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Exponentially.

Yet rather than be ocean creature obsessed like his mother – or his veterinarian uncle – he’ssurfobsessed, which is its own fresh hell of difficult for me to understand.

And the only thing that’s even more difficult?

The fact that no part of him is remotely interested in my favorite branch of our multifaceted company.

At least not yet.

The closest I’ve come to bonding in that department is when I agreed to check out potential athletes the company could sponsor to expand into that market – after explaining the general process of how companies choose figureheads – something I only did as an excuse to spend more time with him.

Unlike J.T., I’m not sold on the notion that branching out into the world of surfing – whether it’s whiskey or beer – is the right risk for us.

Our legacy.

All of which is not something that’s easy to explain to your son.

Particularly when he’s just as headstrong as you are.

The twins?

Somehow didn’t get this level of stubbornness.

My assumption?

Wyland inherited it all first.

Rather than let the argument die down, he scoots to the edge of his cushioned seat to emphasize his examples. “You flew Uncle Calen and Aunt Lani to Hawaii so he could study Monk Seals!”

“Technically, it was a joint, aquatic institute, extending education, charity venture; therefore, ourcompanycovered the cost for their commitment to continue to better the environment for us as well as the wildlife we serve.”

“You flew Park to Vegas –where he choked out that magician– for some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu boot camp refresher thing!”

“He’s head of security. It wastechnicallya business training expense.”

“You fly Gami and Gramps to Switzerlandall the timeto visit Aunt Penny, Uncle Scott, Patty, Ginny, and Weaver!”

“Because your Aunt Penny isn’tallowedin this country.”

He doesn’t need to know that’smyfault.

Or that I won’t amend that decision despite the healthy bond our families have come to build over the years.

While I don’t anticipate Penny – or any member of her current family – to launch another attack, I refuse to let our guard down.

We did that once, and it came at a cost that’s impossible to repay.

I won’t make that mistake again.

“Seeeeee,” he hisses, in obvious outrage. “Everyone. Else.”

“You’re being simplistic.”

“You’re being a paddlepuss.”

“What. Did. You. Just. Call. Me?”

Wy slams his back against the seat at the same time he redirects his attention out the window yet doesn’t repeat himself.

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