Page 56 of The October Arrangement

“It is. I’m going to ask Mary to marry me. What do you think?”

“About you proposing or the ring?”

“Both.”

“The ring is beautiful. Mary will love it. Are you sure this is something you want, Dad?”

“Of course, it is. Mary and I have been together for almost five years. I think it’s time. I love her more than anything.”

“Are you asking for my blessing?” My brow arched.

“Absolutely not. Whether you agree or not, I’m still asking her to marry me.”

“I like Mary. She’s good for you.” I smiled.

“She is, isn’t she?”

“I’m happy for you, Dad.”

“Thank you, son.”

The server walked over, set our drinks down, and took our food order. I picked up my glass and swirled the scotch before tipping it to my lips.

“Can I ask you something?” I stared at my father.

“That sounds serious, son.”

“I’ve asked you this before.”

“Well, that narrows it down to approximately ten thousand things.” A smirk crossed his lips.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Simon

“Why did you stay with Mom?”

He stared at me for a moment before answering.

“You’ve asked me that before.”

“And you never really answered me.”

“Yes, I did, son.”

“No. You told me you loved her.”

“I did love her.”

“I know that. But that doesn’t answer the question,” I said.

He stared at me without saying a word longer than he should have. My father wasn’t stupid. He knew damn well there was a reason I was bringing this up again. I could see the questions forming in his head. Thankfully, he didn’t ask.

“You want a different answer this time?” he asked.

“All I want is the truth, Dad.”

I watched as he inhaled a breath. “The truth is complicated, son.”