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I snort. “Yeah, right, like that’s happening.”

“I’m not asking.” He glares at me. “It’s time you settled down. It’s been long enough, and I won’t always be here…”

“There’s a reason.”

“There’s always a reason not to do something. I’m not getting younger.” His voice is a whisper. “You know my condition...”

“Ask Brandon.”

“Brandon is too preoccupied with his fantasy of a restaurant and…” He nods toward the drawer.

I pull it open. Inside, a photograph of Brandon and Naomi together, their faces lit up with happiness. So he is dating her. Little bro didn’t tell me. Seems like I have to keep closer tabs on him.

“So? Bran can give you grandchildren, and the business will have an heir. Problem solved.”

Dad scowls. “It ain’t about grandkids. I want you taken care of.”

“I can take care of myself. Don’t need a woman for that.”

“Don’t be stubborn. Find a nice girl and marry her.”

“A daughter-in-law for your collection. I’ll get to it tomorrow.”

“Elijah, my boy. It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s your happiness I want.”

Happiness? Where was his happiness after Mom died?

“Yeah, well, you set a stellar example, working nonstop.”

All these countless nights, the empty seat at dinner where he should’ve been, only because he threw himself into the family business with a fervor bordering on obsession. But I know why he did it.

He gave us the life Mom would’ve wanted.

“You gave us everything, Dad. A life we could only dream of,” I say.

“But I lost sight of what matters most. Like you.”

I didn’t lose sight. I’m doing whatever I can, so Bran and Novalie live without worries.

“Learn from me.” He reaches out with a trembling hand. “Don’t let work be your everything.”

“It’s the thing I’m good at.”

“Are you still blaming yourself for what happened with Evelyn?”

Evelyn. I disgust that name. “She isn’t part of this conversation.”

“Elijah.” His tone is firmer now. “Forgive yourself.”

“Nothing to forgive.”

“Son, everyone else has.”

“Then everyone else is mistaken.” My hands form fists on the arms of the chair.

“Nobody blames you. Not me, not Brandon, and certainly not Novalie. Let it go.”

I can’t and won’t, because that’s the only way to prevent it from happening again.

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