“It means you’ve already decided, whether you realize it or not. You know Sutton’s the one, but now you’re second-guessing because it’s not just you anymore. It’s her, it’s Caleb, it’s the three of you figuring out how to make this work. And that’s scary as hell. But it’s not a reason to back off.”
I let his words sink in, but they don’t quiet the storm in my head. “She gave up her dream job. What if she regrets it and resents me later?”
“Thatwasher dream job. Dreams change. She told you as much. Why can’t you accept that?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been in a real relationship before, Dad. What if she gives up her dreams for me and I can’t get my shit together?”
“Dang boy, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you scared like this. You’re normally so confident.”
“What if I can’t fix something, Dad? What if I mess up again?”
Dad laughs outright this time, a deep, hearty sound that makes me scowl. “You’ll never be able to fix everything, son. You’ll go crazy trying to. And as for messing up? You’ll do that, too. A lot. Probably daily. Welcome to being human.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
He grins, but his tone softens. “Wade, listen to me. A good relationship isn’t about fixing everything or never messing up. It’s about grace, love, and patience. It’s about showing up every day and putting in the work, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. You’re gonna make mistakes. Sutton will, too. So will Caleb. But if you’ve got grace for each other, and if you keep choosing love, day after day, you’ll get through it.”
I stare at him, the weight of his words settling over me. “You make it sound simple.”
“It is simple,” he says, “but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. You’ve got to be willing to get uncomfortable, to have the hard conversations, to admit when you’re wrong. And you’ve got to let go of this idea that you’ve got to fix everything. Some things aren’t meant to be fixed, Wade. They’re meant to be lived through. Together.”
I don’t say anything for a minute, just stare out at the field, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink. Finally, I nod. “I hear you. I do. It’s just… I don’t want to screw this up, Dad. I don’t want to screw her up. Or Caleb.”
“You won’t,” he says firmly. “Because you care. Because you’re thinking about this, worrying about it. That means you’re already a step ahead. And Sutton? She’s strong. She’s not some fragile thing you’ve got to tiptoe around. She’ll be right there with you, working through the mess.”
I nod again, swallowing hard. “I love her. I really do.”
“Anybody with two eyes can see that. So stop overthinking it,” he says with a grin. “Love her. And let her love you back. The rest will fall into place.”
I let out a breath. I know he’s right. I’m making this more complicated than it needs to be. All I can do is take it one day at a time, with Sutton and with Caleb. We love each other and that’s enough.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say quietly.
He claps me on the shoulder, his grip solid and reassuring. “Anytime, son. Now, let’s head inside. I’m starving, and your mom’s making pot roast.”
I smile, following him back toward the house. For the first time in days, the tightness in my chest eases just a little. Maybe I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve got people in my corner. And right now, that’s enough.
Chapter Forty-Six
Sutton
My phone rings and I look down to see Wade’s gorgeous face flash across my screen.
“Hey, I was just about to turn into the driveway,” I tell him.
“Good. Can we talk?”
My stomach drops immediately. He’s been acting a little distant lately, but I assumed it was because of everything going on with Caleb. Is it more than that, though? That’s why he wants to have a talk, right?
I suck in a breath and try to tamp down on the anxiety that’s rushing through the forefront.
Not every conversation is the end, Sutton. Take a breath.
“For sure,” I say softly. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
When I pull in front of the guest house, Wade is standing on the porch waiting for me. I suck in a breath.
He doesn’t say anything as I climb out of the truck and start toward him.
