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“The two of you have somewhat been a troublesome duo,” he muses.
I smile at the fond memories. “And now look at us.”
“I’m proud of you both. You’ve come a long way to get where you are.”
“Thanks, Uncle Julian,” I say, then twist my hands uncomfortably. “So, um, listen. Thank you for stepping in the night of the Hamptons. It wasn’t my finest moment, and I never got to thank you for taking Austin home.”
He glances at me with a downcast expression. “It was best he went home. Nothing good would have come from him staying.”
“Was it that bad? I mean, in the car with him?”
“He was hurt, which was to be expected given the situation.”
“I wish it didn’t end that way,” I profess while lowering my gaze to the table. “I love Will, but I should have done the right thing from the beginning and not accepted Austin’s proposal.”
“We all make mistakes and have these not-so-pleasant moments in our lives. Don’t beat yourself over it. Austin will move on. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
I tinker with the glass in front of me, treading carefully on the subject though equally as curious. “Is that what happened with you and mom?”
“That was quite some chapter in my life,” he reminisces with a smile on his face. “If it weren’t for Charlie, I would never have met Adriana and have my family. I can’t regret what brought me my blessings.”
I nod my head in agreeance. “You’re right. In the end, family is everything.”
“It always is, Amelia. No matter how it may come into your life, once you have it, you wonder how you lived without it.”
I jump off my chair to hug him as he holds onto me tight. Uncle Julian always understood me. No judgment. Just thoughtful words and advice helping me move forward. Unlike Dad, he is very rational. He’s seen a lot in his lifetime and easily opened my eyes when I’d lost my way and focused on things that didn’t matter.
“You did the right thing. Will and you were always meant to be together.”
“You really think Austin will be okay?”
“I didn’t think I would be at one point in my life, but look at me now?” He quips with an upturned face. “I have everything I want.”
Aunt Adriana and Mom walk back inside the kitchen while continuing to discuss the so-called impending divorce matter.
“Oh no, why the long faces?” Aunt Adriana questions with a frown.
I smile, reassuring her it’s nothing serious. “No long faces, just a much-needed pep talk from my favorite uncle.”
Aunt Adriana snorts. “Don’t let Noah hear that.”
“I’m famished,” I tell them, already eyeing the food on the countertop. “Lunchtime?”
Uncle Julian says goodbye as Willow thunders down the stairs with all her soccer gear. According to Aunt Adriana, Uncle Julian coached her team, and they’re currently division one in their competition, meaning they must adhere to a strict training schedule.
“I don’t know why I agreed to this,” Adriana complains. “The soccer moms are all over Julian, and it is driving me crazy.”
“All perky?” Mom asks, cringing.
“Perky and going commando.”
“Ew,” I cringe, unable to get the image out of my head. “Moms go commando?”
Mom and Adriana laugh together. “When you’re trying to get the attention of your hot soccer coach, then yes.”
“Julian loves you, Adriana,” Mom assures her.
“I know, I know, and he shows me every night.”
