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Archer startles me by wrapping his hand around the back of my neck, leaning close to mutter, “If you’re looking for a sign to stay, Wildflower, there it is. You and I make a great team. Proof is all around you—the building you’re standing in.”
I’m numb, overwhelmed. Unsure what he’s asking…or if he’s asking. I’m saved from replying by two late-arriving guests. Lainey and William Owen step through the front door and steal Archer’s attention.
“We’ll talk later,” he tells me.
I force a smile. I need a minute, and with Archer distracted by his parents, I take it.
Archer
I will be goddamned.
My father steps through the front door of my night spa, dressed in a suit as per his usual, my mother on his arm. I never imagined he’d show, and the sight of him startles me for a truncated moment. Adrenaline is still pumping through my bloodstream after having surprised Talia by naming the spa after her. Seeing Dad here sends an echoing tremor down both arms.
Nate is the first to greet them, but Mom waves to me after receiving a hug. Dad’s gaze snaps from Nate to me, his jaw tightening as he offers a curt nod. I nod back, and then put one leaden foot in front of the other.
“Mom.” I kiss her cheek. “Dad.”
“Son,” Dad says, taking in the atmosphere. The lavender lights, the modern music, Mom’s prize roses in clear vases dotted throughout. “How about a tour?”
“You two go without me. I want to say hello to Vivian and Cris. And your Talia, if she’s here.” Mom squeezes my arm and winks at me.
My Talia.If only. She’s as much mine as the wind. Or a cloud passing by in the sky.
After Mom walks away, Dad and I pull in big breaths and inflate our chests. Without my brothers as buffers, I wonder how long it’ll take for this conversation to devolve into an argument. He speaks first. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks for coming.”
“Well, I had the evening free.” He purses his lips. “I wanted to see you in action. Lainey expects her first massage to be free, but I told her I’d pay for it. You are aiming to turn a profit here, are you not?”
“That’s the idea.” My chest loosens at his light tone. He’s trying. I appreciate that.
I extend an arm toward the corridor. “You mentioned a tour.”
We walk through the kitchen, the meditation room, and end up standing over the wading pool. No one’s back here, but the candles are lit, lending the room a warm ambiance. The still water reflects the flames. The last time I was in here, Talia was telling me her family mattered more than me. What I didn’t say, and what I planned on telling her tonight before my parents showed up, was that I can be her family too. The distance separating us is less Clear Ridge-to-Miami and more her refusal to let me be more. I want to mean as much to her as she does to me. How do you ask for something like that?
“Son, I apologize,” Dad starts, his voice rigid.
I lift one eyebrow. His gaze flits over and then away.
“Did Mom put you up to this?”
“Of course not.” He frowns. “Kind of, but my apology is sincere.”
I’m not accustomed to heart-to-hearts with him, as reflected in every line of my stiff posture. He reaches out and squeezes my shoulder, and I have no idea what to do with my arms.
“I’ve done nothing but second-guess you for years,” he continues. “I hate that you felt I supported your brothers but overlooked you. I don’t have to form you into who I want you to be, Archer. It’s good enough for me if you’re happy doing what you’re doing.”
“What’s going on? Are you dying? Trying to make amends?” I can’t help my suspicion. This conversation is alarming, to say the least.
“God, I hope not.” Hands in his pockets, he studies the room. If I’m not mistaken, his smile is proud. “Night spa.”
“Why not?”
“I couldn’t picture it when you told me about it. Now that I see what you’ve created… It’s a damn good idea.”
“Thanks.” My throat is packed with emotion. From the rush of Dad coming to my grand opening to both praise my efforts and apologize, and the uncertainty over Talia’s panic after she revealed the sign with her nickname on it.
“You don’t need me,” he says, looking down at the water. “It’s time I accepted that.”
