The Ocean’s City

My cheeks were rosy when we got home with our Christmas tree tied to the back of the car.

The family was bustling around the house, decorating, stringing up the tree, and cooking dinner.

Mom played holiday music as she hummed away in the kitchen. I went back and forth from helping her cook to decorating.

I agreed to call her Mom because she refused to be called anything else and was making me spiced wine and refilling it frequently.

Dalton’s eyes were always on me as I would go to the kitchen and sing with his Mom. Then, I would chitchat with the girls, making popcorn and pine corn decorations. And string things up with Connor. The other boys were hanging decorations from higher up and moving furniture around so everyone could fit for dinner and around the living room for later.

Afterward, Dalton cracked open a beer with his brothers on the porch. Connor begged to drink with them, but Dalton shut it down.

Even outside, I sensed his stare. I chopped the vegetables Mom needed for the roast.

“That boy of mine really cares about you,” Mom said, putting my wine refill on the counter next to me. She emphasized the really.

I just gave her a Uh huh because I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t happy about the whole being taken against my will thing.

“You will forgive him one day.” She said, patting my shoulder as if she knew what I was thinking.

“Mom!” a man’s voice from the front door rumbled. Then another unmistakable voice squealed, “Mom!”

I felt instant anger. Dannie was willing to accept all of this and eager to meet the family.

Mom dropped her spoon and ran to the two standing at the door frame. She hugged Dannie right away like they had already met. They laughed through their joyous embrace.

“Are you having fun?” Dalton’s voice came up by my shoulder, stopping me from staring at the interaction as they introduced Dannie to the family.

“Mmhmmm,” I said, sipping my wine, trying to push down all the anger I felt. His hand went to the top of my head and petted through my soft curls.

“I need to talk to you about sleeping arrangements for the weekend.” I turned and gave him a daggered look. He looked almost nervous about speaking. “I know we made a deal, but my family must see us as a united couple.”

I interrupted him. “So, should I take this ring off, then?” I ask with so much snark.

He lowered his head to me. He was fuming and was about to say something when Dannie came running up.

“Silvie!” she said in an overly happy tone, giving me an over-dramatic hug. Dalton stormed off. “You okay?” She. Whispered in my ear. I nodded my head and passed her my wine to take a sip.

She searched my eyes for a moment, took a sip, then excused herself. I watched as she marched right outside, where Dalton was talking with the boys again.

I went to follow her. It was Teresa who caught my arm. “Trust me.” She said, using her eyes to beg me to stay put.

I turned to see the other boys, Hutson included, walking back inside the house. It was only Dalton and Dannie outside. I watched in horror as Dalton looked at me, then back to listening to Dannie.

The boys made silly facial expressions. The kind you make when your Mom scolds your sibling. It didn’t help that Dannie was waving her hands around.

I stepped towards them, but then Jake stepped in my way. “Best let them handle it.”

“Oh, Silvie, honey! Could you help stir that pot? Oh, cheese and crackers!” Mom interrupted as she worried about the food I had forgotten.

I looked, hoping someone else would step in and help Mom, but they were all looking at me to do the task. They all wanted me to be distracted. I looked at Hutson, and he gave me a reassuring nod.

Once I got the pot to stop boiling, Dannie and Dalton returned to the house. I could practically see the steam fume off of Dalton.

“Alright, all of you to the table! Dalton Hutson, don’t think you two can get away from helping. Come, start moving stuff over.”

I finished stirring the macaroni and turned off the pot as the boys took dishes and placed them around the table.

I went to take a random seat when Dalton’s hand found mine. His thumb played with the diamond ring, reminding me of my imprisonment. He looked into my eyes, still fuming, then looked to the chair next to the end of the table.

I hesitantly sat down and watched as Dalton carved away pieces of meat and placed them on everyone’s plates.

The room was full of chitchat and laughter. I soon stopped being bothered that I had to sit next to Dalton and enjoyed the banter between Ian and Jake. They proved to be quiet the clowns, and they liked using Dalton as their victim.

He would throw his banter back, and it all slowly felt all too normal. It was easy to forget I was kidnapped and forced to be here.

After the meal, we curled around the living room and played charades. We broke into teams of boys against girls. The girls did not hold back on their banter with the boys. Even Dannie felt bold enough to throw some in. I just laughed and sipped my wine.

It was well past midnight when we finally called the game. The boys and girls were arguing about who had actually won.

My body was exhausted and maybe a bit too drunk. Dalton exploded into an ear-to-ear smile that made his whole face glow. He caught my stare and lipped the words. “Bed?”

I yawned and nodded my head. Then, I caught myself and sternly stared back. He understood what I wanted. The room to myself.

“Well, I guess it is time Dannie and I get some rest,” Hutson called out as Dalton nodded in agreement at our unspoken conversation.

“Who is sleeping at our place?” He asked, and everyone interrupted about the sleeping arrangements. I felt myself doze off.

“Dalton, honey, take her to bed. Poor thing is exhausted.”

My sleepy eyes cracked open. “No need. I’ll take myself to sleep.”

“You two go up. We can put ourselves to bed,” Mom reassured.

Dalton didn’t make a move to get up. He just stared at me.

“You two aren’t sleeping in the same bed?” Mom spoke, and she sounded hurt. I felt a pang of guilt. Then, I was embarrassed as I stared at the rest of the family.

“Mom—” Dalton spoke. I knew he was going to stand up for our agreement.

Before I thought too hard about it or my soft spot dissolved, I said, “Let’s go to bed.” I got up and stuck out my hand.

He stared at it in shock, then slowly took my hand and led me up the stairs. I ignored the giddy look Dannie gave me as I left.

Thanks for reading the thirteenth chapter of The Ocean’s City. Let me know what you think! Grammar Nazis are welcome!