“You’re welcome,” Eden told her. “Enjoy your little girl.”
As they walked out of the hospital, Steve grinned at Eden. “Let me know when you’re ready to make beautiful children together.”
Eden sighed. She’d probably scare him if she said tomorrow would be perfect.
Chapter20
Steve stood outside his tiny home, glancing at his watch. His dad had called earlier to say he was in town and wanted to see him. This visit was unexpected, but he was determined to make the most of it. After the initial awkwardness of the last time his dad was here, he hoped this time would be different.
Rex wagged his tail from beside Steve. At least someone was excited.
A few minutes later, his dad’s rental car stopped outside his home. Trevor stepped out, his expression as serious and reserved as always.
“Hi, Dad,” Steve said. “It’s good to see you.”
“Good to see you, too,” Trevor replied, though his tone was guarded. “After you told me about the award you won, I thought we could talk.”
Steve took a deep breath. He’d wondered if the award would make any difference to how his dad saw his work. “Why don’t you come inside? I’ll make us coffee while we talk.”
His dad made a fuss of Rex while Steve prepared the coffee.
The distraction gave Steve time to gather his thoughts. He wanted to find the right words to explain what had been weighing on his heart for so long.
Once the coffee was ready, they sat at the small kitchen table. Trevor’s expression was a mix of sternness and something else—perhaps regret?
His dad sighed. “I know we’ve had our issues, but why didn’t you tell me you’re a successful sculptor?”
Steve took a sip of his coffee, then set the cup down. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think you’d understand. I know how disappointed you were when I joined the army. After I was discharged, we had so many arguments that it was easier not to say anything.”
Trevor leaned forward. “Your mom and I were worried about you. One minute, you’re winning awards at college for your art, and a few years later you’re enlisting. After you came home, we tried to help you, but you didn’t leave your room. Nothing we said or did made a difference.”
Steve sighed. “I had PTSD, Dad. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw my friends’ bodies lying on the ground. Just getting out of bed was a struggle.”
Trevor’s eyes softened slightly. “I didn’t understand PTSD. I thought it was an excuse people used when they couldn’t cope. But I was wrong, Steve. I can see how much it’s affected your life.”
Steve’s heart pounded. “Sculpting became my therapy. It was the one thing that could quiet my mind. By the time I moved here, I felt like it was too late to tell you how much it helped. I thought it was easier to manage my PTSD on my own instead of telling you what was happening.”
Trevor frowned. “We would have understood if you’d told us how you were feeling.”
Steve’s hands trembled as he wrapped them around his cup of coffee. All the hurt, the sleepless nights of feeling as though he’d let everyone down, came tumbling to the surface. “I didn’t want you to think I was a failure.”
Trevor’s eyes widened. “Son, I’ve never thought you were a failure. I didn’t always understand your choices, but your mom and I were always proud of you.”
Steve felt a lump in his throat as he struggled to hold back his tears. His biggest regret was that his mom hadn’t seen the person he’d become or the art that reminded him of her strength and beauty. “I just... I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
Trevor reached across the table, placing his hand over Steve’s. “I love you, son, no matter what. Even when we didn’t talk for months on end, I was never disappointed in you.”
Steve nodded, but a weight was still sitting on his shoulders, and he didn’t know if it would ever go away.
Trevor leaned back in his chair. “After your mom died, I felt like a piece of my heart was gone. I didn’t call you as much as I should have because you remind me so much of her. That was a mistake, and I’m sorry if you thought that meant I didn’t love you. I want to understand you better.”
Rex nudged Steve’s leg. He reached down and stroked his soft fur, grateful for his little buddy’s support. “Mom was the glue that held us together. I miss her so much.”
His dad’s eyes filled with tears. “I do, too. She wanted to visit you more often, but she didn’t like flying. I was too wrapped up in my job to make the time for what she wanted.” He took a deep breath. “I regret a lot of things I’ve done, but I’ve never regretted having you as our son. You made your mom and me proud every single day.”
Steve took a deep breath. For the first time, he felt hopeful that he could rebuild his relationship with his dad. “This community is important to me. You’ve never had a chance to learn about the tiny home village or the other things that make Sapphire Bay unique. Do you want me to show you around now?”
Trevor nodded. “I’d like that.”
