He stares at me as I take a deep breath, hoping I can get the words out. Because once I do, everything will change.
Again.
“I’ve been offered a job in California,” I confess. “I met some people from another record label when I was on tour there, and they want to work with me. I’ll be songwriting. It’s my dream job.”
“California?” he echoes.
I nod, my throat burning.
“What are you going to tell them?” he asks in a hoarse whisper.
Tears rush down my cheeks and I shake my head.
“I already gave them my answer.”
“What was it?”
He stares at me and the devastation on his face is more than I can bear, so I turn away.
That’s when I see it. A lone paper rose sitting on top of the piano. This one isn’t white. It’s blue. Just like his eyes. Just like Molly’s.
I don’t need to pick it up to know that the petals are made from the same musical score that he’s just played for me.Unstoppable.
The final flower to complete my bouquet of all the songs he knows how to play by heart.
The most poignant one of them all, because it bares the deepest part of his soul to me.
His face blurs behind my tears as I turn to him.
“Yes,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. “I told them yes.”
48
THE WEDDING
SULLIVAN
“I’m turning around, Son.”
“As best man, it’s my duty to look out for the bride, so you turn at the correct time,” I tell my father, making him chuckle.
“And as your father who hasn’t seen his bride since we all had dinner together last night, I can tell you that’s not happening. I want to see her the second she steps into view.”
“Age has made you stubborn.”
“Age has given me everything I’ve ever dreamed of. You, Sinclair, my family… and now Hallie and the baby.”
I look up the aisle at Molly, standing in wait with Halliday’s friend, and maid of honor, Sophie, her bottom lip poking out in seriousness as she grips onto her basket of petals.
“It’ll be nice to have another little one for Molly to play with.”
“You’re a great father to her.” My father’s hand lands on my shoulder with firm, loving reassurance.
“Thanks, Dad. I learned from the best,” I reply, clapping my hand on top of his.
My father stiffens next to me, and I follow his gaze to the tree line behind Sophie and Molly.
“Take a breath, Dad,” I instruct in a low whisper.
