Page 55 of Recklessly, Wildly Yours

“Did you take that photo of her that she posted the other day? It looked like one of yours.” Bradford says.

I look at him. “Since when do you go on social media?”

“Since my wife takes it upon herself to shove her phone in my face to help me keep up to date with my brothers’ lives.”

I grin, my gaze meeting his wife’s who is sitting next to him. So far, I’ve only spent time with Kristen at Callan’s wedding, but that was enough to know I like her. I also like the way she’s softened Bradford’s edges. “Promise me you won’t ever stop shoving your phone in his face.”

Her smirk matches mine as she looks up at Bradford before glancing back at me. “I promise. How would he ever know what’s going on in the world otherwise?”

I laugh and take in the way my family watch Kristen with fondness while Bradford looks at her like she hung the moon, the stars, the entire galaxy. Then, I answer Bradford’s question. “Yeah, I took that photo of Madeline.”

“It’s a beautiful photo,” Kristen says. “Do you think you’ll ever go back to photography?”

I nod slowly. “Maybe. It’s certainly on my mind.”

“You were always happiest when you were traveling the world taking photos,” Mom murmurs with a smile. We haven’t spoken much since I arrived for dinner but I’ve gotten the impression she wants to pull me aside for a conversation.

Dad looks up from Luna, the easygoing expression on his face now gone, replaced with a stern one. “He’s twenty-eight, Ingrid. Roaming around the world taking photos is hardly work that will sustain him for the rest of his life.”

A hush falls over the table as I stare at Dad and fight the urge to tell him what I think of that. “I don’t know, Dad,” I say as lightly as I can, “I roamed around for years taking photos that sustained me. I think I could make a go of it again.”

“Not to mention the fact he could live off the sale of his company for the rest of his life,” Gage drawls.

Dad’s gaze stays firmly on mine. “I’m not talking about money, son. I’m talking about settling down and being a responsible adult.”

“Dad,” Bradford says quietly, cautioning our father in the way he sometimes does when Dad tries to pull me into line.

“No.” I shake my head at my brother. “Let him say what he wants. He’s obviously got some thoughts on the matter.” Then, turning to Dad, I ask, “Is it the photography that’s the problem or is it the fact that I’m just not doing what you want me to do? That my idea of a dream job doesn’t look like yours? Or,”—I cock my head—“is it that you just wish I’d find a woman you approve of, marry her, and live a respectable life like yours?”

“You’re putting words in my mouth, son, but is it wrong for a father to want his children to find happiness and live a good life?”

“No, but when the happiness and good life have to look a certain way, that’s wrong.” I push my chair out and stand. “I don’t want to keep going over this with you. As far as I’m concerned, I’m a responsible adult, I’m happy, and my life is good.”

I stalk out of the room, needing to put distance between us before I really get into it with him.

Mom follows me into their grand salon, calling out, “Ethan. Wait.”

I slow my stride and stop even though I’m not ready to get into a conversation about this with her. Turning, I find her looking at me with compassion. “I don’t have an argument in me, Mom.”

“I’m not going to argue with you. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Your father...well, we both know he can be difficult at times.”

“At times?”

“You’re right. He’s always difficult with you, and I’m sorry about that.”

“You don’t need to apologize for him. That’s not on you.”

“It is on me.” She stops talking and a thoughtful expression fills her face, like she’s trying to figure out exactly what she wants to say. “Well, no, that’s not quite right. What I mean is it’s on both of us, the way your father is with you I mean.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

She releases a breath. “Our marriage is complex, which you know.” I know she’s referring to the fact their marriage was one of convenience so they could join their families for political power. I also know she’s referring to the fact Dad cheated on her in between Callan’s and my birth. “After you were born, I had postnatal depression, which I know you’re aware of, but it isn’t something I’ve ever talked about with you boys.

“Your father and I were distant with each other while I worked through my devastation over his cheating. And I was distant to you boys. Especially to you, Ethan. And the depression didn’t help.” Her entire face is filled with regret. “I made sure you had all the physical things you needed but I didn’t give you love in the way you needed, and for that I am sorry.”

Fuck me.

This is the conversation I never imagined us having. Never imagined her opening up about.

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