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That made Cash laugh. “At least you’re honest.”
“I always try to be.”
“It’s a good thing,” Cash said before yawning. “I’m going to throw a little honesty your way now.”
“O-kay…”
“Don’t try to follow in anyone’s footsteps. Don’t think you have to go into construction because you did it growing up or because Austin’s an architect or because of Coleman Construction. You do what makes you happy.”
“I don’t really know what that is. Not yet, anyway.”
“And that’s okay, Jackson. You have time to figure it out. Get your leg rehabbed and then go after whatever it is you’re passionate about.”
He grinned because the first thing that came to mind was Savannah.
Apparently, his father knew exactly what he was thinking. “After you get the girl, go after the career.”
“The girl’s going to be more of a challenge, I think.”
“Oh, I know it, but…give her time.”
He nodded, and they sat in companionable silence for several minutes.
“Do you remember the fireworks we used to watch from the boathouse at Pops’ place?”
“Holy crap, I haven’t thought about them in years. Pops used to put on the best damn show every year for the Fourth. I always hoped someone would step up and do it right like he used to, but…” He shrugged. “The last show the town put on that I was home for was a little lame.”
“Did you watch it from the boathouse?”
“Um…no. I think the construction was still going on, so it wasn’t safe to do it there. One of the local high schools did it or something. Either way, it was just…you know…basic. Nothing that made you gasp or get overly excited about.”
“Mmm…”
“What made you think of that?”
“I’m thinking of a lot of things lately—especially things from when you boys were little. It’s like a constant film playing in my head. Your smiles, your laughter, the little accomplishments like watching you learn to ride a bike or hit a ball…”
Jackson smiled. “Yeah, you were good at that stuff. I was just telling Savannah about you teaching me to throw a football.”
“Pfft…you were a natural.” He shook his head. “I should have done more.”
“More? You just said I was a natural.”
“Not the football, Jackson. My whole life, I never did anything for you,” Cash said quietly. “Nothing that made a real difference. My legacy will be the things that I didn’t do.”
It would be easy to go down that road, but…not anymore. They didn’t need to rehash it and that wasn’t how he wanted his father to spend his last days.
“And yet you ended up giving me the greatest gift in the world. You brought Savannah into my life.”
Cash’s face lit up momentarily. “You’re going to be good for each other. And I guarantee you that if you sat down and talked to her about what it is you’re supposed to do with your life, she’ll help you figure it out. She’s good like that. She’s got a good heart and an incredible mind.” He laughed softly. “And a sharp tongue, so…be careful.”
That made him laugh too. “I’ll be on the lookout for that.”
After letting out a long breath, Cash shook his head. “This really sucks.”
Jackson had to agree.
“Why did it take cancer to get me to take my head out of my ass? I’m not going to see Austin and Mia’s baby or any future grandchildren. I’ll be gone before I know for sure that you’re going to be okay.” Scrubbing a hand over his face, he frowned. “Just tell me something, and I swear we can move on to a lighter subject.”
