She laughed, the sound light and carefree. “God, no. You’d be miserable. And probably bankrupt half our clients within a week. Stick with the six-year-olds, they’re more fun.”
As we sat and talked together, a weight lifted from my shoulders. Maybe I had been carrying around unnecessary baggage all these years. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself.
I glanced over at Marc, who was gesturing animatedly as he talked with Tina and the vineyard owner as they returned from their tour. His enthusiasm, his passion for life—it was infectious. “Maybe you’re right,” I said, turning back to Caroline. “I’ve been so caught up in what Dad thinks that I’ve been missing out on what really matters.”
She clasped my hand. “It’s never too late to change that, Ken. And for what it’s worth, I think Marc is exactly what you need. He brings out the best in you.”
I watched Marc making his way back towards us, his face lit up with a smile that was meant just for me, and I realized Caroline was right. It was time to let go of old hurts and embrace the life I’d chosen.
A thought struck me like a bolt of lightning. I turned back to Caroline, my mind racing. “Hey, Sis, you work in finance, right?”
She nodded, a curious glint in her eye. “Yeah, why?”
I took a deep breath, excited and nervous at the same time. “I was wondering… what can you tell me about small business loans? Like, what’s the best way to secure one?”
Caroline’s eyes widened, a smile spreading across her face. “Well, well, well. Look who’s finally taking an interest in the family business after all.” She nudged me playfully. “What’s this about? You got a side hustle going on?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Not me. It’s for Marc, actually, to help him get started with his landscaping business. I want to help him however I can, be the partner that he needs.”
Her expression softened, and she glanced over at Marc, who was now chatting with Jerry about something. “That’s great, Ken. I’m happy for you both.” She turned back to me, herbusiness mode kicking in. “Okay, so tell me more about what Marc’s planning. How much capital does he need? Does he have a business plan drawn up yet?”
As I shared what I knew of Marc’s vision, Caroline listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions or suggestions. The rest of the party faded into the background as we dove deeper into the intricacies of small business financing.
Warmth spread through my chest, not just from the wine or the afternoon sun, but from this unexpected moment of connection with my sister. It was like we were on the same team, working towards something positive together.
Marc’s voice drifted over, pulling me back to the present. “What are you two conspiring about over here?” he asked, his eyes twinkling as he approached.
I exchanged a knowing look with Caroline before turning to Marc with a grin. “Oh, nothing much. Just plotting world domination, one kindergarten class at a time.”
As Marc laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist, I caught sight of my father watching us from across the patio. For once, the weight of his gaze didn’t feel so heavy. I had Marc by my side, Caroline in my corner, and a future full of possibilities stretching out before us.
As the birthday celebration wound down, I made a mental note to set up a proper meeting with Caroline to discuss Marc’s business plans in more detail.
For now, though, I was content to bask in the warmth of family, love, and newfound understanding.
***
As we drove home, I replayed the day’s events in my head. The way Marc had charmed my family, how Caroline had helped me see Dad in a new light—it all swirled in my mind. Suddenly, thissense of belonging, of possibility opened up. I didn’t have to be the family outsider anymore, wearing my father’s disapproval like a badge of honor.
With Marc by my side, I was seeing myself—and my place in the world—differently.
We pulled into Marc’s driveway just after sunset. It didn’t escape me how different this homecoming felt compared to our arrival at the winery earlier today. The knot of anxiety that had been twisting in my stomach all morning had unraveled, replaced by a warm contentment.
Marc killed the engine and turned to me, his eyes soft in the fading light. “You okay, Ken Doll?” he asked, teasing me in the gentlest way.
From Marc’s lips, that nickname didn’t sound so bad. “More than okay. Thank you for being there with me today.” I stepped out of the truck, stretched my arms over my head and yawned.
“You’re not sleepy, are you?” Marc held my hand as we walked to the front door. “I’ve got a little surprise planned for later,” he murmured, a playful glint in his eye.
We made our way inside, carrying some leftover birthday cake and the two bottles of wine Marc had picked up that afternoon at the winery. The house felt different without Mia’s bubbly energy filling every corner, but there was something nice about the quiet, too.
“I’ll put this away,” Marc said, gesturing to the cake. “Why don’t you grab one of those bottles and meet me on the patio.”
I did as he suggested, fishing two glasses from the cabinet and heading outside. The evening air caressed my skin, carrying the sweet note of blooming jasmine from Marc’s garden. As I settled onto the patio furniture, the world seemed to soften around me. Crickets tuned up for their nightly symphony. The twinkling lights hung around the patio painted everything in warm, golden hues, transforming the ordinary space into something magical.
Marc joined me a few minutes later, uncorking the bottle with practiced ease. “What a day, huh?” he said, handing me a glass and settling in beside me.
I took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. “It really was. I still can’t believe how well it went. My dad actually smiled at one point.” I leaned over and pecked Marc on the cheek. “Pretty sure that’s a sign of the apocalypse.”
