Chapter 43 — Family Dinner

Every storm in your life is followed by a rainbow.

That indeed was true. The storm in my life was gone, and the rainbow was brighter than ever. The rest of the journey went pretty smooth, and the moment I set foot in New York I was engulfed with a dozen hugs at once, though it was just my gang of six musketeers.

"My baby, are you alright?" Mother had tears in her eyes and smile in her lips.

"Of course, she is, Sof. She's my strong Koala bear." Father kissed on my forehead, his unshed tears sparkling in the sunlight.

"Would it be too much to expect the forest moments to be something like in Blue Lagoon?" Karen asked and then let out a chuckle embracing me. "I'm glad you're back in one piece, darling."

Anna slapped at the back of my head. "That's for giving me the frights." Then she and Beth hugged me so tight I had to gasp for air.

"You deserve a truck load of ice cream, sunshine." Matt ruffled my already spoiled hair.

That's how love rained on me. Even Hunter was being a complete sweetheart, and that was why we were here sitting at my parents' table having a family dinner.

"So tell me, why can't the leopard hide?" Dad asked, putting down his fork.

Mom let out a groan. "Not again, Joseph!"

I let out a chuckle as old memories revived in my mind. "Why, dad?"

Dad ran his eyes over us curious spectators. "Because he's always spotted!"

Mom and I busted out laughing.

"Another one, another one. What did the baby corn ask the mama corn?"

"Where's popcorn?" I replied with a smug.

"That's my girl!" Dad laughed pointing his fork at me.

Mom shook her head. "You and your corny jokes Joseph." She looked at Hunter and extended the plate of apple pie. "You want some more, Hunter?"

"Sure."

I glanced at him, and a ghost of a smile was dancing in the corner of his lips. He looked beyond charming, and in that moment I found it hard to swallow. Those lips, so plump and inviting I could just kiss them all day long. My eyes moved up to his eyes only to find them staring back, and a corner of his lips slightly arched into a delicious smirk.

My eyes widened a bit, and I looked away letting my hair fall hiding my flustered cheeks. Oh God, Ember, what have you been thinking?

The rest of the dine went laughing at Dad's corny jokes, and in between we didn't fail to steal glances at each other. It was as if the man who lost consciousness in the forest and the man who woke up in the hospital bed was two completely different people. Did he hit his head somewhere in the forest? I couldn't remember. But if that was the case I'd gladly hit him once again if the previous jerk decided to bounce back.

Hunter's phone began ringing, and he left the room excusing us. Getting up I followed behind and found him in the hallway putting on his coat.

"Are you leaving?"

"Meeting."

"Oh okay.”

"You can stay here and rest. No need to come to the office tomorrow." Opening the door he began walking to his car.

A smile appeared on my face with a frown on my forehead as I ran after him. "Are you giving me a day off, sir?"

"You'll work extra the next day."

I let out a chuckle. "Of course."

Revving the engine of his car he gazed up, and our eyes met for about five seconds before the car vanished leaving dust and dry leaves flying in the air.

~~~

The next morning I sat at the breakfast table, my mouth savoring the deliciousness of the blueberry pancakes my mom made while my mind was busy reminiscing about Hunter's recent actions. His amorous gazes, his tender touches, his caring demeanor…I wanted to just go and pour my heart out to him. I wanted to. I really did. But…how would he react?

"How is your leg now, Koala bear?"

Would he take it positively?

"Ember?"

Would he love me back?

My body jolted suddenly. "Ember!"

I looked up, blinking a couple times. "Huh?"

"Where're you lost, baby? Your father asked how your leg is now."

"Oh." I turned my eyes to dad who observed me with a frown on his lips. "It's good, dad. It's good...," I trailed off and got up. "I'm done."

~~~

Wandering about half the day with a restless mind I sat beside my window in the midday staring outside lost in unsettled thoughts when a knock on the door snapped my attention.

"Come in."

The door opened revealing dad's conciliatory figure, a smile adorning his face. "Got time?"

"Yes, yes. Of course, dad. Come on." I patted the place beside me on my bed.

Sitting himself on the spot he looked at me. "So what is it?"

"Wh-What?"

"Something's bothering you."

"H-How do you know?" I frowned.

"You left half of your favorite pancakes untouched."

"Oh...I-I just don't know, dad."

"Just let it out, Koala bear."

"What about the consequences?"

"Embrace the consequences. If they are in your favor then it was meant for you. If not...then you have to be strong and learn to let go."

My frown deepened. I couldn't just let go.

Dad smiled upon seeing my worried face. "Well, you won't know until you try. Who knows, the outcome just might favor you."

Means he might just love me back. His recent behavior can just indicate that.

A smile bloomed in my face as I got to my feet and placed a kiss on dad's forehead. "Thanks, dad."

Dad let out a laugh as he walked out the room. "Best of luck, Koala bear!"

Putting on a red knee length dress I stood in front of the mirror and ran my finger along its v neck, a smile embellished my red lips.

Perfect!

Fixing my spaghetti straps I took a run for it because I could wait no more.

"Slow down, Ember! You'll hurt yourself!" mother warned from behind.

I couldn't care any less that time. I was too excited and too impatient. Giggling I ran back and put a kiss on her cheek. "Love you, mom!"

And I began my journey to a much sweeter devil's den. On reaching there I winked at the staring receptionist while passing him. Before the elevator door closed a thud reached my ears.

Oopsie!

As the elevator took me up my heartbeat began picking up a speed much similar to supersonic, and adrenaline pumped through every corner of my veins. The air in the compartment suddenly became warmer, and I fanned myself with my hand.

Oh God! Finally my dream of having true love was coming true. How could I control myself?

As the ding sounded I hurried out and let out a breath of relief until my eyes fell on the smiling figure sitting behind the receptionist desk where once sat Caleb.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm the new receptionist of Mr. King Jr., sir."

"Oh..." I gave a nod hiding my disappointment behind a smile.

Turning around I looked down at the rose in my hand I bought on the way, and my smile broadened. I was going to confess my love for him, and nothing could ruin the moment right then.

"Um...Ma'am..."

Ignoring the new receptionist, I walked across the hallway. The butterflies in my stomach did somersaults. Holding the door handle of Hunter's room, I inhaled deep ready to meet his gaze, and elicit the scandalous secret my heart hatched.

...Until I heard a male voice inside.

"The divorce papers will be ready soon."