EPILOGUE: BRIELLE
SIX YEARS LATER
Summer in Lake Spark always causes my heart to beat in a different way. I know it’s not physically possible, but it feels like it could be. It’s as if memories and hopes dictate the beat of my heart. Or it simply could be that the season tends to put people in better moods, and I’m no exception.
It’s the weekend, which means Ford doesn’t need to check in at the training center, and I can leave my cases on my desk, as real estate law has statistically been awarded the least stressful of law practices, and that’s what I picked.
I bring the tray of burgers and hotdogs to Ford who is manning the grill, with our new yellow Labrador Puck drooling as he sits in attention. I’m surprised he can still sit, as Ford has him playing frisbee constantly. We’re throwing a BBQ with Spencer and April while Connor has a pool party with a few friends.
As I set the plate down next to the baby monitor because our three-year-old, Wyatt, is napping, I feel Ford’s arm wrap around me from the side so he can keep me close. I watch Ford give a steely stare at the pool of teenagers while his lips wrap around the bottle of beer. It causes me to smirk because I know what he’s thinking.
Spencer arrives at the grill station with a chip in his hand, and he too notices Ford’s tense study of the pool. “What’s up with him?” Spencer bites the chip.
I chortle a laugh. “There are girls here,” I note.
My theory about my son has been proven correct. The girls love him, and he’s already playing for the varsity hockey team at the local prep school. The odds of popularity are in his favor.
“I thought you two have the whole ‘we’re cool parents because we’re young’ philosophy going.” Spencer uses air quotes.
April laughs and comes to his side, bouncing their toddler son on her hip. “Don’t you dare. You completely freaked out yourself when you heard Hadley talking about which older boys would be here,” April warns her husband.
Spencer’s face drops and his nostrils flare slightly. “I blame you two if shit goes down.” The humor is there which makes us all smile.
Yet Ford hasn’t broken his gaze on the hormone-fueled kids in our pool. “Nah, we’re relatable. Connor knows he can talk to us about anything.” I snort a laugh because as much as you can be close to your child, they will always try something behind your back, it’s part of growing up. Ford glances over his shoulder at me. “What? I would rather they all do stuff under our noses instead of God knows where. Besides, we get them used to hanging out with us so they party here and keep it safe. We’ll be those parents that even his friends want to talk to.” Ford is confident with his approach.
“Smart thinking, actually,” Spencer compliments. “Just keep those hockey players from his team away from my daughter.” He points at Ford.
“Likewise, keep those ballerinas away from my son,” Ford counters.
April and I give one another a knowing look, and we gently shake our heads.
“By the way, where is your sister?” I wonder.
Violet moved permanently to Lake Spark a few years ago and took over the flower shop in town. It’s kept her busy, and we love having her around.
“Late as usual, probably.” Ford begins to throw the meat on the grill.
I tap his shoulder with my hand. “Come on, why don’t you let Spencer take over for a little bit? I’m sure April will keep him in line.” I smile at my friend, and she grins in agreement.
Ford blows out a breath and sets the tongs down in defeat.
We walk to the dock to get a moment alone. The afternoon sun always calms us.
“You okay?” I ask and rest my head against his shoulder while we look out over the lake.
“Sure. Completely. Yep.” He smacks his lips together.
“So unbelievable,” I add on, trying to suppress my grin. Ford is as tense as the times when my father comes over for dinner. Although the relationship between us all has improved, especially when Wyatt came into the picture, there will always be a wound.
He sighs and his arm hangs around my shoulders. “Want the truth?”
“Always.”
“I’m fucking terrified that we are at the point where we have to worry about everything that could alter Connor’s life from his choices.” Ford seems agitated.
I do see the look of fear on his face, but it only makes my mouth stretch. “Trust me, I worry every day.Buthe’ll find his way, and we’ll be there for him without question. We promised him.”
Ford exhales loudly, and I feel him relax slightly. “You’re right.”
