Jonathan stood there, completely nonplussed. Well, now that was some history he didn’t know about.
“Yes, we have a name to uphold and protect,” his mom continued, “and yes, it took generations to get where we are, but that doesn’t mean that we should become blind to our roots.”
“Don’t we want more for our son?” his dad asked. “Doesn’t he deserve more?”
“I really hope, George, and for your own good, that by that you don’t mean Andrew Kincaid. I detest that boy now, and his parents should have known to educate him better.”
“We don’t know Maddox Kingsley very well,” his dad pointed out.
“We don’t have to. Jonathan is the one who needs to know him. And for once in our lives, dear, let’s prove to our son that we trust him and that we believe in him. We haven’t been very good parents to him lately.”
“He has grown a lot,” his dad admit it. “He’s his own person now.”
“And? Does that scare you?” his mom asked.
No answer came.
“Because it does scare me,” his mom continued, “but I’ll be damned if I’m letting the Kincaids have my boy just because they seem like such a safe bet. Maddox Kingsley is welcome here and to the family, as long as that’s what he wants.”
“Is that your final word on this?” his dad asked.
“Yes.”
“Will you stop being mad at me if I agree?”
“Only if you agree with it from the heart.”
Jonathan heard some rustling of clothes and decided to walk a few steps away. He could tell that his parents were kissing, something he didn’t recall ever seeing them do in front of him.
“However,” he heard his mom speaking again, “that doesn’t mean you don’t have free rein to put Maddox Kingsley through the wringer. He looks to me like a stubborn determined man. I’d love to see that used to express how sure he is of wanting my boy.”
“You mean, our boy, dear,” his dad said in a tender voice that Jonathan had never heard him use before.
“Of course. Maddox and his friend, the wunderkind in progress, have to stay here for Christmas, so I’m going to be very busy tomorrow.”
“There’s still some time until tomorrow,” his dad said.
Jonathan grimaced at the seductive tone in his dad’s voice. Well, he really didn’t need to eavesdrop on his parents getting lovey-dovey with each other. He made sure to make no sound as he moved away, only to almost blow his cover when he found himself face to face with Mr. Simmons.
He put a finger to his mouth to signal that he didn’t want his presence to be revealed. The butler nodded with a pleasant smile and then leaned over. “Maddox is in the room–”
“Oh, gawd, Mr. Simmons,” Jonathan whispered, “I do have a working memory, you know?”
“Oh, gawd? All right, I’m finally convinced you changed for the better during your time away from home. I will go ask your father if he needs anything before I retire.”
“Better not,” Jonathan said airily as he hurried past the butler. “I think he’ll appreciate it if you didn’t, just this one time.”
He felt quite pleased with himself as he left a somewhat perplexed Mr. Simmons behind.
TBC