Throughout our lives together, Skye had always made everything a competition and I’d let her win every single time. Because I loved her with my heart.
Now, the games I planned to play with her, she was going to lose every single one. Because this time, I loved her with my soul.
“What’s your plan?” I looked at Brax, lying on the couch with his eyes closed.
“Can I just chill here for tonight then I’ll go back home tomorrow?” He sounded tired.
“No one’s chasing you, Brax. You’re welcome to stay.” I moved the last of the empty boxes to the kitchen.
“Seriously.” He followed me.
“You’re surprised?”
“Yeah, you know.” He shrugged. “I figured you had enough of my face, like you’re always telling me to fuck off.”
I laughed hard. “Honestly, it’s been a long while since I’ve been this relaxed and I have you to thank for everything.”
“Not me, your father, I guess.”
I frowned. “My father merely pushed me to take you up on an offer you made.”
“Yeah, which he start...” Brax ducked his head to grab a beer from the fridge and when he straightened, he looked pale.
“Which he what, Brax?” I suspected my father was responsible for getting me to Blue Haven because the possibility of meeting Skye here, was a million to one but I hadn’t said anything.
“Er...” For a man who couldn’t shut up, he looked harassed, confirming my suspicions.
I crossed my hands over my chest and cocked a brow. “This whole thing was my father’s idea?”
The peal of the doorbell had Brax bolting out the kitchen. I reached the front door in time to see my father walking in. I refrained from the ‘speak of the devil’ analogy because he was one man I’d never associate with Satan. Angel fitted him perfectly. Still, I was going to drill him for the truth Brax hinted at.
“Hey, son,” he greeted. “All settled in?”
“I am and good thing you’re here, Dad, I was about to have a very interesting conversation with Brax.” I looked at him and he cowered behind my father.
Dad’s brow creased for a bit before he glanced over his shoulder at Brax. “He figured it out, didn’t he?”
Hand stuck to the back of his skull like the scared little shit he sometimes acted around me, Brax gave him a sheepish grin. “Sort of.”
Sighing, Dad shifted his gaze back to me and held his hands up, palms out. “I had to do it.”
“A string of consequences often follows from our smallest actions, but we must be willing to start somewhere. Those were your words, if I recall correctly, right, Dad?” Consequences indeed.
“In my defense I did ask if I could help you, son.” He chuckled.
“Since whatever you’ve done was with good intention, I’ll offer you a beer while you explain?” I asked.
“Fair.” Dad headed for the living room balcony with Brax while I went to fetch us some beers.
Two minutes later, out on the deck, I took time to appreciate the tranquil blue-green waters, the soft ocean breeze ruffling my hair, the warmth of the sun on my back and the calls of the seagulls as they circled the white sand below me. Somewhere in the distance, a ship’s horn signaled an entry or exit. Admittedly, it all had a calming effect on me and knowing Skye wasn’t far off brought even more peace to my once broken heart.
With a deep inhale, I took the seat opposite my father, handed him an open beer and waited, my expression expectant while Brax dropped onto a lounger with his drink.
Dad glanced out to sea for a moment and when his eyes, the mirror image of mine, returned to my face, he looked like he carried the world on his shoulders.
Guilt washed over me, and I offered him a smile. “Only share if you need to, Dad. There’s nothing to forgive since you’ve done nothing wrong. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it.”
“You’re my son and I’ll do anything it takes to ensure your happiness.” He took a swig of his beer. “When Skye called to say she was pregnant, she begged me not to tell you. I figured she didn’t want you to be disappointed in her. I’d been to Blue Haven before for a shoot, I knew it would be perfect for Skye and her baby. So, I brought her here, bought a house and let her build a life for her and her son.” He paused to take a drink.
