Page 74 of What They Say

“I’ll ask Willa about supper, then reach out and let you know.” He gave Chase’s shoulder another squeeze, arm tightening around Dolly too. “Y’all have a fun time out. I’m gonna hit the clubhouse before I go home.”

“How are things going on that front?”

Chase watched as complex emotions rolled across his father’s face.

“Things are always interesting, you know that.”

“Yeah.” Chase nodded. “I sure do. Good to see you, Dad. Hope you guys can come over.”

“As if Willa would let us miss a chance to see the grands.” Mason laughed and then turned, walking away.

Chase watched him until the door closed behind him, then sat back in his chair with a sigh.

Dolly was quiet for a beat, then reached across the table and squeezed his wrist. “He’s proud of you, you know. Even if he’s crap at saying it. Mom says he plays your music in the garage when he thinks no one’s listening.”

Chase felt something loosen in his chest. The boy who’d once desperately wanted his father’s approval had grown into a man who’d built his own legacy. But that didn’t mean the old ache was gone. It just sat quieter now.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “I know.”

He lifted the beer and considered it for a moment, then turned his full attention back to Dolly.

“All right, squirt. Enough about ancient history. Tell me about these questionable friends and their questionable adventures. I need details so I can decide whether to fly back and kick some asses.”

Dolly’s grin returned, bright and full of life, and she launched back into her story with renewed energy.

Chase listened, laughing in all the right places, the spring sun warm on his shoulders and the distant rumble of a motorcycle somewhere down the street sounding like home.

Some things changed.

Some things—family, music, the quiet understanding between a father and son—never really did.

***

The sun was dipping low by the time Chase pulled his truck into the driveway of the modest house he and Kath had bought eight years ago. The place wasn’t flashy—just a solid four-bedroom with a big yard that backed up to woods and a garage big enough for his guitars, their bikes, and the occasional club project. It felt like home in every way that mattered.

Dolly was out of the truck before he could even kill the engine. He watched her disappear around the corner of the house and sat for a moment, listening to the distant laughter drifting from inside. The front door flew open before he could even reach the porch steps.

“Daddy!” A small tornado with wild platinum curls and Chase’s stormy gray eyes launched herself at him. Six-year-old Primrose wrapped her arms around his leg like a monkey. “You’re late! Mama said you were bringing Dolly!”

Chase laughed, scooping his daughter up and settling her on his hip. “I did. She’s inside with your mom already, probably getting spoiled rotten.” He kissed the top of Primrose’s head, breathing in the familiar scent of strawberry shampoo and sunshine. “Where’s your brother?”

“Helping Mama with dinner. He keeps stealing the strawberries.” Primrose grinned, showing a gap where her front tooth used to be. “I saved you one.”

Inside, the house smelled like garlic, fresh bread, and something sweet baking. Kath stood at the stove in one of his old band tees that hit her mid-thigh, stirring a pan while their eight-year-old son—Oliver, who was once again demanding everyone call him Olly—stood on a step stool beside her, “helping,” while Dolly was talking a mile a minute, pausing only for brief nods from Kath to encourage her to carry on.

Kath looked up, her smile softening the moment their eyes met. Even after fifteen years, that look still hit him square in the chest.

“You’re home,” she said simply, like it was the best part of her day.

“I’m home.” Chase set Primrose down and crossed the kitchen, pulling Kath into his arms for a proper kiss—slow, familiar, and full of quiet gratitude. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers. “Missed you.”

“Missed you more,” she whispered, fingers threading through the hair at his nape. “How was your visit with Dolly?”

“Loud. Dramatic. Perfect.” He glanced towards the living room where he could hear Dolly already chattering away with Primrose. “Dad showed up for a minute. Said he’d text if they could come.”

Kath’s expression gentled. She knew what that would mean to him. “Progress. Also, I already heard from Willa. They’re coming and bringing Gar and probably Faynez.”

“Sounds good.” Chase stole another quick kiss, then turned to ruffle Olly’s hair. “All right, chef. What are we burning tonight?”