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West cracked his knuckles. “Guys?”
Jules looked up from her hand. “Yeah?”
“We’ll be in the chapel down the hall when the doc comes, huh?”
She nodded. “Will do.”
West patted his best friend’s shoulder. “Just for a minute.” He knew Michael would never freak out in front of people. That he’d need a little slice of privacy. He knew it as surely as he knew what a fuck up he was.
Michael sighed and let him lead him out and down the side hallway. When he saw the sign, he gave West an eyebrow quirk.
“It’s quiet.”
Michael shrugged and pushed through the door. Instead of crosses and the typical religious themes, there was a wide stained glass panel with water and a tree in deep emeralds and soothing blues.
Michael’s head bowed immediately. “I don’t know if I can do this, man.”
“You can. I promise you.” West knew it was his job to soothe and to lie, but it wasn’t a lie. Everyone thought Michael was crazy to walk into a ready-made family and then add another baby so quickly. But in West’s heart of hearts, he knew it was the perfect place for his best friend. He’d created a family from love and just made it stronger.
He’d manned up where West never had.
West envied what he had in every way.
“I’m sorry I was all psycho on you with the texts.”
West shook his head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I had some stuff. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“You’re here now. And you kept it all together today with the people here. I’m pretty sure I was going to lose it in that waiting room.”
“I know,” West said quietly.
“Because you’re one of the best men I know.”
“Unlikely, but I’m glad I could help.”
Michael turned with knitted brows. “What do you mean unlikely? You’re the most solid guy I know.”
“A solid fuck up, sure.” West stuffed his hands into his pockets.
“No. You’re the only one I’m trusting to take over if something happens. I was going to ask you after all this, but now’s as good as any.”
West frowned. “Ask what?”
“I know we aren’t all that religious and shit.” Michael winced and looked around. “No cross to say sorry to in here, I guess.”
West laughed. “Just you, me, and the tree of life.”
“Well, it’s kinda more of a formality thing. Because when you have kids, you just know shit is bigger than you. I know you know that more than anything.”
West curled his hands into fists in his pockets. “I’m well aware.”
Michael crossed to him. “You did what was right for your kid. It may not have been the most ideal situation, but a lesser man would take the selfish route. You didn’t.”
“What are you talking about? I did the most selfish thing in the world.”
“No. Not at all, actually. I know this time of year sucks for you. I know the memories eat at you, but that little girl of yours has a healthy, happy life. I see the picture every year.”
West looked at his feet. The flash of his Chloe beaming up at her step-father came into sharp focus. The only father that little girl knew because he’d been a worthless piece of shit that no one wanted in her life. And he’d agreed with him.
