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I chuckled at the use of Heather’s nickname. “Nothing new. She’s always mad at me. I don’t call enough, I don’t see her enough. The list is endless.”

“Then call her.” Gracie’s lip trembled. “Come see us.”

“Once I can travel, I will,” I promised. I did need to see more of my family. And I wanted to introduce them to Maddy.

“I’ll send the plane,” Bentley offered. “We’ll get you here.”

“Can I bring a guest?”

Aiden’s face filled the lens. “Did you get your girl back?”

“Yes. She’s been amazing.”

“Good. I liked her. She was pretty too. Funny. And a great cook.”

“Glad you approve.”

“I’ll come with the plane and keep you company. I can carry you if needed.”

Dad laughed, and I shook my head in horror. “I’ll be walking, Aiden. No need for a lift.”

“Whatever.” He leaned back and flexed his massive arms. “I’ll be there.”

“Great.”

The view of the water from the balcony was spectacular. Dad came outside, handing me a mug. “Mom made coffee before she left with Maddy.”

I nodded, taking the cup and a long appreciative sip. I was finally allowed the beverage again but was limiting how much I drank. “How long will they be gone?”

“Mom is treating them to a massage and a facial across the street,” he informed me. “Then they’re going to lunch. Your girl will be back this afternoon. Mom and I have dinner with Graham and Laura. You’ll have the place to yourselves.” He took a sip and grinned. “Not that you can do much.”

“Don’t remind me.” Ten days post-surgery and I was feeling good. But sex was off the table, as well as lifting, exercise, the pool, and fast movement. Walking still exhausted me, although it was getting better.

Dad leaned back, sipping his coffee. “She is your girl again, I assume. I mean, the whole being the one to call us, refusing to leave your side, weeping in the corner thing sort of made me think that.”

“She was weeping in the corner?” I asked, concerned. “When?”

He looked contemplative. “When she called us to tell us what happened, she was calm. The same when we arrived. You were out of surgery and your doctor was pleased. You were resting comfortably. In and out a bit, but that was to be expected.”

“I don’t remember much. Bits and pieces. Maddy there. Trying to talk to her. You and Mom. My first clear recollection is when you were all there.”

“Sounds about right. At one point, though, you called for Maddy. You had your hand out and asked for her. You were restless and upset. But once she took your hand and talked to you, you calmed right down and were out again. She watched you for a minute then she walked to the corner of the room and began to cry.”

“Why?”

“Relief, I think. Mom took her out of the room. I gather they had a heart-to-heart. Maddy told her she still loved you and she had been so scared you wouldn’t have a second chance.”

“We will. We do.”

He crossed his foot over his knee, looking pleased. “Exactly the outcome I was hoping for.”

Something in his smug tone made me look at him. “What?”

“Oh, ah, I meant I had hoped you’d somehow get back together,” Dad replied, looking uncomfortable. “That’s all.”

“Right.”

We were quiet for a minute, and he seemed to relax. A thought hit me, and I turned to him. “Dad.”