Page 71 of Quiet Chaos

In a rough voice, he responds, “No, they aren’t. I’m sitting right fucking here. It tore at Julia’s heart. You’re right, we showed up after Charlie’s death. We didn’t want to interfere in your life. It wouldn’t have been fair.”

“Why do it now?”

Our eyes lock, and Seth says, “Do you really hate us that much for letting two people who loved you raise you? Do you think it was easy for either of us?” I look away.

From the corner of my eye, I see Seth sliding closer to me. “Cade, all I’m asking is an opportunity for us to become acquainted.”

“You’re in a club that does illegal activities, and I’ve even heard about you killing some guys. I don’t want that shit around us.”

“I never killed anyone. Yes, we do some illegal things, mainly drugs, but we’re not hardcore. Besides, none of that would affect you and Sky. I wouldn’t let it.”

Sky comes in at the wrong time and gasps at his comment. She holds her hand over her chest, the engagement ring reflecting off the lights.

She takes cautious steps toward me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Seth signals to her hand. “You two are engaged?” He glances at me.

Sky runs the cross back and forth on the necklace chain and gives him a big smile. “Yes. A few weeks ago.” Her hip leans against the side of my chair. “Cade took me to a resort, made it a romantic weekend, and proposed.”

“Congratulations!” Seth bobs his head, and he appears genuine.

“Thank you.” I give him a nod.

Sky’s hand touches my shoulder as she asks, “Can I get you anything else?” We both say we’re good, so she slips out of the room as I stab out the cigarette.

“Julia was right. She’s the sweetest little thing.”

“Seth, I know I’ve been a dick, and I’m tired from long work hours, but I like my life. I don’t want any distractions or drama.”

“I’m not here to create any.”

“How do you suppose your club and my club would get on with you and I connecting?”

He rubs his trimmed beard. “This is between us, not our clubs. I’m not expecting to plow my way inside your club, and I wouldn’t bring you into mine. I know they’re our family, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have a relationship. There’s no such thing as too much family.” He scoots closer. “And Cade, I missed out on most of your life. Please let me be part of it now.”

I take a sip of my bourbon, tossing the idea around in my head. The whole Seth and Julia thing makes me feel out of control. For so long, I took care of Charlie, like I take care of Sky. Now I have two parents who want to be a part of my life without me having to care for them. It’s an odd feeling. Plus, so many years have passed along with memories. We’d be starting a relationship in adulthood.

On the one hand, I can smell trouble on Seth. Rumors usually turn out to be true, and if that’s the case, do I want my business, club, brothers, future wife, and children involved in his dealings? Then again, they’ve only been rumors without substantial proof. And he is my biological father. Him wanting to get to know me must hold some value, right? I mean, I should be happy they both want to be in my life.

To soften things, I ask, “Want a drink?” His hand goes to his chest as he nods. “It’s the bourbon from my business.”

I hand him a glass and he responds, “It’s damn good bourbon.”

“You’ve had it?”

“Hell yeah. I knew Charlie owned a bourbon company and found some places that sold it. It’s one of the best, except for the ones that aren’t aged as long.”

“Hey!” He tosses his head back and laughs.

Sky comes in, wiping her hands on a towel. “Did you call me?”

I pat my thigh, and she sits on my lap. With a heavy sigh, I say, “Sky, this is my dad, Seth. Seth, this is my fiancé, Sky.”

They both nod with tender smiles.

Seth takes a sip of his bourbon. “Julia told me a lot about you. She couldn’t stop raving at how kind you are.”

Sky blushes. “Aw, that’s nice. She’s very gracious.” There’s a lull in conversation before Sky asks, “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

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