Page 19 of Ethan

"For whom? Your family? You don't think they want you to be happy?"

I furrowed my brow. "Of course, they do."

"Then what's stopping you? Ask him out. See what happens."

Even thinking about asking Ethan out on a date set off an inner conflict. Putting myself first felt as though it wasn't coded into my DNA. The needs of others had come first for much of my life. My wife and kids, and before having a family of my own, I'd spent my youth trying to protect my mother from an alcoholic maniac. I'd put myself in danger more times than I could remember.

But maybe Frank was right. My family wanted me to be happy. And if Ethan did that for me, chances were, my ex-wife and kids wouldn't object. I would be taking a chance, though. I'd hate to end up hurting Ethan. He was too precious to become entrenched in a family conflict.

He was. Ethan was precious. Precious and adorable. And so filled with joy. During one of our visits six months ago, he'd been wearing a shirt covered in pink kittens playing with yarn.

I wanted more of that.

As I sat there and ate my lunch, I made my decision. Tomorrow. I was going to take some time off in the morning and head down to Salish Café. I was going to ask Ethan out.

I pulled open the door of Ethan's coffee shop and was met with the comforting scent of brewing roasted beans and the chatter and clink of people enjoying their goodies.

With anxious nerves creating havoc in my chest, I walked up to the counter.

Ethan was nowhere in sight.

The same pink-haired person I'd seen last time I was here bounded up to the till. "Welcome to Salish Café. What can I get for you?"

"Could I speak to Ethan, please?"

"Sure thing, but he's out at the moment. You could find a seat. I'll let him know you're here."

"Can I have a cup of coffee while I wait?"

"Medium roast?"

"Yes, with room for cream, please." My cheeks burned as I fully processed what I was doing here. And that I'd have to wait for him to return. It had taken me ten minutes to leave my car, I was so nervous. I was perspiring. I could feel a trickle of moisture run down my spine.

Cup of coffee in hand, I went over to the condiment table, an antique sideboard, and dressed the steaming concoction that would likely make my jittering nerves worse.

I didn't have to wait long after I found a seat. Ethan emerged from the back and the person with pink hair pointed me out to him. His smile as he identified me nearly stopped my heart.

Wide eyes. Broad exuberant smile.

He was thrilled to see me.

Ethan rushed over to the table and took a seat across from me.

He laughed. "I hadn't expected to see you so soon."

Or at all, I'm sure.

"I'm sorry about Saturday. I didn't mean to sound like I was brushing you off."

His thick dark lashes created a peep show display of his honey-brown eyes as he studied me. "You had a lot to think about. Turns out, I did too."

I urged the words out. "I did. And I've made a decision."

"One you're sure about?"

I nodded. "And you?"

"Solid."

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