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Jon should have known the housekeeper would immediately call his dad. “I should have told you first.”
“Your mother left it to you. It’s your property, and you don’t need my approval, even though you have it. I’m delighted with the prospect of having Annie for a daughter. And Kylie is a dream come true for your old man. Your mama always wanted a girl, you know. I wish she were here to enjoy that lovely little granddaughter of ours.”
Jon’s throat tightened. “Me too, Dad. And Annie doesn’t know about the ring. I ran into Henry Drood. He’s going to design something special with the stones.”
“I can’t wait to see what Henry comes up with. When do you plan to pop the question?”
“I’m not sure. I assume it will take a while to design the ring.” He forgot to ask Henry how long it would take for him to create it. “Um, Dad, just so you know—the paternity test came back. I’m definitely Kylie’s father. Ninety-ninepercent certainty.”
“I never doubted it, son. I’m glad you have confirmation, especially now that there are legal questions.”
“What should I do about Nate’s parents? I have a feeling this is going to escalate.”
“I could speak to them. We’ve always been friendly. Or you could give them a call in a friendly way and let them know the proof has come. Try talking to Lars. He isn’t as volatile as Maryanne.”
Jon gave a jerky nod. “I’m glad to have it settled for all of us as I make plans to stay in Rock Harbor.”
“And then what?”
“What do you mean?”
“Partnership? Private practice here in Rock Harbor? New house or living at Annie’s? What are your plans?”
His dad wasn’t usually so nosy. Their routine was he quietly waited for Jon to offer information, not go digging for it. “Is there a reason for the questions?”
A smile lifted the side of his dad’s lip that didn’t droop from the stroke. “Maybe.” He chuckled. “I should tell you my news, then you’ll understand. I asked Martha to marry me last night. We’re not getting any younger, so we plan to tie the knot next week.”
“Next week? Dad, that’s crazy. You’ve only been dating a few weeks.”
“I’ve known her for years, Jon. And we’re no spring chickens. We both know we want to be together, and I’m not about to live in sin with her.”
Jon glanced away, unable to deal with the reference. “I only want your happiness.”
“And Martha makes me happy. I’d like to think I do the same for her.”
Jon didn’t doubt it. He’d seen the girlish blush on the older woman’s face often enough. “Where will you live?”
“Martha is going to hire a manager for the Blue Bonnet, and we’ll move out to the cabin when it’s done. It’s small, but it will suit us fine. And it’s not far from my granddaughter.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out.”
Jon couldn’t put his finger on the underlying cause of his alarm. Was it that he thought Dad would forget Mom? He didn’t think he was selfish enough to begrudge his dad a new life after losing her. Mom wouldn’t have wanted him to be alone the rest ofhis life, and she’d been gone nine years. It was time. Dad’s stroke had been a wake-up call that time was a precious commodity.
“I’m not going to meddle any less in your life,” his dad said. “You’re important to me, Jon, and always will be. Marriage won’t change that.”
His dad had shone a light on the discontent swirling in Jon’s heart. The two of them had always been close, and he hadn’t wanted to think that might end. Of course it wouldn’t. He was a jerk for even thinking his dad would change toward him.
He leaned over and hugged his dad with one arm. “Congratulations, Dad. I’m glad you found Martha. She’s a wonderful woman. I think she’s even managed to put a few pounds on you.”
His dad rubbed his belly. “I wish you were wrong about that. The wedding will be the Sunday after Bree and Kade get back. Martha wouldn’t hear of letting Bree miss out.”
“Does Naomi know?” Martha Heinonen and her daughter were as close as he and Dad.
“She’s telling her right now. That’s why I decided to take a walk. I didn’t want to sit and worry about whether Naomi might talk her out of it.”
“Naomi likes you. She’ll be happy for her mom. Martha has been a widow for many years. Naomi probably thought her mom was never going to find someone.”
His dad leaned down to rub Milo’s head. “I hope she’s happy about it. I should take this little guy home with me for the week so you and Annie don’t have to worry about him.”
