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“Well, you would know, wouldn’t you?” I said, reaching for my tea because I didn’t want to talk about this.
Hell, I didn’t want to think about it.
“I would, and I own that. You know Dylan’s it for me. I was man enough to say it.”
“And if Dylan lived on the other side of the country from you, and she loved her job and her life there, and yours was here while you raised a child on your own… How would you own that?” I kept my voice low, watching the hallway to make sure they weren’t coming back yet.
Wolf glanced at my uncle, and then he leaned forward and rubbed his hands together before his eyes met mine. “However the fuck I needed to. Life is short, man. Don’t spend it making things difficult. Trust your gut. Do whatever it takes.”
“Easier said than done. I have a daughter to think about.”
My uncle set his glass down on the coffee table in front of us. “I’ve got five daughters, and I get it. You’re a great father, Cage. But you’re allowed to be happy, too. And your daughter will only benefit from that. You’re not doing her any favors if you’re sacrificing your own happiness for hers.”
“Yet, you’ve remained single all these years since Aunt Beth passed away. Focused on your girls and not yourself.” My aunt had lost her battle with cancer, and Uncle Jack had been a widow for more than a decade.
“Is that what you think? That I don’t date because I’m sacrificing for my girls?” he asked as he shook his head. “I’d do anything for them, you know that. And for a few years, sure, I knew they needed my full attention, and I wanted to be there. They’d lost their mother and were grieving. Hell, we’ll always be grieving for her. But that’s not why I’ve remained single.”
I looked up at him. “Why, then?”
“Because I already met the love of my life. I don’t know if there’s a second chance at that, you know? But I can tell you this much, Cage,” he said, clearing his throat. “If I had a chance to spend one more minute with Beth in this lifetime, I would move fucking mountains to make it happen. Life is short, son. Don’t waste it trying to do the right thing for everyone else. Because who even knows what that is?”
I nodded as I processed his words.
“Wow. I always thought you didn’t date because you were afraid of Dilly bringing the wrath down on any woman who came into your life,” Wolf said, as the corners of his lips turned up.
“Well, that, too.” Uncle Jack laughed before looking back at me. “Don’t overthink it. You’ve got a great kid, and she’s more resilient than you think she is.”
But that still didn’t solve the problem.
Sure, Gracie was resilient.
But that didn’t mean I could uproot her life and move her across the country. Hell, we didn’t even know if that was what Presley wanted anyway.
This was temporary.
I knew the agreement when we started this thing.
I looked up to see Dylan walk into the room with Presley beside her, holding baby Hugh.
And for a brief second, I saw a glimpse of the future.
One I knew was impossible, but it didn’t stop me from thinking about it.
twenty-three
Presley
My father was doing so wellthat he’d sailed through physical therapy this morning, and I’d had breakfast with him and my mom before heading to the spa to check on the progress.
Lola and I walked through the space as she pointed out the walls that had been taken down, and I could really see her vision now.
“Wow. I can’t believe how quickly things are coming along,” I said.
“Right? And the good news is that they are staying on budget. We haven’t had to dip into the contingency fund at all yet.” My best friend smiled.
“This is so great, Lo. I’m so proud of you for making it all happen. Are we still on track to open in late spring?”
“Yep. I’ve even had a few interviews this week for massage therapists, and I met with two potential yoga teachers. Everyone in town is excited about it. Of course, Mrs. Runither asked if I would have a male masseuse available for her.”
