I’m sure it’s natural for people to become more philosophical as they get older, especially when you’ve had health scares like his. My father has dealt with a lot of pain, and we’ve had more than our fair share of ups and downs. “You’re right, Dad. Ellie does feel like home, but it’s still a little too soon to be talking marriage and kids.”
His eyes light up with excitement, and I wince. Shouldn’t have said that last part out loud. “You’ll make a great father one day.”
I wink at him. “Well, I have a good role model, Pop.”
His entire face lights up with pure pride. “While we’re having a heart to heart, I also want to apologize again for the way I behaved about Yasmin. It’s long overdue and I should have said something much sooner.” He rarely speaks her name out loud, and it jolts me. “Not just for being an ass about her, but also for the way I handled your, uh,problemsafterward.”
“My addictions, Dad. It’s okay to call them that. And there’s no need to apologize. You did the best you could, and it was a lot to handle.”
Truthfully, we both made mistakes, but there’s no point dredging it all up again. We cannot change what was—just what is, and what might be.
He stands up and clears the plates. I think he’s feeling emotional, and as ever with Dalton James, that somehow is something he needs to hide. “Thank you, Maddox. That’s very gracious of you. Stay right there and I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”
While he’s gone, I think about what he’s said.
Should I ask Ellie to marry me? The more I consider it, the more the real question seems to be: why wouldn’t I? She’s perfect for me. We make each other so goddamn happy. If I do this, I have to figure out what ring to get her. She’s not a straightforward diamond solitaire kind of girl. Maybe something unique, something I could get commissioned from an artisan in Morocco.
I’m still turning this over in my mind when my dad returns. “Maddox,” he says, his voice serious.
I stand up to face him, because his tone demands it. He passes me a box. One that I recognize.
The memories hurt. How he told me I was a disgrace to the James name all those years ago. How I walked out of this house and swore I’d never come back. It brings a lump to my throat.
“Son, I just want to tell you how proud I am of you. Of your new business venture. Of your relationship with Ellie. Of the way you’ve worked so hard on yourself. I love you, Maddox, and I want you to have this back.”
Tears fill my eyes as I accept the package. “Are you sure?” I ask, opening it. Great-grandad’s old Navy watch, the one my mom treasured and I pawned all those years ago.
“I’m sure, son. It’s always been yours. I was just hanging onto it for you.”
He holds open his arms, and I go in for a hug. “I love you, Dad,” I murmur against his shoulder.
Even the mighty Dalton James sheds a tear. “Don’t tell anybody you saw me cry, all right?” he says, swiping at his cheeks. “Anyhow, I think I just have something in my eye…”
“Sure, Pop.”
I run my finger over the gold, the parts worn smooth from my great grandfather’s touch, then his son’s, and then my mom’s.
Selling this watch was the lowest point of my life, and to have him give it back to me again means everything.
Chapter 34
Ellie
I’m on the phone to Katy and have been for the last hour. We only saw each other the week before, but we never seem to run out of things to talk about. We catch up on work, boys, what books we’ve read, and life in general. She’s suggested a girl’s trip to New Orleans for her birthday so we can go and see some of the places our favorite fictional vampires hung out. We agree to go for breakfast after our pilates class tomorrow to plan it, and I’m practically buzzing with excitement.
I hear the knock at the door and tell her I need to go. “Sweetie, I can practically hear the grin on your face. Is that Maddox waiting outside, with a bouquet of roses and a giant hard-on?”
I laugh. She is outrageous, which is one of the many reasons I love her, but she’s also probably right. Except for the roses. I don’t really appreciate cut flowers, preferring them to remain planted and in bloom. “A girl can only hope. Bye honey. See you tomorrow.”
I glance in the mirror, give my hair a quick fluff. I don’t know why. It doesn’t bother him. I can be made up with glossy hair, fresh out of bed, wearing a ball gown or my gym gear. None of itseems to have any effect on how much he wants me. He basically wants me all the time, which is the way I feel about him too.
My heart flutters in my chest as I head to the door. I really must get him a key of his own. It’s not like I don’t trust him, and I’d be more than happy for him to be at my place when I’m not here. We spend so much time in each other’s apartments, they’re practically communal anyway.
The thought has crossed my mind that one day, we might get an apartment together. Or maybe even that beautiful Brownstone I’ve always dreamed about. The kind we could fill with pets and children. I think I’m ready for the apartment at least. I think he is, too. Personally I can’t think of anything better than 24/7 access to his fine ass and his kind, calming presence.
Maybe I should talk to him about it. This is the twenty first century after all, there’s no rule that says a woman shouldn’t make the first move. I’ll just raise the subject when his mouth is in its favorite place—between my legs—and I’m sure he’ll see the advantages of shared living.
I giggle as I open the door, blushing at the very idea. “Hi,” I say breezily.
