Page 88 of Never Say Never

Tucker looks at his parents. “And you two? I’ve been gone less than a week so I know you can’t miss me already.”

“It was your mom’s idea,” Tucker’s dad says.

“Oh, he didn’t take much convincing,” Aunt Daisy interjects, swatting his arm. “He was practically in the car as soon as I suggested it.”

Uncle Mark smiles sheepishly then turns to face me. “Welcome home, Daisy. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

Had Tucker not already filled me in on their discussion, I might have had my guard up. But when Uncle Mark motions totwo chairs a few feet away, I nod and follow him. His expression turns apologetic as soon as we sit down.

“I need to apologize to you, Daisy,” he says, shifting in his seat uncomfortably. “I never should have interfered in your relationship with Tucker. It wasn’t my place. I allowed my fears to cloud my judgement when I shouldn’t have. It’s clear that he loves you.” He pauses, his gaze shifting to his son still chatting with the rest of the family. “Tucker is a good man. You’re both amazing kids. You’re lucky to have each other.”

“Thank you,” I tell him. “That means a lot.”

“I mean it. I’m happy for you two. I hope you can forgive me.”

“It’s forgotten, Uncle Mark.”

He smiles and then we stand and share a brief hug. A second later, Tucker is behind me, wrapping his arms around my neck.

“Everything okay here?” Tucker asks, kissing the side of my face.

“I apologized to Daisy. We’re good. I’d like to see you both at Sunday dinner. That should be enough time to kick the jet lag.”

“We’ll be there,” I say. As he leaves, I turn in Tucker’s arms to face him.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Things with Tuck’s dad may not be perfect, but they’re good enough for now. I only hope that it stays that way.

“What happened?”

“He apologized. Said it wasn’t his place. Told me you’re a good man.”

“He did?”

I nod. We start toward the exit, trailing a few feet behind our parents. Tucker looks down at me, and the smile that lights up his face reminds me of summer bike rides and late-night swims under starry skies. He is the boy who kissed me when we were 16, and he is the man I’ve loved as long as I can remember. He stole my heart a long time ago.

“I think you’re right. It seems like he’s changed. He seems to genuinely feel bad for how he acted.”

Tucker holds out his hand and I lace my fingers in his. He brings my knuckles to his lips for a kiss.

“Did you ever think you’d see the day?” I ask him.

“That my dad has something good to say about me? No, never. Is this real? Am I hallucinating?”

“It’s real, Tuck. He’s proud of you.”

I’m hopeful this is a new start for Tuck and his dad. I hope that Uncle Mark will want to be at his games, that next season he will be in the stands, on his feet, cheering for the Outlaws just as loud as the rest of us.

I’m not sure exactly what my future with Tuck looks like. It’s still too early to tell. But I’m hoping forever is in the cards for us.

I choose to believe it is.

THIRTY-THREE

MY GOD, I SOUND LIKE A CHEESY FUCK

Tucker

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