Page 37 of Challenged by the Single Dad

He also had Wyatt, or Burke, cook Remy’s favorite dish, which was coincidentally pizza. Just wood-fired pizza with mushrooms, spinach, and roasted garlic. Then he brought down a couple photos of her and some candles, and prayed that the wind wasn’t too bad so he could set up his altar. He had a glass of wine and some pizza with his wife, and told her all about their son and how incredible he was.

Once he had everything—besides the pizza, which he’d pick up from the kitchen on his way down to the beach—stowed away in a duffel bag, he headed upstairs to check on Silas. Bennett was going to come over so Dom could go down to the beach.

The shower was still running. “Time to get out, dude,” Dom said, knocking on the bathroom door.

The tap instantly shut off.

Silas loved to just stand under the hot water.

His kid emerged from the bathroom a few moments later with rosy, damp skin and a towel around his waist. “Did you brush your teeth?”

Silas smiled wide. “Before my shower. See?”

“All right. Into bed.” He followed his kid into his room where Silas got dressed, combed his hair, and climbed into bed. The door downstairs opened and closed to indicate Bennett was there.

“What are you going to talk to Mom about?” Silas asked as Dom tucked the duvet up under his kid’s little chin.

“Mostly about how awesome you are. I’ll tell her about your costume and the Halloween party. About how we discovered you’re lactose intolerant and farting up the place.”

“Daaaaad. Don’t tell Mom that.”

“Why not? She’ll want to know.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine. But don’t tell her I nearly killed Aya tonight.”

“Fine. I’ll keep that bit quiet.” He brushed Silas’s hair off his forehead and pressed his lips there. “Try to get some sleep, buddy. Uncle Bennett is downstairs if you need anything.”

“Okay.” His lips twisted for a second. “Do you cry when you talk to Mom because you miss her?”

Dammit.

Dom cleared his throat. “Sometimes.”

Silas nodded. “It’s okay for men to cry. I cry sometimes.”

“It is okay. You’re right.”

“Remember to tell her I love her, but don’t tell her about me farting in the truck.”

“I will. And I won’t. I promise.”

“’Night, Dad.” Silas rolled over to face the wall. “Thanks for coming trick or treating with me tonight.”

“Goodnight, buddy. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He kissed the side of his head, then stood up from the edge of his bed and gently closed the door almost all the way, leaving it open just a crack. Then he made his way downstairs with an insanely heavy heart.

Bennett was on the couch with his laptop on his lap, his face scrunched up into a scowl.

“What’s that face for?” Dom asked, grabbing the duffel bag off the kitchen table.

“It’s an email from Gabrielle Campbell.”

“What does she want?” Dom headed to front door and grabbed his thick flannel jacket off the coat hook.

“Did you check the mail today? Because I don’t remember if I checked the box.” He brought up his phone and shot off a text to their group which vibrated a moment later in Dom’s pocket.

“I didn’t. But what does her email say?”

“Apparently, the Island Elders Council has narrowed their selection of proposals down to five. The vineyard is one of them.”

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