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Mom has given Sarah free rein concerning wedding planning, including confirming everything for two weeks. I told Mom to expect some crazy extras to be added, considering she’s giving Sarah carte blanche on confirmation details.
Charlie runs around the water’s edge, barking at the ducks on the lake and making Brody laugh with his antics. We all head out to the deck to enjoy the peace, tranquility, and a quiet drink. I sit on the sofa outside with Jeni while the girls take a nap.
Mom and Mike sit on the deck chairs as we watch Charlie and Brody playing together. It’s relaxing, and even though I still feel annoyed, that feeling is gradually easing. I know I’ll eventually forgive them for not telling me, but it’s something I have to work on at my own pace and in my own time.
“Aiden, wanna go out on the boat?” Mike asks.
I look at Jeni. I’m not sure why.
For support.
Got guidance.
For comfort.
I have no idea, but the thought of being alone with Mike is unnerving.
It’s all a bit strange—I’ve been alone with Mike thousands of times.
So, why should this be any different?
Jeni widens her eyes, imploring me to answer.
“Sure, why not,” I reply.
We both stand, taking our beers, and we head to the edge of the lake where our boat is bobbing slowly in the crystal blue water against the dock.
Silence.
I step into the boat, and Mike unties it from the dock while I start the engine.
Mike starts to set up the fishing rods.
Still silence.
Driving the boat out to the middle of the lake, I turn off the motor.
More silence.
The silence is deafening. The boat bobs in the water, light reflecting in the crystal blue shards of luminous light, but the silence stands out.
“So…” Mike drones, tapping his fingers to his cheek.
I laugh at the awkward break in silence and sit next to him. It shouldn’t be this hard. “Yeah, so how’s the guest house coming along?” I ask, trying to make small talk.
“Really? We’ve been living there for nearly six years.” He laughs. “It’s the same as it was before you found out I’m your father, Aiden. Let’s talk properly… how are you doing?” Mike asks while he casts out his line.
Instantly, I feel awkward.
I’ve known this man for my entire life. He’s been here for everything, and I mean absolutely everything now that I think about it, and yet, right now, I’m finding it hard to talk to him.
“I’m okay, I guess. Still getting used to everything, I suppose. How are you feeling about it all?” I ask and cast my line.
“That’s all to be expected. Your mother and I don’t want you to be ‘okay with it’ if you’re not. However you feel, it’s okay with us. We both want you happy. I know this was a shock, but for me, it was a relief to finally tell you. I’ve wanted to say something so many times throughout your life, and believe me it came close a few times—”
“What stopped you?” I interrupt.
Mike looks at me, and I can tell he’s trying to think of what to say next. “Aiden, you looked up to Niall. Maybe not toward the end, but growing up you did, and I didn’t want to take that from you. You were such a contented boy. I didn’t want to spin your world on its axis like I have now and ruin everything for you. I knew it would be difficult telling you, but telling you also meant outing Callie, and I wasn’t prepared to put her through that torment. Niall would have made her life a complete misery if he knew she cheated on him. He was a spiteful man…”
