Ollie loosened his grip on Callie's hand when he realized he was crushing her fingers against his thigh.It made him feel better when she turned their hands over and gripped his just as hard.
"I know I'll never be able to make up for the past, Ollie.But I'm here to ask you—" His dad turned to Callie and added, "And you.If there's any chance that we might get to know each other again now.If there might be a place for me in your lives, I'd like to earn it."
The air seemed to still.The only sound was the insistent birds in the oaks as Ollie stared at his dad.Even Callie seemed to hold her breath as she waited for him to speak.
He didn't feel as though he could make his mouth work.He wanted to, but...
Then Butter barked twice, sharp and loud, and Ollie laughed.
"The big guy gives you his vote."
His dad laughed with him."Thanks, Butter."
"When he barks twice, it means he's speaking for both of them."
His dad looked at Peanut."Then thank you too."
He turned back to Ollie but didn't say anything.He just waited.
Until Ollie finally nodded and said, "I'd like that, Dad."
Callie finally eased her grip on his hand, and when he turned to her and raised an eyebrow, she nodded too.
"Thank you, Ollie."His dad's voice was rough."I know I don't deserve another chance.But I promise you — I won't waste it."
They talked for a while longer — nothing heavy, just small things.Callie told Miles about her cottage and her markets.Miles asked Ollie about the flying, about Reaves, about whether he was happy with how the estate was being run.It wasn't the kind of conversation that fixed anything.But it was a start.
When Miles finally stood, the sun was getting low over the hills.
"I should get going," he said."I don't want to outstay my welcome."
Ollie stood too."You're not."He was surprised to realize he meant it.
His dad smiled — a real smile, not the polished one Ollie had seen in interviews."Thank you.For today.For giving me a chance."
Ollie nodded.He still didn't have the words for everything he was feeling, but he managed, "Maybe we could do this again.Soon."
"I'd like that."His dad glanced at Callie."Both of you.Maybe I could come back in a couple of weeks?Or you could come down to LA, if you'd prefer."
"Here's good," said Ollie."This is home."
Something flickered in his dad's eyes at that.He nodded slowly."Yes.It is."
Callie stood and offered her hand, but Miles shook his head and pulled her into a gentle hug."Thank you for being here.For him."
"There's nowhere else I'd be," she said simply.
Ollie walked his dad back down to the airstrip, the dogs trotting alongside them.At the bottom of the steps to the jet, his dad turned.
"Ollie—"
"I know, Dad."He took a breath."I'm not saying everything's fixed.But I'm willing to try."
His dad's eyes were bright."That's all I'm asking."
He reached out and squeezed Ollie's shoulder — and this time, Ollie didn't shake him off.
They stood there for a moment.Then his dad nodded, turned, and climbed the steps.At the top, he looked back and raised a hand.Ollie raised his in return.
