          
"Son," my dad greeted, reaching out his hand to shake Ethan's. 
                          
"It's nice to meet you Dr. Bolden," Ethan said back. 
                          
My dad remained stoic as he nodded, not seeming to return the feeling. 
                          
"Alright, let's eat, why don't we? Palmer, why don't you take Ethan and you two set the table? And John can you please go pick some wine from the cellar? Don't skimp on the good stuff hon. We will still have plenty for tomorrow. Claire and I will finish up in here and bring everything to the table," my mom ordered. 
                          
Everyone went about their duties as my mom and I were left alone. 
                          
"I see what you did there," I grin as I went to finish chopping the tomatoes. 
                          
"I don't know what you mean?" My mom said as if she had no idea what I was talking about, "But since it's the two of us now, tell me about this handsome man you brought home to us."
                          
I sighed, "Mom, he's perfect. He's supportive and loving. He's everything."
                          
"So why the look on your pretty face?" she asked. 
                          
"I don't know momma, we just fight a lot. It's been better lately but I'm terrified that I'm going to wake up from this dream and it'll be just as toxic as it was before," I said honestly. 
                          
"Claire Morgan Bolden. Do you think when I met your father that everything was perfect?"
                          
I looked at her confused, "Well yeah, wasn't it?"