AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nodded.
“We don’t always understand why life happens the way it does,” he continued. “But I’d venture to say that having Rafe in your life has made you a better person, just as he was lucky to have you when his mother died. Life works in funny ways.”
I let out a long breath. “My marriage…it wasn’t the best. A lot of that was my fault. So after Maren died, I felt like I owed it to her to look after Rafe. But as time goes on, I’ve realized I wouldn’t have had a meaningful life without him. He gives me purpose.” I paused. “You know I’m estranged from my family, right?”
“Wren mentioned that, yes.”
“I now understand that true family is the one you choose, not the one you’re born into.”
He nodded. “I can’t even explain in words how much I love my daughter. When Eileen died, I devoted my life to making sure Wren was cared for. She definitely gave me a run for my money during her teen years, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it. She’s a strong woman. She doesn’t need a man. But all I’ve always wanted was for her to find someone who’d love her as much as I do, whether that be man, woman, or child. It didn’t matter. Just someone so if something ever happened to me, I would know she wasn’t alone.” He smiled. “Because of you, she now has two people. Am I right?”
I smiled. “Yeah.”
“So, no need to apologize for anything. Okay?”
This guy had given me a huge pass. I still wasn’t sure I deserved it. But I nodded. “You’re a good man, Chuck. I wish my father was more like you.”
“If he were, you might not be who you are—powerful and independent. Our parents shape us. Sometimes their negative aspects make us stronger people, motivate us. We can learn from our parents in good ways, but we can also learn from their mistakes. Your dad led by example and showed you what not to do.”
“I think you’re right. Thank you for the insight.” I chuckled. “And for not pointing a gun at me.”
“There’s still plenty of time for that, if you ever hurt my daughter.” He winked and looked over at the clock. “I need to get to work. My shift at the factory starts at three. You’re welcome to wait here for Wren. She’s usually home by four. We just miss each other on the days I have to work.”
“You know, if you wouldn’t mind, that would be great. We have a lot to discuss.”
“Make yourself at home. It’s not as fancy as your place, but there’s beer in the fridge and some leftover donuts on the counter.”
“Thank you, Chuck. For everything.”
After he left, I sat alone in the kitchen, enjoying a beer and a stale cruller donut. I looked out the window and watched the birds converge on his feeder. I felt freer than I had in years. As the sun streamed into the kitchen, it felt like the first time in forever that I could just be myself with a clear conscience—free to make mistakes and rebound from them, free to love whomever I wanted, free to let go of the guilt I’d carried since Maren died. It was euphoric to be truly excited about the future.
Of course, one more very important thing needed to happen. I had to explain all this to Wren. That’s why I’d be limiting myself to one beer. I needed to be fully coherent.
Ninety minutes had passed. It was now 4 PM, and Wren still hadn’t come home. I could’ve texted, but I wanted to surprise her. I just hoped she’d see me being here as a good thing. We hadn’t spoken since that night at the Four Seasons, so I didn’t know where her head was, nor did I know what had happened with Dylan after Morgan undoubtedly told him what was going on.
With nothing better to do, I ventured upstairs into Wren’s bedroom. Memories of the time we’d made love here came flooding back. I lay on her mattress, relishing her scent. On one wall, I noticed something peculiar—a sketched picture of me. I recognized the artist’s style. Rafe had drawn that. When had he drawn me and given it to Wren?
Then I heard the door close downstairs and hopped up from the bed.
I made my way down the stairs, and Wren jumped at the sight of me.
“Dax?” She held her hand over her chest. “What are you doing here? You scared the shit out of me.”
“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Is my dad okay?”
“Oh my God. Of course. Everything is fine. He’s at work. I came to apologize to Chuck, and he told me I could hang out here until you came home.”
Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “You came to speak to my dad?”
