Skylar didn’t say anything for a minute. “What are you implying?”
After taking another sip of his coffee, Dante said, “You’ve been boxed into a corner, but in a good way. Now maybe I can take that long, overdue vacation.”
“Again, what are you talking about, Dante?”
“I’m talking about me, you, Haven, and the Montgomerys. For years, it’s just been Ricco and me looking out for you. And before you go into this spiel about being old enough to take care of yourself, we know that. However, we made that promise to Silas, so humor us. Just as I humored Silas and Ricco when my dad died. They felt responsible for me, even though I was a grown-ass man of thirty. It’s what family does.”
Skylar didn’t say anything. What Dante said was true. At the time, he had felt bad for Dante because to Silas and Ricco, it hadn’t mattered how old Mario’s son was. All that mattered was that he was their godson and the three men – Silas, Ricco, and Mario – had made a commitment to look out for each other’s offspring. If any of them died, the responsibility fell on the remaining ones. Skylar had felt that same level of commitment from Ricco and Dante when Silas passed.
“So, Jeremiah Montgomery is a good man. What of it?” Skylar asked.
“Ricco and I need all the help we can get in looking out for you, Sky. Ricco is getting older, and I’m getting tired. And like I said, I need a vacation.”
“You take vacations,” Skylar reminded him.
Dante shrugged. “A week here and there. I mean an extended vacation, possibly one lasting three to four months. And I’d like to go away knowing that you’re okay.”
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re passing me off to the Montgomerys? To a family I don’t know.”
Dante smiled. “I’m passing you off to Haven. Someone you do know. Just think of the Montgomerys as a bonus that comes with her. After all, we both know you’re going to ask Haven to marry you.”
“That’s my plan.”
“Then do it. She is the best thing to ever happen to you, Sky.”
Skylar still couldn’t believe this. What were the odds? “I haven’t decided to join the Montgomerys for Thanksgiving.”
Dante chuckled. “I believe that decision has been taken out of your hands. I know you want to spend that day with Haven, which means you’ll get to spend the day with your extended family, as well.”
Skylar leaned forward in his chair, a worried look on his face. “Is there something you aren’t telling me, Dante? Why do you need to be gone for so long? Are you having some health issues that I don’t know about?”
“Relax, Sky. I’m fine.”
“Does it have anything to do with a woman?”
“No. I’m one of those men who do better by themselves. No serious involvement and no exclusivity. Just a willing bed partner when the mood hits. All I want is some downtime to enjoy life without any worries or hassles. Hell, I’m forty-one. It’s about time, don’t you think? You will marry and have a family of your own. I need to be in good shapeand in the right frame of mind to look out for your kids. And now, I won’t have to be the only one. They will have uncles and aunts who, I believe, will be there for them as well.”
Skylar studied Dante carefully, as if to make sure he was telling the truth about his health. And for the first time, he was really listening to his friend. Since Mario’s death ten years ago, Dante had stepped into the role of protector and trusted confidant for both him and Silas. Then, when Silas died two years ago, Dante had been there for him.
Dante had been extremely close to both Mario and Silas, yet he had never taken the time to fully grieve for either man. Maybe this was the time.
Skylar was finally realizing just what Dante had done for him all those years. He’d never been far away from him. Even on vacation, Dante often checked in to make sure Skylar was okay. And he was certain Dante did the same for Ricco and his family. But there, at least, Dante wasn’t alone. Ricco’s oldest son, Nico, who was five years older than Skylar, was around to help take on some of the responsibility of caring for his aging parents. Nico was smart and had been trained by Dante to handle all aspects of the business.
At first, when Dante mentioned needing an extended vacation, Skylar’s mind went immediately to a woman. But then he had to ask himself, in what universe could Dante have met someone and fallen in love without him or Ricco knowing about it? Especially Ricco, who still made it his business to pry into his godsons’ lives a little more than they appreciated.
If Dantehadpulled one over on them and met someone, that was great. And if he were to meet someone unexpectedly sometime soon, then that would be great, too. He thought about his dad’s other friend.Ricco wasn’t getting any younger. Instead of being his chauffeur, Skylar needed to make sure he had time to spend with his family, instead of following him and Dante around.
He sighed. “You’re right, Dante. I want a life with Haven, and after meeting Logan, I think that making a connection with the Montgomerys could be a good thing. In a way, I am looking forward to it. But I also need to decide what to do about Edwina’s request.”
“You don’t want me to tell you what I think about that. I read my Dad’s journal, Skylar, and the woman who birthed you was a piece of work,” Dante said gruffly.
“I’m sure she was. But now she’s dying, and she’s asking for forgiveness,” Skylar said, standing. “When are you leaving for this extended vacation?”
“Not until I get you married off. When I do leave, Nico will handle things in my absence. He’s more than capable.”
Skylar nodded. “Okay. I’ll keep you abreast of my plans with Haven and the Montgomerys.”
“You don’t have long, Sky. Thanksgiving is this Thursday.”
