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Dane laughs, waving a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But when you meet someone like Katrina, it's hard not to imagine spending the rest of your life with her."
Ivan leans forward. “You deserve a second happy ending.”
Dane’s wife passed away many years ago, and we all remember the pain Dane and his daughter Emily went through.
Dane then launches into stories of the upcoming wedding, describing the intricate details of the venue with its lush gardens and twinkling lights. "And Katrina won’t let me see the wedding dress.” He laughs. "She thinks it’s bad luck. I know she’s going to look stunning.”
We talk a little more about the wedding, and then Ivan updates us about his baby boy, pulling out his phone and swiping through pictures as he beams with pride. "Look at this little guy," he says, showing us a photo of his son taking his first steps. "Can you believe how fast he's growing?"
We both lean in to get a better look, and I can't help but smile. "He's got your eyes, Ivan," I comment, genuinely impressed by the resemblance.
Ivan grins, puffing out his chest with pride. "That's what everyone says. We're already planning for him to take over my investment company when he’s grown. He'll be a natural, just wait and see."
As our conversation continues, I can feel a heaviness settle over me. It's been a long time since I've opened up to my brothers about the struggles I faced after my divorce. I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the wine in my veins, and decide it's time to share my thoughts with them.
"You know," I begin hesitantly, "I still remember the look on Mom and Dad's faces when I told them about the divorce. They couldn't believe it. They thought marriage was a sacred bond, not something to be broken."
Dane and Ivan exchange glances, both nodding solemnly. They understand the weight of our parents' expectations and how they value marriage and social ties above all else.
Dane says, “Marriage only matters to them if it’s to a person they think is acceptable.” He takes a swig of his drink. “They haven’t been very welcoming to Katrina at all because she’s not from a wealthy family.”
Ivan and I say how much we love Katrina and that Dane is doing the right thing by marrying her.
“Follow your heart,” Ivan says.
We look at him in shock.
He shrugs and smiles. “I can be sentimental too, ya know.”
I laugh. “Being a family guy has changed you.”
“For the better,” he adds.
“I think Mom and Dad only like my ex because of her connections. I never thought they'd react so strongly when we got divorced," I confess, my voice heavy with emotion. "It's been hard trying to rebuild my life without their support. I felt like I failed them." I recall the disappointment in their eyes. "It wasn't just about losing my marriage. It was about losing their respect and approval."
Dane reaches across the table, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. "Ezra, you didn't fail anyone. Sometimes things don't work out, and that's okay. You're still an amazing son, brother, and father."
I smile weakly at his words, appreciating the support. But deep down, I still feel the sting of my parents’ disapproval. We come from a wealthy family where appearances matter, and my divorce felt like a dark stain on our reputation.
Ivan chimes in. "We all have our struggles, Ezra. But you've managed to build a successful business and are raising a beautiful daughter despite everything. That's something to be proud of."
“Thank you,” I reply.
Dane says, "You are the closest to Dad out of all of us, but don't let him run your life."
"Yeah," I say, but I know letting go of my parents' approval, especially my father's, is going to be hard.
As our conversation switches back to lighter topics, Ivan cracks a joke, causing us all to burst into laughter. The tension in the air dissipates slightly, and for a moment, I feel the weight of my worries lift from my shoulders.
But as the laughter dies down, my thoughts inevitably drift to Quinn. Her fiery spirit and the way she challenges me at every turn have ignited something within me that I've never experienced before. I find myself constantly fighting the urge to be near her, to touch her, to taste her lips once more.
I recall the kiss we shared, the heat of her body pressed against mine, the hunger in her eyes as she looked up at me. The memory sends a shiver down my spine, and I can't help but wonder what it would be like to truly let go with her, to explore the depths of our desire without holding back.
But then reality sets in, and I'm reminded of the barriers between us — not only the professional boundary of her being Paige's nanny, but also the disapproval that would surely come from my elitist parents. They would never accept a relationship between their successful son and a woman from a low-income background, no matter how genuine or passionate our connection might be.
As I sit there, torn between my longing for Quinn and my duty to my family, I can't help but question whether I'll ever be able to reconcile the two. Am I willing to risk everything—my reputation, my family's approval, even my relationship with my daughter —for the chance at love with this captivating woman? Or should I continue to suppress my feelings and maintain the facade of the perfect son and father?
The aroma of garlic and tomato sauce wafts through the air, filling my senses and grounding me in the present moment. My brothers' laughter brings me back to the conversation, but my mind remains preoccupied with the internal struggle that rages within me.
