I hug them each quickly, then slip out a side door before Nate can turn around and see me.
Before I have to face him again in front of everyone.
CHAPTER 13
WONDERING IS IT’S OWN KIND OF SUFFERING
NATE
The burial follows—standinggraveside, watching Alfie's casket lowered into earth, the finality of it hitting harder than the words did.
People cry. People hug. The whole messy ritual of goodbye.
When it's over, people drift toward the reception at Mom's house.
I hang back, needing air, needing space.
Nick finds me before I can escape.
"Hey." His voice is rough, eyes red-rimmed but clear.
"Hey."
He pulls me into a hug—the kind that says everything words can't.
When he steps back, his hands grip my shoulders.
"Thank you. For doing that. For saying what you said."
"Of course."
"No, I mean it." His jaw works, emotion threatening to spill over. "You were right. About all of it. About him being a father to people who needed one. And hearing you say it—" He stops, swallows hard. "It mattered."
I nod, throat tight.
Kat appears, touching Nick's arm gently.
"You did great, Nate. Thank you for doing that."
"Of course."
"We should head to the lake house. People are going to start arriving." Kat says, looking to Nick with tender eyes.
Nick nods, then looks at me. "You coming?"
"In a bit. I just need a minute."
He understands. Squeezes my shoulder once more, then heads toward the parking lot with Kat.
I'm about to leave when I hear footsteps behind me.
"Hell of a eulogy."
I turn.
Jay's walking toward me, hands in his pockets, expression somewhere between concerned and amused.
"Thanks."
