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“Excellent word.”

“-to the big kahuna in our fam. Showing him and our ancestors you respect where we came from. Where all this started. Preserving a piece of our history in a pretty epic way. Plus…” a less than innocent lip scrunch is given, “I want her to have something withmy nameon it.”

“Because you want the world to know she’syours.”

“Yeah.”

Yes.

He isabsolutelymy son.

Prideful nodding is attached to me placing the lid back on it. “Can you show me what else is going in the box you’re taking her for Christmas?”

Wyland’s jaw immediately drops over the statement.

“Weather permitting.”

“You…you…you yankin’ my leash?!”

“I don’t enjoy that phrase, but no, son. I’m not ‘yanking your leash’.” A single deep breath makes itself heard prior to me proceeding. “You recall that your biological grandparents died in a plane crash?”

“Your parents and then, Mom’s dad was the pilot. It’s how you got your scars.”

“Yes. And thataccidentoccurred during bad weather thatIpushed my family into over a girl that I was dating at the time.” I force myself to continue in spite of the ache spreading in my chest. “Which is the main reason I have been opposed to traveling during such a potentially treacherous time.”

“You blame yourself for their deaths?”

“Exclusively.”

My confession causes him to scoot closer.

Demolish more of the metaphorical wall.

“Survivors guilt is something I’ve lived with formostof my life, and the reason I initially turned to alcohol to cope. And while it’s something I like to think I’ve completely healed from, it’s in moments like this, I realize I haven’t.”

“Dad…”

“However, it’s unfair topunish you…tokeep you…from livingyour lifebecause ofmy fears.” Another long, loud exhale is executed. “There’s no reason we can’t go to Doctenn for Christmas particularly when the whole family supports the decision.”

Elation soars through his expression despite his best efforts to keep it contained.

“As long as the weather reports are in our favor-”

“They are! They are!” He scurries to my side of the mattress. “I’ve been watching them nonstop to make sure that they are! That theystaythat way! The ice storm that was predicted to hit Doctenn turned the opposite direction this morning, and from here to there for the next few days is smooth flying. I even asked O’Malley to double checkallthe weather patterns for me, and if it wassafe.” The arrival directly next to me is attached a softer smile. “I really wanted go, but not if there wasany wayour family was gonna get hurt. Nothing is worth that.”

Inexplicable warmth soothes the pangs in my chest. “You’re a good kid, Fins.”

“You’re a good dad, Dad.” His announcement barely precedes him throwing his arms warmly around me. “I love you.”

Squeezing him tighter is my only option, and truthfully, it’s the only one I need. “I love you too, son.”

Chapter 7

Wes

Did I expect to spend two hours with my son, just one on one?

No.

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