Cain's POV
Seeing how much mum loved Tiffany made my heart pound loudly in my chest, it had given me a dose of pride, because this is the women I have cherished since we were kids, yet at the same time it also filled me with hurt. Knowing that my disappearance has caused such a rift between us, while also leaving the burden of looking after my parents to her. She had gone above and beyond for them.
Hearing dad praise Tiffany up outside, he had showed me the new ramp that Tiffany had paid to have put in, he also said that she had the whole bathroom redone, to accommodate Mum when she was hurt. He broke down slightly telling me the story of how she was over everyday, to look after her, she cooked, cleaned and helped get mum on her feet again. She had been in a wheelchair for about four months, they actually thought she had broken her hip. It turned out instead that she had lacerated her hip muscles. They had only found out because Tiffany had pushed her through private doctors. She started taking mum to massage therapists and doing extra massage on her. She's the reason mum was able to get back up and can walk again.
I hate the fact that she never told me. All this time, I had called her every week but she never said a thing. It crushed me. I could have done something, I would have…
It dawned on me then; thats why. Mum knows I would have stopped everything and came home to help, but she also knew that I had my own mission to fulfil. Seeing Tiffany loose control there, even only for a moment, it took me all my strength to just hug her. The kiss on her forehead was the alternative for wanting to claim her trembling lips, and staking my claim to her, here and now in my parents lounge room. It took all my control not too. Letting go of her was the hardest part of all.
I sighed, frustratedly rubbing my hand through my hair, I came here with so many plans and here I am flustered and emotional. Dad had pored me a glass of his brewed whiskey to try, and I was loving the strong burn down my throat. I knew one thing out of all this. I was going to do everything in my power to make Tiffany fall for me again, if not in the next three months than I will find another excuse. She's mine, I need her.
Tiffany entered the room, her face still slightly flushed but she seemed more focused and calm now. She bounced back easier than I did. The thought of that little intimate moment had me wanting to jump out of my skin. The dog, Brownie was hanging around Dads legs, standing up on his hind legs and trying to climb. He looked just like a baby wanting up. I shook my head, I really didn't need to think things like that, all of these kinds of thoughts had me referring back to Tiffany in one way or another. A wedding, kids, family bl***y hell, I have it bad.
I swiped at my face with my hand, as I watched Tiffany between the slits in my fingers. She was reaching up and collecting the stored Christmas plate sets that my parents keep in one of the cupboards, ready for the Christmas season. Removing my hands I watched as she went. I still can't believe that she's…
"Cain honey, would you mind helping Tiffany set the table sweet. The table cloth is at the end of the table". Mum asked, pulling me out of my trance.
"Sure thing mum". I stated, thankful for the distraction. I could start working on Tiffany from tomorrow.
Unfolding the red Christmas tablecloth, I found some other Christmas ornaments that they normally use to use every Christmas holiday. I worked; doing my best to decorate the table nice. After about ten minutes, Tiffany came in carrying the plates and cups. I watched as she expertly worked around me. In hospitality they would call this mise en place. She set it all up like she was at a fancy restaurant. The dinner and side plates, the knife fork and spoon setups, the wine and water glasses. I'd only seen these set ups at the high end restaurants I frequented. Quite fancy.
When she was finished, I watched as she stepped back to admire her work. I couldn't help just watching her. It felt like a dream. Her eyes flicked in my direction. Shit I was caught staring. I gave a chuckle. Tiffany just rolled her eyes, before turning and walking off towards the kitchen.
I was dumbfounded she literally just rolled her eyes at me. The images of what I would like to do about that flashed through my mind. Almost embarrassingly. If we were on better terms, I could have some fun 'punishing' her for that move, it made the longing unbearable. I could really use a cold shower.
Composing myself, I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind, they can ponder for another day. I had bigger things to do today. After all I did come here bearing gifts.
Mother called out to me to help bring the food out to the table. So while Tiffany and I did that, dad helped mum to her seat, against her will. Stubborn old women.
Dad helped with the final things, before we all took our places at the table. It was nice. The eight seater dinning table, decked out all Christmas like, and a mini feast placed in front of the four of us. Best of all, mum and dad habited one side of the table while Tiffany and I had been pushed to sit next to each other. I couldn't control the smirk I was trying hard to hide.
The night was fantastic, it had been so long since I actually enjoyed a family dinner in a stress free environment. Especially since the last seven years have consisted of eating out at restaurants, or dinner parties. I've got a few holiday homes, so on the rare occasion that I'm staying at them I may hire a cook, but even that just feels like eating out. This feels so much different, and the food is better then any five star restaurant. I really did miss this.
I coughed, gaining everyone's attention.
"Mum, Dad this has been a wonderful night, but I have something I want to give you both". Mum looked at dad questioningly and he looked back at her puzzled. Tiffany raised an eyebrow in my direction. So I took the time to continue.
"Thank you for understanding me. I know it was hard but when I left, I had a plan and I succeeded in that plan. It was hard, but I did it. Unfortunately it did come at a cost, I've missed out on a lot, and I'm sorry that I wasn't here when you needed me the most. I still wish you had told me Ma". The older women shrugged.
"It's fine honey, as long as you managed to do what you wanted". I nodded, I'd accomplished even more than my goal.
"I have, and I wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for you all". I looked at Tiffany as I said that, making sure she understood that she was included in that ALL.
"So Dad, you know how you always said you wanted a mustang". I smirked as I observed the old man. He was looking at me dumbfounded before turning and looking out the window at the car in the drive way. He turned back to me in realisation. I nodded. Throwing him the keys that were now in my hand.
"All yours old man, look after her well. She's the latest GT". He caught them, shock showing all over his face. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I smiled, mum was crying she knows how much dad always wanted a mustang. I turned back to mum, and handing an envelope over the ornaments in the middle of the table. She took it, looking at me confused. I waved my hand to say open it. She hesitantly did so, dad looking over her shoulder as she did. She pulled out a bank statement and a black card. When they looked at it, the shock on their faces was adamant.
"Son, what is this?" Dad asked. I smiled.
"That is some money to help you. There is enough for you both to fully retire and just enjoy life. Get the extra help you want and need Ma.I want you to live off it. This is yours. If you do need more just ask". They both just stared at me in shock, then back at each other.
"Son this has got seven figures, what would your mother and I need more for". I just shrugged.
"I want you to have some fun, go on a holiday or do the things you want to do. This is to make up for all the birthdays and Christmas's I've missed". Mum was hysterical, she wanted to get up but couldn't quickly enough, so I stood and came to her. She enveloped me in a wet loveable hug. Dad joined in, hugging the two of us. I was able to get a look at Tiff, she had tears streaming down her face, and a slight smile. But I watched her stand and walk away, exiting the house via the front door.