“I bet I’ve seen ones of you too.” He snaps his fingers. “I remember now. Lynn showed me several of you with her and Tony. Obviously, they were from years ago, so I never saw you as an adult.”
“That would explain our confusion over whether we’d met before,” I say. “But it’s pretty cool, don’t you think? Almost like we were destined.”
I smile, and Michael chuckles.
“There you go with your fate and destiny again,” he teases me. “I’m going to go finish getting dressed.”
I know he thinks I’m being silly with this fated thing, but I feel closer to him than ever now. And yes, I’m a firm believer that some things are meant to be.
I look more closely at the photo.
Michael and Ayden as adults now look similar to their dad. Mr. Wild was handsome and dark-haired with an inviting expression. Mrs. Wild is lovely-looking with pretty eyes and a friendly face, and both parents are smiling down at their two boys.
I get a lump in my throat as I imagine the grief the three left behind must have felt—and still feel—without Mr. Wild here anymore.
I pick up another photo where Michael stands by a docked boat. He’s older than in the first photo, but his dad is with him, and I can make out the wordsLucky Queenon the boat’s side.
The third photo has Michael holding a baby with Ayden and Bella next to them.
“That’s Hal.”
I was so engrossed in the pictures I didn’t realize Michael had re-entered the room. He takes a seat next to me again on the couch.
“He was asleep last night, and there was a nanny inside the house with him. You’ll meet him another time.”
“I’d love to.” I smile. “You’re a happy uncle.”
“I am.”
“Do you want kids of your own someday?” I ask impulsively.
He opens his mouth and then closes it.
“Too personal,” I say. “I hate when people ask me that question.”
“No, it’s okay.” He stares down at the photograph of himself with Ayden, Bella, and their son.
Then, he stands and extends his hand to me. “I have an idea. Instead of going outside, let’s sit at my bedroom window and watch the sun rise. We can talk more privately.”
The huge window seat provides the perfect place to watch the sun come up over the horizon. Michael and I sit close together and enjoy the gorgeous yellows and golds.
“I always wanted to be a father,” he says in a low tone.
“Really?”
“Yep. But I felt firsthand what my dad’s death did to the family he left behind. I don’t want to crush anyone that way.”
I turn toward him and trace a heart over his chest with my finger. “I’m so sorry about your dad, Michael.” I hesitate. “I remember the day the Lucky Queen went down.”
His breath hitches. “You do?”
“I came home from school, and my mom was a wreck. She loved Uncle Tony like he was her own brother. He was my dad’s older brother, and everyone in my family looked up to him. Tony and Lynn would come out to Montana at least once a year. My uncle took time off work.”
“I remember my dad saying Tony had his priorities straight.” He looks at me. “How old were you?”
“I was ten.”
“That’s how old my brother was.” His face twists in pain. “I tried so hard to make it better for him and for my mom. I don’t think I’ll ever think I did enough.”
