Page 20 of Devlin

Deciding to focus on the one action her father was stillconsidering, she said, "I'll take a shower and then we can go look at Howard's boat."

"All right. And, Hannah, don't think I don't appreciate you, because I do."

She gave him a smile. "I know I can push hard. It's because I love you."

"I love you, too, and sometimes I can use a hard push. I know I haven't been the perfect dad."

"I was never looking for perfect. I justwanted you in my life."

"I'm glad you're here now."

"Me, too. Let's go get ourselves a boat."

He laughed. "Don't get too far ahead, Hannah. I know Howard Palmer well, and I'm betting that boat hasn't been maintained very well the past several years."

"Well, I know you, and you can fix anything."

Sunday morning, Devlin found his dad sitting at the patio table in front of an untouched breakfast, his gaze on the newspaper in front of him. While his father could be technologically advanced at work, when it came to books and the news, he always preferred print.

He slid into the seat across from him, noting his father's haggard expression, the deeplines around his eyes and mouth that seemed more pronounced this morning. He usually had a good tan going, but today his skin was pale. He even seemed to have picked up a few more gray hairs since last night.

"I'm not in the mood to talk, Devlin," his dad said, not bothering to raise his gaze from the newspaper.

"Is that why you're sitting here alone?"

"Yes." His father finallylooked at him. "Your brothers and cousins are respecting my choice to be alone. Why can't you?"

"I'm sorry about what happened. Do you know where Mom is?"

"Not yet, but I will shortly."

"Have you spoken to her?"

"No. Your mother made it clear that she wasn't interested in a conversation. When she is, we'll talk."

"When you figure out where she is, maybe you shouldgo to her and show her that you want to talk," he said, choosing his words carefully. "It sounded like she felt taken for granted."

"Which is ridiculous. I have taken care of her to the best of my ability my entire life."

"I don't think she was talking about being taken care of. She wants to spend more time with you."

His father sent him a warning look. "Don't get in the middleof this, Devlin. It's not your business."

"She's my mother."

"And she's my wife. When you're married, you'll understand that that relationship doesn't involve your children."

"Okay," he said, blowing out a breath. "Then let's talk about Frank."

"I'm not hiring him back."

"Then I will. He's in the middle of a huge design project, not to mention the other boatsin production. I also need him for the race. It's our opportunity to show off theWind Warrior. We'll get double the price if we win."

"Find someone else to race with you."

"There's no one else as good as Frank."

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course there is."

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