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“I know that,” I whisper.
Dad watches me, wraps his arms across his chest. “It’s a complication.”
“A huge one. I know.”
A laugh rumbles from my dad’s chest. “I know that tone.”
I lift an eyebrow.
“It’s the tone that says, ‘I know the thing I want is bad for me, but I still want it.’ Been there.”
“Laney isn’t bad for me.”
Dad waves a hand. “Of course not. She’s a wonderful girl. As your father, I would be thrilled for you to be with a woman like her. Or her. It’s just…everything surrounding her. Could be bad for you. You understand?”
I sigh. “So, you’re saying I shouldn’t do anything.”
His lips dip down at the corners, and he shrugs. “I didn’t saythat. Just trying to be a good, logical father who sees all the outcomes.”
I smile, but it’s meek.
“But also, as your father, whatever you do…I’ve got you.”
There’s a rush of love to my chest. Something I have felt quite a bit for my father over the past half year. Not much before that.
“Whatever you do is the right choice. I’m on your side. Always.”
10
LANEY
I can’t believeI’m actually doing this.
“We’re here!” Nate states as the long driveway opens out onto the property.
I pull my tiny sedan into the round driveway and put it in park before I get distracted by the view.
“Wow. This is beautiful.” I knew it would be, but no one told me just how gorgeous it really was.
The lake glistens before us, placid blue water winking at us. Trees beginning to bloom with the bounties of spring surround the property.
A long dock leads out onto the lake, a pontoon boat attached on one side, waiting for an adventure.
Nate grins at me. “I knew you’d like it.”
My heart jams itself into my mouth. I look away from him, fast.
I have been on edge since we got in the car this morning. At no point in the three-hour drive did my body settle. As we left the city, all I could think about was how I was leaving behind the world I knew, where all my friends were, my work, trading it for a wilderness retreat.
For just Nate and me.
Nate was chatty. He’s been looking forward to the trip all week, talking about all the things we can do while we’re up here. Boat rides, bonfires, trips to town, fishing, nature hikes, sunbathing. All of this, of course, depends on Nate’s wellbeing.
But surely there will be enough to do that there won’t be time to even consider what energy has been born between us… Right?
Nate starts to open his door, but I stop him with my hand. “Wait, let me come around with your crutches.”
“Oh, come on, Laney, I’m fine.” He dazzles me with another charming smile. He flings the door open and steps out.
