“Hey, Dad,” I tried again. “It’s me. You know, the only child you ever had? You kinda been ghost for a while.”
I shifted my weight, pacing a few steps along the dirt.
“I, um…” I exhaled. “I don’t even know how to start this, so I’m just gonna say it.”
I looked out over the vineyard.
“It’s been a while,” I said. “A lot has changed.”
My grip tightened slightly on the phone.
“I’m getting married,” I said. “To Marlon. I know you probably already figured that part out, but… yeah. It’s happening.”
I let that sit for a second.
“We’re planning the wedding here. At the vineyard. It’s gonna be… it’s gonna be nice.”
My voice softened without me meaning to.
“I wish you could see it.”
I swallowed again.
“And… we’re adopting,” I added. “It’s a little boy. He’s five. His name is Elias.”
I smiled a little despite myself.
“Kinda sounds like Alice, right?” I said quietly. “Life is crazy that way.”
My chest tightened at that.
“I think you would’ve liked him,” I continued. “He likes drawing. And dinosaurs. And he’s quiet at first, but I feel like he’s just trying to figure people out. That sounds familiar, doesn’t it? I know Marlon’s gonna love him.”
I let out a small breath, feeling guilty for even bringing Marley up after everything that happened.
“I don’t know where you are,” I pivoted. “Or if you even want to hear from me. But… if you do…”
I hesitated. Then said it anyway.
“I want you at my wedding. I want you to meet him and I want you to see what I built. Whatwebuilt. But I can’t have that violence around my kid. I know you said one day I’ll understand when I’m a parent…well, I ain’t officially one yet. But I know I’m gonna do everything in my power to protect my son.”
My voice dropped a little.
“I’m still mad at you,” I admitted. “That hasn’t changed. But… that’s not the only thing I feel anymore. I don’t know if you’ll call me back. But if you do… I’ll answer.”
I pulled the phone away slightly.
“…okay,” I finished. “Bye, Dad.”
The line beeped.
Voicemail sent.
I stood there for a second, staring at nothing in particular. Then locked my phone and slipped it into my pocket. I turned back toward the vineyard, toward the work, toward everything waiting for me. In the distance, I see Marlon riding up toward me on Spades with Titan close behind.
It was time for our daily quality check.
When he got closer I whistled. “Looking good up there, Mr. S”
