Page 128 of Unbreakable Thread

“Love is not always easy. It takes work to build an empire. I don’t mean money but a family. Now you have the girl and kids on the way, but marriage is where the work begins. It takes love, devotion, loyalty, and happiness to make a marriage work. Once the little ones arrive, life will get busy. Men tend to lose themselves in providing for their families.” He unfolded the ladder and then continued. “When you were about six or seven months old, I came home from work. And your mom was overwhelmed with sleepless nights, caring for you, cooking, and cleaning, so she neglected herself. And I neglected her needs. She burst out in tears. We talked it out. Once or twice a month, we would ask your tía, Lilly, from your mom’s side, to watch you so I could take her out on a date. Then she joined a yoga class while you stayed with me. I didn’t realize I needed that as well. Your mom always said, ‘Communication is the key, Hector.’ She was right.”

He gestures to the oak beam on the floor. “Pass it to me.”

I climb the aluminum ladder, which wobbles beneath my weight, and position myself across from him. Gripping the beam with both hands, I lift it carefully, aligning its notched end with the waiting joint.

“Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind. I don’t remember who tía Lilly was, but what happened to her?”

He shrugs. “Hell if I should know. That woman was a bitch.”

We continue working and talking about his family, then my mom’s. For the first time, I feel as though we are slowly repairing our relationships. I feel content and complete. I’ll always be grateful for Sol pushing Dad to recovery. It’s like a weight has been lifted off me.

“I need to find a new trainer ASAP,” I blurt out. It’s been on my mind all morning. I know a couple, but I’m not sure they can take me on this soon.

“I can train you…if you’d like…”

I stop drilling.

“Until you find someone,” he offers.

I’m surprised. I wasn’t expecting that.

“It’s okay…if you don’t.”

Drilling in the last beam, I glance up at him. “Sure. You think you still got it, Pops?”

He cracks a laugh. “I’m always up for a challenge, Max. I’ve been working out. I’d say I got it for a fifty-two-year-old man.”

“Good. We’ll start tomorrow.”

He nods, climbing down the ladder. “I’m excited, Max. It’s been a while. Especially because I get to do it with my son.”

The proud smile on his face does something to my scarred heart.

We spend twenty minutes on the cleanup. The gazebo stands finished now, better than we’d imagined. “When are you going to pop the question?”

“Next weekend. I’m going to hire someone to come decorate.”

“Sounds good. I’ll stay at my house that weekend. I need to start cleaning up and packing anyway to get ready to sell it. It’s time I find my own place. You two need your privacy.”

“Leo can stay with you and help you, and you don’t need to move out.” He must see the worry on my face.

Dad stands on the gazebo stairs. “Max, I don’t want you to worry about me. I don’t have the need to drink. For the first time in years, I’m clear-headed. I’m happy, and I like the feeling of having you in my life. I’m excited to have grandkids and a daughter-in-law. I’m not going to screw this up.”

I believe him. I just think it’s too soon. The real reason is I don’t want to lose him again now that I’m getting used to having him around. The sober side of him. “Maybe you should stay a little longer until your therapist thinks you’re ready and you complete all your AA meetings.”

“Okay, Max, whatever you think. Let me know if I’m intruding.”

“We don’t mind.” I know for a fact that Sol loves having my dad around. She’s close to him. She always asks if I like him living here and if I resent him. I know she’s worried whether she did the right thing or if she’s forcing it on me. She’s not. She just knew me well enough without telling her I needed my dad sober. He was wearing me down. Now the man standing before me is an entirely different man, whom I’m now getting used to.

“Thank you, Max, I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. I’m proud of you, son.” He swallows, and I do too. “I’d better get to work, can’t have my boss fire me.” He laughs, patting my back. “I love working with Xander and Leo. They keep me on my toes.”

My laugh rumbles in my chest. “They do. They’re characters. Xander is always trying to teach Leo manners and respect, while Leo gives zero fucks.”

We saunter back inside the cool AC, fanning the sweat gathered around my neck.

“They sure are. Xander has a good head on his shoulders. He’s just broody, and Leo is full of smiles. You know, he asked me if I would like to adopt him. At first, I thought he was joking, but clearly, he wasn’t. He has you, Xander, and Sol, but deep in that aching heart of his, he needs to be fulfilled, and if I can do that for him, I will.”

“You would?”