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“Twenty grand,” he adds.
“That’s great.”
“With the sale of the house and furniture, we were able to pay off all the debt that’s been accumulating over this past year. There was even enough left over for a small downpayment for the new house your mother fell in love with.”
Mom’s blue eyes light up. “It has the most perfect yard that backs up to a stream with lots of wildlife.”
I haven’t seen her this excited in a long time, and it’s almost enough to bring tears of joy to my eyes. Instead, I keep the emotion locked down tight, not wanting to spoil this moment. It shouldn’t surprise me when Wolf slips an arm around my waist. He’s always been attuned to both my thoughts and feelings.
“That sounds great, Mom. I can’t wait to see it.”
Her face fills with emotion as she takes in the spacious living room. Only this time, it lacks the grief and heartache that has been her constant companion throughout the years.
“As much as I hate to sell the place, it’s time. You were right about needing a fresh start. The family that bought the house has three small children and I just know they’ll enjoy it.”
I nod. “It was a great place to grow up. Miles and I were happy here.”
“We all were,” Mom adds softly.
A heavy silence falls over the four of us before Dad clears his throat. “We packed up some boxes of Miles’ stuff for you to take.”
“Thank you,” I murmur. It couldn’t have been easy for them to sift through the past and make their peace with it.
Dad’s gaze flickers from me to the man at my side. “I, ah, was talking to Wolf.”
Wolf’s eyes widen in surprise. It’s only been a couple weeks since the outburst at the restaurant. After the shock of my new relationship wore off, they called to tell me that I was right and that they were going to work on leaving the past where it belonged.
In the past.
“It’s a lot of hockey and school memorabilia.” Dad shifts and glances away as his voice deepens with emotion. “He’d want you to have it.”
Wolf offers his hand for Dad to shake. My breath catches at the back of my throat as we all wait to see how my father will react. Tension ratchets up in the sun-filled room before Dad reaches out and meets him midway.
“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it.”
Dad jerks his chin into a tight nod before his lips lift into a reluctant smile. “You’re welcome.”
Heavy emotion hangs in the air before my father turns to me, blinking away the wetness that shines in his eyes. “So, are you ready to do this?”
That question is enough to have nerves leaping to life inside me before scuddling across my arms. When I nod, he slips his hand into the pocket of his jeans and pulls out a key ring with a hockey puck. A thick lump gathers in my throat, making it impossible to breathe, as he sets it in the palm of my hand.
After all these years, I never imagined this day would come.
With Wolf’s arm wrapped around my waist, we trail after my parents to the garage out back where Miles’ Porche has been sitting idle. The closer we get, the harder my heart slams against my ribcage.
“You still doing okay?” Wolf asks, his lips pressed against my ear.
I tilt my head just enough to meet his probing gaze. “Better than okay.”
It’s not a lie. This feels like a new beginning, and I love that we’re all moving forward together.
As a family.
The way it should be.
“Good.”
Dad unlocks the three-stall garage and steps inside the dark space. We trail after him as he hits the opener on the side of the wall and the large door creaks before rising, allowing enough bright sunlight to pour inside and chase away the shadows. The last time I was here, there was a large cloth covering the Porsche. That’s no longer the case. The little sports car is bright and shiny as if raring to go.
