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“Yes they are. Dylan has the four-wheel drive with him. Which is just as well considering the forecast for snow. So I think Charlotte is going to get the white wedding she wants.” Uncle Sebastian smiles. “My wife has plans for the snow.”
Uncle Michael snorts. “Won’t body parts freeze off in the snow? I mean you’re not as young as you once were.”
“My body parts will be warmed by my wife.” Uncle Sebastian winks and laughing, walks out with a wave to us all.
Dad groans and looks at his brother. “When McKenzie Holdings was started so many years ago, I never imagined we’d be sitting at the conference table with some of our children.” He glances at Olivia, then me, then Michael. “I want you to know that we’re all proud of you.”
“Geez Dad.” Olivia sniffles. “I never cry.”
“I’m going to tell Mom,” I offer, trying to hide how much his words touched me.
Uncle Michael laughs. “All your mother will do is smack his ass and kiss it better.”
“Dad!” Michael shouts.
“On that note, I’ll leave you to business.” Uncle Michael pats his son on the shoulder as he leaves.
“God,” Michael slumps in his chair, “I’m not sure what’s wrong with Dad today and the comments.”
Dad roars with laughter. “You’re married Michael, I’m sure you can work it out.”
Michael’s eyes widen in surprise and then he shudders. “Moms and Dads never have sex,” he says with a straight face as he leaves the room.
Olivia follows him out.
I offer my dad a wry smile. “Was it planned for us both to be left in here alone?”
“I couldn’t have planned it better.” Dad moves beside me and sits against the tables’ edge as I lean back in my chair. “You’re my son Alexander, and I love you.”
“But—”
He shakes his head. “No buts … I’m here if you need me. For anything Alexander.”
Quickly glancing away, I turn back to the man who I’ve always loved and respected “I know Dad. I’ve always known that you and Mom are there for me. Olivia knows that too.”
“I wish I knew how to help you,” Dad admits. “It hurts us knowing that you’re hurting. I never want my children to struggle and no matter how old you and your sister get, I’ll always want to make everything better for you both. It’s been that way since the minute you were born.”
“You’re making me want to cry like a baby.”
He smiles softly. “I love you.” Dad grabs my head and kisses me on the top. “Follow your heart.”
Before his words register he’s gone and I’m alone in the room.
Did he tell me to follow my heart, knowing exactly where that will take me?
4
Rachel
It’s been a long car ride from college with Paige, Dylan, and Jaxon, and all
I want now is a long soak in either a Jacuzzi or a bathtub. I’m not too fussy as to which at this point.
The Stowe Mountain Lodge is a huge five star resort, which is overrun with guests during the winter months. Luckily for Charlotte there had been a wedding cancellation, which meant she and Tanner could be slotted in earlier than expected, and the block of guest rooms also went to the McKenzie/Jackson wedding party.
Finding somewhere to park in the huge lot wasn’t easy, but eventually we slipped into a space as another SUV pulled out—right at the entrance to the hotel.
Dylan grins. “This spot was so worth driving around for.”
