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“You’re welcome, son.”
As I drove back toward Half Moon Lake, I felt settled in a way that I never had before. Everything in my life was finally falling into place.
I had a few more details to work out. The next one on my list was to get in touch with my brother. I wanted the whole family there when I proposed. But Kyle had just left for a six-month deployment. I needed him to hear the news from me before my mom or one of my big-mouth sisters told him.
Because I wanted to propose to Bella soon. Very soon.
Chapter Thirty
Bella
I glanced aroundat all the people gathered in Rhett’s parents’ backyard. Sunday was my favorite day of the week because the entire Williams family gathered for an early dinner. The large outdoor table had places set for ten, which included a spot for Brendan and two extra seats. I wasn’t sure who was bringing someone. It wasn’t Kyle, since he was on a deployment, so maybe it was for Savannah?
I took in the centerpieces that Ashley, Hattie, and I had put together that afternoon—Ashley’s grand idea. Helping me practice making flower arrangements for the events that we booked over the summer at The Dock. We placed the Mason jars on the table. Although Ashley and I had picked up a knack for it, Hattie needed some more practice if she was going to be making them for events.
As my eyes scanned the small group, they landed on the familiar face of a person walking down the path that ended at the back patio. What the heck was my dad doing here? He was quiet when I called a few weeks before to tell him about moving in with Rhett. He told me he was happy if I was happy, but I didn’t believe him.
I caught Rhett’s glance as I moved toward my dad, and Rhett headed in that direction as well. He had Brendan nestled against his side, holding him up with a forearm under his butt.
“Dad, what are you doing here? I told you everything was good. You didn’t need to come check up on me.”
Rhett’s arm wrapped around my shoulders once he was by my side, giving me a gentle “give me a second” squeeze.
“Leilani, right?” Rhett directed at my dad’s girlfriend. She nodded, and he went on. “Why don’t I take you around and introduce you to my family?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
Rhett leaned over to whisper in my ear. “Be nice. He’s your dad.”
Once Rhett and Leilani were far enough away, I turned back to my father. I crossed my arms and waited for an answer.
He let out a long sigh before answering. “I was invited for dinner and was told I should bring Leilani. I thought it was time for me to make an effort to come out and visit you more often.”
“Oh.” Was he serious? I tried to hide my surprise, but I knew he hated coming back to this town. It was why he’d avoided it for the last twelve years. So, why now?
“Unless you don’t want me here. We can leave.” His shoulders slumped, and he swallowed hard a few times.
“No, that’s ridiculous.” I grabbed the locket hanging around my neck, reminding me that my mom would want me to try to repair any cracks in my relationship with my dad. “I’m just surprised. I know you don’t like coming back here.”
He hesitated for a moment as he cleared his throat. “At first, it was just too painful, but that wasn’t fair to you.” My stomach dropped at his words. I didn’t blame him. Everyone handled grief differently. But it had changed our relationship. “Then you were away at college. Now—I hate that I only get to see you and Brendan when you come to the city. I want to spend more time with the two of you, so that means making more of an effort to come visit. Plus, I might be a little closer soon.” His smile got wide as he glanced over toward where Leilani was standing with Rhett and his parents.
“What? Why? Are you moving out of the city?”
“Leilani and I have decided to move in together. She wants a place with a yard.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I’ve just recently found out she loves to garden. Go figure, right? We’re selling our condos and looking for homes in the suburbs, so hopefully we’ll be closer by the end of the summer.”
“That would be great. Brendan would love a yard to run around in when we come to visit.”
He nodded. “You still liking the new position? Did Rhett decide on a new POS system?”
He had video chatted with Brendan and me sometime the week after I started the new job. I’d told him about the changes I was working on and the events I had booked.
“I’m loving it. It’s truly my dream job. And yeah, he finally sat down with his dad this past week, and they decided together.” I looped my arm through his. “Come on, Miranda’s going to freak when she sees you. Be prepared,” I warned, and then led him over to Rhett’s parents.
“Oh, Allen!” Miranda’s eyes widened as she stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She pulled back quickly. “We’re so happy you guys came. It’s been too long. How’s work? Leilani was just telling me you guys are going to Hawaii for two weeks to visit some of her family? That’s so exciting. I’ve always wanted to go there.” I smiled as George reached out and wrapped his arm around Miranda, giving her a “take a breath” squeeze. Her cheeks turned rosy. “Sorry, I got carried away. Just really excited to have you both here.”
“It’s fine. I get it. Work’s good, and yeah, we’re excited about our trip to Hawaii in a few weeks.” My dad smiled at Miranda and then turned to George. “Did you get a new boat?” He nodded toward the dock.
“Yeah, Rhett bought the old one. Miranda finally let me upgrade.” Rhett’s dad winked at Miranda.
