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Sadly, he did.
“She already felt guilty about her relationship with me. You telling her that you resented her hurt. Once that was out there, it pretty much solidified her plan to leave.”
“What am I supposed to do? How do I convince her to stay?”
“Right now, she’s staying put for my sake, but we both know I’m not much longer for this world. I’m holding on for as long as I can, Jackson, but I’m so damn weak and tired. You have no idea how much I want to do this for you—for her—but…”
“I know. I know,” he whispered.
“Apologize to her, but only if you truly mean it. Don’t do it because I’m asking; do it because it’s how you feel.” He yawned and held out his hand and although it didn’t exactly feel natural, Jackson took it. “You grew up to be a fine man, Jackson, and although it may not mean much, I’m proud of you. Know that. And no matter what you do with your life, I will always be proud of you.”
Emotion clogged his throat and he fought the tears that stung his eyes. He didn’t cry. He never cried. Well…at least not since he was twelve years old and he fell out of the gigantic tree at Pops’ house and broke his arm. But right now, the urge to cry like a baby was strong.
“I know you’re a little lost right now with your military career ending, but it’s all going to be okay. You’re a smart man and you’ll figure it all out. Don’t put pressure on yourself or feel you have to do what other people are telling you. Be true to yourself.”
Nodding, he took a moment to compose himself. “What if…what if I end up…you know…”
“Like me? Drifting?”
He nodded again.
“That will never happen. You’re too smart for that, Jackson. You’ve got a lot on your plate with your own recovery, me and my situation, and Savannah. That’s more than most people could handle. When everything calms down, you’ll figure it out. I have every faith in you.” He smiled sadly. “Plus, you are blessed with an amazing group of people who love you. Don’t be like me and brush them off or take them for granted. They love you, and so do I.”
Damn.
With a shaky breath, he looked at their hands and, for the first time, realized how similar they were in size and shape.
And how this was probably the most contact he’d allowed himself to have with his father.
So he held on and didn’t let go for a long time, because far too soon, the opportunity would be gone.
