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“Well, I guess I have my answer.” I sighed. “All that’s left is to say goodbye.”
“Goodbye?”
“We don’t have a relationship. And you obviously don’t want to build one. So, there’s nothing more to say.”
My heart racing, my stomach roiling, I stood up and headed for the door.
“Iain.”
I turned around and stared at my father’s face, at the eyes that were just like mine. But his were colder, harder. Had they always looked like that? I shivered but ignored my fear.
I was nothing like him.
“What?” I bit out.
“She would’ve been proud of your success, of the man you are.”
I stared at him, shocked but also terribly saddened. I nodded.
“I hope so. But she would’ve been devastated by the man you turned out to be.”
Then I walked out of that house, and I didn’t look back.
I didn’t realize I was crying until I slipped back in the car, and Lennie asked if I was okay. I’d told him all about why I was here on the flight up.
“I’m not,” I replied as I wiped the tears off my face. “But once I get back home to Dawson, I will be.”
Lennie patted my hand reassuringly, then pulled out of the driveway and headed back to the cottage.
“You sure you want to stay tonight?”
“I guess.”
Lennie nodded.
“If it’s any consolation, I know where you’re coming from. I was raised by my aunt after my parents split. A nasty divorce that they dragged me and my sister through. I haven’t talked to my parents in eleven years. Sometimes, it’s better to let go of toxic people. It’s the only way to move on.”
My phone buzzed.
Dawson: Jaxon just gave me his very extensive birthday wish list. I’ll need your help. Especially when it comes to choosing a cat. I hope everything’s all right. I can’t wait until you come home tomorrow. I love you.
“On second thought, let’s get our stuff from the cottage,” I informed Lennie. “I want to fly back home tonight.”
“You got it.”
A few hours later, we were on our way to the airport.
Change of plans. We’re on the six p.m. flight tonight, arrival close to nine. See you soon. And I love you too.
I’ll meet you at the airport. Text me the flight details.
Four hours later, Lennie and I touched down, and the sense of relief I felt was palpable—not just relief, but excitement.
When we got to the arrivals gate, there was Dawson, standing head and shoulders above the crowd, of course.
He ran one hand over his fauxhawk, and the other held up a sign.
But instead of my name, it read:Pick Up For: The Sexiest Man Alive.
