Page 13 of Winner Takes All

I chuckle as I think about my time in the military. I did love all the guys coming together after a hard day’s work. “I loved cooking in high school, but really got into it while serving my country.”

“Your mother loved when you’d come home from school and make her something you learned in culinary class.” We both smile, though it always makes us a little sad when talking about Mom. She died far too young. When in the hell are they going to come up with a cure for cancer? Maybe never since they make so much money off it. I can’t go down this path or I’ll explode.

Instead I take a rag and wipe down a particularly dirty section of the engine block. “There were months when we’d be stuck at the base, working all day, then doing nothing at night. The kitchen became my refuge. I kept getting drawn back to it. The men loved my cooking and soon I spent more time in there than anywhere else. I always added to the meals, making them better. No one likes MREs.”

Dad finishes tightening a bolt then straightens up and stretches his back. “I have to agree with you on that. Those things were nasty. When you’re hungry enough though, anything tastes wonderful.”

“That’s for sure. There were a few times in the field those things tasted like gourmet meals.” I pause for a moment. Although Dad and I have always been able to talk about everything, we haven’t been the touchy, feely type of family since we lost Mom. I let out a breath and continue. “I can’t believe I was so afraid you’d think I was settling with this.”

He pats my shoulder. “Son, I’m thrilled you’re following your dreams. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

“This really is my dream.”

“Speaking of dreams, I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors around town.”

I immediately know where this is going. There are no secrets in Seaville. I still play dumb. “What sort of rumors?”

He laughs. “Rumors about you and Nikki Sands. I’ve always loved that girl. She has spirit. The word is that you two have beenhaving some intense run-ins all around town, stirring up more than sauces.”

I laugh. My dad trying to be coy is quite amusing. “You know how small-town gossip is, Dad. People love to spread rumors here. I’ll admit there’s something between Nikki and me, but that’s one stubborn woman.”

Dad watches me work for a moment before he grabs another tool from the bench. “Stubborn, huh? That shouldn’t bother you, being a Marine and all. Marines don’t give up.”

I grin, more determined than ever before. I tighten the last bolt on my section. “I have zero intentions of giving up on her or us. Winning her over is a whole other story though.”

He claps me on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes. “That’s the spirit, son. She’s a good woman and the man who gets her is a winner indeed. Make sure you stay on your toes, though, or you won’t know what hit you until you’re lying in the street bleeding.”

This makes me laugh hard. “I fully agree. I haven’t gotten too serious with anyone. I think it’s all because of Nikki. I did consider asking a woman to marry me once, but that was more because I thought it was time than because I was in love. I think it’s always been Nikki, and always will be.”

Dad nods. “What comes next then?” He shifts back to practical as he begins installing a new filter.

I lean back and think on this for a minute as I start cleaning up my area. “The competition is my main focus right now. I’m gonna get the girl, but not sure how long that will take. Other than that I’ve been scouting potential locations for the restaurant.”

“This town’s lucky to have you here,” Dad says. He tightens the final screws on the filter. “I have to admit I’m ready to be a gramps.”

I hold up my hands. “I’m not ready to be a dad yet. Let’s take some baby steps here,” I say with a laugh.

“Well, you don’t want to wait too long. I need to have energy to play with my grandchild,” he says.

“Kids are in the future. Don’t you worry.”

“We didn’t start so late in my generation. Your generation is all about work, work, work. Don’t get me wrong, I love work, but without a family to come home to at the end of the day, it just isn’t worth it. I want a full table on Christmas morning.”

“You always have one because our home has always been open. I loved our hodgepodge holidays with community members. Mom started that and I was thrilled when you continued it.”

“There’s nothing sadder to me than a table for one or two on the holidays. When we stop celebrating we forget what we’re living for.”

“I hated the times I couldn’t come home when I was in the service, but I was never alone. I’d make the holiday meals as special as possible for the men,” I tell him. “That’s because of you.”

We stand in a comfortable silence for a moment. This kind of peace can only be achieved when you’re with people you truly love.

“What are your plans for winning Nikki?”

I laugh, shaking my head as I put my tools back in their proper places. “I’m still figuring it out. She shot me down for a date, but I won’t give up.”

“That’s good. When you have your heart set on something you go after it with everything you’ve got. You’re a catch, and I’m not saying that because I’m your dad, but because I know your character, and any woman would be lucky to have you.”

“That’s because of the way you raised me,” I tell him.

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