Chapter 7

The day finally arrived when Jamie's parents were to return home, and he knew without question that he was ready to tell them everything that had been going on. He looked at his engagement ring every chance he could, marveling not only at how it looked on him, but for what it meant to him. It made him feel more self-assured, more confident. He knew what he was doing was the right thing and he wasn't going to back down to anyone.

When school was over and he started to walk down his street, Jamie saw his dad's truck in the driveway. He decided that before he was going to head over to talk to them, he wanted to discuss his plan with Lynn first. When he got closer to her house, he saw her sitting on the top step waiting for him. She had a nervous look on her face, and this worried him.

"Sweetheart? What's wrong?" he said as he sat down next to her.

Lynn sighed and said, "Oh God, Jamie. I didn't think I would be this shaky. When I saw your parents come home, I felt my stomach tense up. I just don't want them to be angry with you. I want so badly for them to accept me."

"Honey, now you listen to me," Jamie said as he took her hand. "You are such a wonderful woman, and if they don't accept you then there's something seriously wrong with them. I've already mapped out my strategy on how this is going to go down, so you just need to trust me when I tell you that things are going to be just fine. No matter what they say or do, you can start making room in this house for me, because I am coming home to you tonight."

Lynn felt a little more comfortable after hearing Jamie's reassuring words, but he could tell that she was still nervous. He didn't want her to be alone at a time like this, so he said, "Would it make you feel better if you came with me? I don't want you to sit here by yourself wondering what's going on over there."

"That's a good idea," Lynn said. "It would make me feel better to be able to talk to them, so in case there are any harsh words thrown around I can defend myself."

"Baby, let me tell you something," Jamie said, "if I hear one derogatory remark from them about you, believe me, they're going to regret it. I love my parents dearly, but there's no way in hell I'm going to let them talk down to you. I won't stand for it."

Lynn's eyes began to well up, and she hugged Jamie as he tried to keep her from completely breaking down.

"Don't cry, sweetie," Jamie said. "It tears me up inside to see you so upset. Just remember, I love you."

"I love you too, baby," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

They braced themselves as they stood up and started to walk over to the house hand in hand. They went inside, and Jamie called out to his parents.

"Mom? Dad? Where are you?" he said.

"Up here! We'll be right down!" Marlene said from their upstairs bedroom, where they were unpacking.

Lynn was so terrified she began to tremble. Jamie sat her down on the couch and said, "Let me do the talking, okay? You just sit here and try to relax."

"Okay," she said with a heavy sigh, her heart about to jump into her throat.

Marlene and Brian came downstairs and were surprised to see Lynn sitting on the couch.

"Oh, hello Lynn," Marlene said with a smile. "It's good to see you. Did you keep a watchful eye on Jamie?"

"Um, yes I did," Lynn said quietly, forcing a smile to try and hide her anxiety.

"That's good," Marlene said as she hugged Jamie.

Brian came over to him, shook his hand and said, "So, how was your week?"

Jamie remained quiet for a moment, and then said, "It was beyond great, Dad."

"Cool," he said as he sat down in the rocking chair. Marlene sat in her recliner and said, "So, has anything major happened around here since we've been away?"

Jamie sat down next to Lynn, and held her hand. Marlene and Brian looked at both of them, then at each other in bewilderment.

"Um, Jamie, is there something you haven't told us?" Brian asked as he sat up in his chair.

Jamie looked at Lynn, swallowed hard, and said "Mom. Dad. I have something really important to tell you."

"Okay," Marlene said, suddenly feeling anxious.

"Oh, man," Jamie whispered to himself. He then took a deep breath and said, "Lynn and I have been together for the past month, and I've asked her to marry me."

"What?!" Marlene said as she jumped up from her chair. "You can't be serious!"

"Now, Mom, calm down," Jamie said.

"Calm down?!" Marlene yelled. "How on earth can you even tell me to calm down? What the hell are you thinking? She's twenty years older than you!"

"I know that, Mom," he said. "But age is just a number to us. We love each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together."

"Oh my God in Heaven," Marlene said as she flopped back down in her chair.

Lynn began to speak in her defense, but Marlene stopped her cold.

"I don't even want to hear one word from you," she said furiously. "I suppose the only reason you befriended me was to get close to my son. You're nothing but a back-stabbing little slut."

Jamie's eyes flashed with anger. He stood up and yelled, "Don't you EVER talk to her like that! Who the hell do you think you are?!"

Brian sat there in a state of shock, but was more understanding of Jamie's feelings. He stood up from his chair and coolly said, "Jamie, your mother is upset, and she has every reason to be."

He then looked at Marlene and said, "Marlene, you need to apologize to Lynn right now."

"Why should I?" she asked.

"Because what you just said was completely out of line," he said. "You really need to settle down, and let these two discuss this with us as adults."

"Well, there are three adults here," Marlene said sarcastically. "Where's the other one?"

"That would be me, Mom," Jamie said. "I AM eighteen, remember? Now, before I really lose my temper, you need to tell Lynn you're sorry."

Marlene looked at her husband and sighed. Then she turned to Lynn and defiantly said, "I'm sorry, Lynn. That was rude of me. Sincerely, I apologize."

Lynn sat there quivering, and said, "It's okay. I understand this has come as quite a shock to the both of you."

Brian sat back down and said, "Okay, now that everyone has gotten a grip on themselves, let's talk about this."

Jamie opened by saying, "Well, the bottom line is that Lynn and I are deeply in love. I've never met anyone like her. She's warm, caring, loving, everything I could have ever asked for and more. She's my dream come true, and I when I'm away from her, I die a little bit inside. Then when I'm back in her arms, it's like Heaven on earth. I can't live without her, and I know that marrying her would make my life complete."