“And neither did you, from what it sounds like.” He smiles.
“So, you’re saying the hardest parts are coming.”
“Of course they are. Everything’s fun in Vegas. Heck, a college campus makes life seem pretty easy. All your friends and obligations in one place. Wait until the combine and the graduation and your dreams and where those take you. It will make your relationship strong. Or it will break.”
I close my eyes and rest my head back. I understand what he’s saying, and I do think we can get through the next few months together.
But …
What if my dad is right?
Fear starts to creep in. I picture the training. The long distance. Being the one waiting patiently and understanding. Not fearing Silas intentionally hurting me, but maybe the thought of being left behind. Or worse, me falling harder.
“Look, maybe I’m wrong. The time I’ve spent with Silas over the last few years, he seems like a really good kid. But you’re my daughter, and I don’t want to see you put your life on hold for a weekend romance. You want to finish school, you want a career. I also think you should ask yourself whether you’re prepared to fight for space in someone else’s world.”
My chest tightens, and my breaths become shallow. Because I don’t know the answer.
We don’t say anything else the rest of the short flight home.
But as the plane begins its descent, my father squeezes my hand once.
“One final thought,” he says. “You’re not stuck. You’re allowed to choose yourself. You have your own path.”
I nod.
Because the farther we get from Vegas, I’m starting to wonder if he’s right. Except what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. I’m going home with a husband and a father who's betting our relationship won't last.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
SILAS
By the timeI get home, it’s just after dinner. I texted Brooke on my way from the airport to the field house. She should be at the house by now with some of her things. I told her to wait for me to help her, but she never replied.
Bo pulls his SUV into the driveway, and as soon as he parks, the front door opens, and Chelsea comes running out of the house.
“Yay! You’re home!” She leaps into his arms.
“Hey, Lucky. You miss me already? It’s only been a few hours.” He nuzzles her neck.
I grab my bag out of the back and walk toward the door, kinda wishing that my wife had met me at the door like Chelsea did. But as soon as I walk in, I’m hit with the sweet smell of cupcakes. I set my duffel bag by the door and turn the corner to see Brooke in the kitchen, bent down and pulling a muffin pan out of the oven. She’s wearing a gray sweatshirt and little black shorts.
“Hi.” I walk over to her and slide my arms around her waist from behind, then place a soft kiss on her neck.
She shivers just enough for me to notice. “Hi,” she squeaks. “Did you have a good flight?”
I don’t let go of her as she sets the pan on the top of the stove. “Yeah, it was fine. I’m so happy to be home though. Did you get everything you needed from your dorm?”
She turns in my arms, but she doesn’t touch me. She’s not looking me in the eye either.
I’m not sure if she’s feeling awkward or shy now that we’re back and reality has set in.
“Um, yeah. Charlie helped me get a lot of my clothes and personal items. There are a few things I still need to grab, but nothing urgent. My roommates were definitely confused, but I just told them I would be staying with Charlie for a while. I guess I need to contact student housing and let them know, but I’m not really sure what to say. And I think my dad prepaid for this semester, so I hope he can get that money back.”
Her dad.
“How did the flight home go? Did he say anything to you about us?”
