“You made a point, one that we needed to hear,” I begin.
“Violet is more than a sister to me. She’s part of our support network, she’s crucial in Connor’s life, and I see her almost daily. I will never let her settle for less, she deserves it all. You have to get that. She wants the husband, the kids, any pet but a parrot, and I just don’t see how you can provide those things.”
I lean forward and rest my elbows on my knees. “I don’t know either… but I want to.”
“Want and will are two different things.”
“Which is why I’ve thought about the future every waking second since that day. I won’t apologize, but I can’t walk away from Violet. Life is too good with her in it. I’m happy for once, and it isn’t because of hockey. It’s her.”
Ford takes a long pause as he studies me, with his gaze fixed. “I don’t doubt that you two have fun or that you care, but life is more than the present.”
“Which is why I wanted to be sure, and it can’t be a thought but a feeling… It doesn’t matter anyway, it all leads back to Vi.”
“Are you telling me that you’ve changed? Because I’ve witnessed some unsavory things when it comes to your partying ways, especially if Brent is involved, and I have to be honest, it’s going to take a hell of a lot to caution before I’m convinced that you’ve changed.”
My lips purse out. “Fair enough, but it’s not you I have to convince.”
A hint of a smile appears on Ford’s lips. Maybe I’m saying all the right words. “You’re telling me that one day you want to marry Violet and have kids?”
Looking around and seeing the dog knock Wyatt down into his blocks, only for him to squeal in delight, I can’t help but smile at what surrounds me, a glimpse of what I could have. “Maybe not tomorrow, but yeah, that’s what I can see in the future.”
His eyes widen with reality sinking in. “I’ll be da—ducked.”
“It’s cliché, but it’s because of someone that my entire view of life altered, and that someone is Violet.”
“You promise not to freak out again?” he asks.
“I promise.”
“You came to me first; why not go straight to Violet?”
I grin to myself and toss the ball again for Puck. “I’m crazy about your sister, but not so crazy about another showdown with you. I’m here because I value our friendship, and a wise man knows you’d better be on good terms with your girlfriend’s brother. I need you to know that I only want to make her happy, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.”
Ford continues to stare at me, eating another cracker. He offers me the box. I wave him off. “Have a cracker, trust me.”
He’s adamant, and now isn’t the time to test him. I grab a cracker that’s really a cookie, but whatever. Taking a bite, it isn’t bad.
“Delicious, right?” Ford insists.
“Surprisingly.”
“So how are you going to win back my sister?” He’s interrogating me now.
Connor enters the room and gives me a scowl before he flops onto the opposite end of the sofa and points at me with his thumb. “We’re back on friendly terms with him?Really, Dad?” I can’t tell if he really isn’t amused or if he’s just riling me up.
Ford’s gaze slides to Connor. “Yes, Declan was just about to enlighten us how he is going to impress your aunt, because surprisingly, I may be shipping them as a coupleifhe gets his act together.”
“He better go big, because he sure as hell put her in a shitty mood all week,” Connor says before he steals the box of crackers from Ford. Clearly, I discovered the Spears family snack of choice.
Ford gives him a disapproving look. “Language in front of the young one. We should give Declan the benefit of the doubt, I’m sure he has grand plans.”
I look between them. “Actually, I do, and I kind of need Connor’s help.”
“Really? Now you want my dating expertise?” Connor’s voice is pure attitude.
“Expertise? Hardly. Your ability to scheme? Yes,” I answer.
Connor and Ford look at one another before breaking out in grins.
