Page 66 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

“There’s always a way to make something work if both parties are willing. You just have to decide your priorities.”

“Obviously, my daughter comes first. But…Madison and I ended things, and Aurora still won’t talk to me. So, it solvednothing.” My voice is rising.

I head to the kitchen and look for something to drink. I need it while having a conversation like this.

“Aurora has always been a bit of…an independent woman.”

I know Jesse is putting it lightly, but I agree. “I can always find another woman. Someone was texting me today.”

“So why don’t you then?”

“Because…” I hate being sappy, but no one compares to Madison. The connection we have isn’t just physical. I’m not sure how to explain that to Jesse though.

“Because what?”

“Because…Madison and I have a connection. It’s…complicated.”

“Then you’ve got your answer right there. You can’t just give up on something like this. Look, age gaps are tricky, sure. But they’re not the end of the world. You think I didn’t hear shit about marrying someone younger? People had plenty to say about it.”

“Yeah, but you and Emma… You guys make it look easy.”

Jesse chuckles. “It’s not always easy. But we make it work because we want it to work. That’s what it comes down to, man. It’s not about the number of years between you. It’s about whether or not you’re willing to put in the effort, no matter how complicated it gets. I’ve seen people the same age struggle more than we do.”

I lean back against the kitchen counter, thinking about what he’s saying. He’s right. I’ve been focusing too much on the obstacles between Madison and me.

But what about the reasons we should be together? What about the way she makes me feel like I can be a better version of myself? What about the way we just…fit?

“And as for Aurora, she’s mad now, but she’ll come around. She’s your daughter. She loves you. This is just new for her. That’s all. Give her time.”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Yeah…maybe.”

“I’m serious, Ethan. Don’t let this slip away because you’re scared of the complications. If you feel something real for Madison, you’ve got to try. Age isn’t everything. The connection of the souls—that’s what really matters.”

The connection of the souls. It sounds cheesy, but damn if it doesn’t feel true. Madison and I do have something real, something more than just physical attraction. I can feel it in the way we talk and communicate, especially when we’re working on something together, like the dogs.

“You’re right. I can’t just give up.”

“Damn right, I’m right. So, what are you going to do about it?”

I think for a moment, the wheels in my mind turning. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know that I’m not ready to let Madison go. Not without a fight. I need to show her that this isn’t just some fling, that I’m serious about her, about us.

“I’m going to make things right. I’ve been working on something for her—a surprise. She’s always dreamed of opening a surf school, so I’ve been looking for a space for her to set it up.”

“Damn, that’s thoughtful. She’s lucky to have you, Ethan. Just make sure she knows that.”

“Thanks, Jesse. I appreciate your advice. Tell Emma I said hey.”

“Will do. And hey, let me tell you one thing, the good thing about a younger wife, if you go that route, is that they can still have kids. A woman our age is a no-go as far as kids go.”

I laugh. “I’ve had my kid, Jesse. I don’t want any more.”

“I’m just saying. You might change your mind when you get those rose-colored glasses fitted correctly. And it’s a huge benefit.”

I finally hang up on my conversation with Jesse, feeling a little more encouraged. Age isn’t everything. I do need to figure things out with Aurora, but I also need to let Madison know that I’m not going to let her go so easily.

32

MADISON

---