We take a break on the way back, sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean, rehydrating while admiring the stunning view. “What’s on your mind?” I ask after a while.
He knocks back the last of his water before shaking his head. “How do you do that?”
I grin. “Do what?”
“You always know when I’m preoccupied.” He pushes damp strands of his blond hair out of his brown eyes. His hair is the exact same shade as Jane’s, as his aunt Vera’s, but it’s darkening a little lately.
“I know all your little tells. It’s a particular talent of mine, and you’re my son.” I stare into eyes that mirror my own. “I’m always gonna be all up in your business, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
“You’re legit insane.”
“That’s one word for it,” I drawl. “And you’re deflecting.”
“I learned from the best.”
“That you did.” We grin at one another.
“Thank you, Dad,” he says in a much quieter tone.
I arch a brow. “For what?”
“For being there for me. For always caring. For your patience when I wasn’t always the son you deserved.”
“Arlo.” I grab the back of his neck, pulling his brow to mine. “Don’t thank me for loving you. I was put on this earth to love you and Thena. And you have never disappointed me. I’m always proud to call you my son.”
We ease apart. “I feel so bad for Uncle Kai and Aunt Abby. They’re really worried about Oli. It just got me thinking. About that time when all the shit went down. I put you and Thena through hell. I said some horrible things to you back then.”
“I knew you didn’t mean it. You were going through a lot, and you handled it the best way you could. You took responsibility for your actions, and you worked hard to process your emotions.No parent could ask for more. If you’re harboring any guilt over that time, don’t.”
“I’m not. I’ve worked it all out with Elijah. I guess what’s going on with Oli just brought some things to the surface. I’m going to talk to him though I told Kai if Oli tells me and asks me to keep it between us I won’t betray his confidence. I’ll do my best to guide and support him, but I won’t blab to his parents.”
“That’s your right, and I’m guessing Kai was okay with that.”
“He was.”
“Then don’t stress it.” I squeeze his shoulder before standing.
Arlo frowns and chews on his lip.
“Out with the rest of it,” I say, shoving my water bottle into my backpack.
“There you go again.” He slowly gets to his feet, packing up his bag. “There is something else. Something important I need to say, but I’d rather wait and talk to you and Thena together.”
“We can talk over dinner,” I suggest as we set out running in the direction of my house.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Four
Athena
Pain eviscerates me from all angles as I stare at the pregnancy test, wishing I could erase the NOT PREGNANT result and replace it with the right one. A sob builds at the back of my throat, and I can scarcely breathe over the massive lump clogging my throat and the pressure sitting on my chest.
I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this. Getting the same result every month is soul-destroying, and it’s slowly stripping all the joy from my life.
Which isn’t right because I have the best life.
I’m married to the most incredible man. A man who loves me intensely and completely, flaws and all. Our sex life is the stuff of dreams. His family wholeheartedly embraced me and Arlo, and I adore every single person.
