Chapter 21: BREAKING THE NEWS TO THE FAM

The next morning was a blur of sadness and anxiety about leaving each other. Emma yearned for Brayden’s touch even before she was gone. Brent and Brayden were needed at the office so that meant just Emma and Jackson would fly back home together. Which in reality was the best solution. They needed to call a family meeting and break the news. A flicker of fear crossed her mind at the thought of the conversations they needed to have. What would their parents think? Would they disown us for what we are doing? Jackson tried to soothe her and tell her it would all be okay, but nothing helped.

They arrived back home around 6 PM that evening. They were met by both sets of parents waiting patiently on their front porch. Emma had been so worried she didn’t realize that Jackson had taken it upon himself to call their family to an emergency meeting that evening at their farmhouse.

Emma took a deep breath once inside their cozy home as they were seated at their dining room table across from their parents and Jackson’s younger brother. This was going to be a difficult and confusing conversation, but it was one they needed to have.

“Mom, Dad,” she referred to both sets of parents this way. Jackson’s mom and dad had been like parents to her from day one. She loved them no less. Emma began speaking, her voice wavering slightly. “There’s something we want to discuss with y’all. I just need you to listen and keep an open mind until we are finished explaining. Once we are done you can ask questions or add comments. It’s nothing major, but there will be change and it involves Brayden.” They all shook their heads in agreement, but each one had worried and confused faces leaning forward in anticipation.

“We are moving up north to live with Brayden. He purchased us a large farm and farmhouse about twenty minutes outside of the city and he offered Jackson a job at his office. This is an incredible opportunity for us that we cannot pass up. I know it sounds odd that Jackson would be going to work in the city, but he will be over their farm development department so it will be things he is very knowledgeable about. Jackson can still be a farmer, but without manual labor. The biggest part of the story is that Brayden will be living with us.” This confession caused wide eyes from her parents, but they just waited for her to explain. “Brayden, Jackson, and I want to be in a relationship together. I know it is unorthodox, but it is what we have decided we want to do. Our hearts are joined at one and it seems to be destiny.”

The room was silent for a moment, you could cut the tension with a knife. Emma’s father was the first to speak, his brow furrowed.

“So, you three would be a throuple, am I correct?” Emma was surprised her father knew what that even was, but she shook her head yes. “You and Jackson remained married, and Brayden is just an addition?”

Emma felt Jackson’s hand slip into hers, offering support as he nodded towards Emma’s father. “Yes, sir that is all correct. Emma and I still love each other unconditionally, but the addition of Brayden has offered us something we would have never expected. I love the way he loves Emma. I know you all may not approve of this relationship, but we love each other.”

Emma’s mother reached across the table, placing her hand over Jackson and Emma’s joined hands. “Oh, sweethearts. We just want you to be happy. If the addition of Brayden to your relationship makes you both happy, then we’re happy for you. Plus, your dad and I actually can relate.” Emma’s mother turned and smiled at her husband.

“Wait what?” Emma questioned.

Emma’s dad spoke this time. “When your mother and I first got married she already had a boyfriend that we kept in our relationship. It worked for several years, and we would probably still be together today, but unfortunately Clay got very sick and passed away at the young age of twenty-four. Not long after his passing we found out we were pregnant with you.” He held his hand up at Emma’s open mouth. “Before you ask, yes, I am your father. We had a paternity test done.” Emma sighed in relief but could not believe what she had just heard.

“So, yes, we can relate to how you feel. It is something you cannot explain and not all people will be so understanding of it. The good thing you have going is we live in a different time now where people are very accepting of these types of situations. I am sure you will have no problems.” Emma’s mother said to them through kind and understanding eyes.

Jackson turned to his parents, worried about them being so quiet. “So, what about you two? How do you feel?”

His parents stared at each other for a while until his dad finally turned to speak. “We are mostly in shock, and I really don’t know how we feel about it just yet. Of course we want the two of you to be happy. You are grown adults and can do whatever you want. As long as you are happy then we are happy. My main question is, what about your farm?”

Jackson had thought about this, and he and Emma had already decided what they wanted to do. Jackson’s younger brother was twenty-one and ready to be on his own. He and Jackson had worked together since they were tots on this farm, so he knew it like the back of his hand. Jackson of course got the farm and farmhouse because he was older, but now he could let Billy have it and take it over.

“It is time for Billy to take over and be on his own. Billy can have the house and the farm.” Billy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was so excited as he thanked them.

Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you all so much for understanding and being so kind. It means so much to us to have such a loving and supportive family.”

Her father cleared his throat, his expression unreadable. “I must admit, we are all a bit surprised. This is a big change. But if it’s what you and Jackson have decided is best for your family, then we will be here for you, no matter what.”

Emma blinked back tears, overcome with emotion. She had been so worried about how her family would react, but their love and support were palpable.

“We are going to miss you all so much,” she said. “But Brayden has promised me that we can come visit y’all anytime we want. And you’re all welcome to come and stay in our new home anytime. Brayden even offered to keep a plane ticket fund readily available for all of us. Plus, our new farmhouse is large enough for everyone to stay in.

The room erupted into a flurry of hugs and well-wishes. Emma felt Jackson’s arms wrapped around her, and she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. It was a bittersweet feeling having to leave her family and home, but she couldn’t wait to call Brayden and tell him the good news.