Page 43 of Now and Forever

While she was busy giving Daddy a dressing down, Nate stuck his tongue out at him behind Deb’s back. Seth had to cover his mouth so she wouldn’t catch him laughing. He’d finally been around them both long enough to know they really were only joking.

Once everyone had settled down, and Daddy and Nate had quit poking each other with a stick, they agreed to have dinner at the restaurant with the Dungeness crab. As far as Seth was concerned, they could eat there every night. But he supposed it would stop being special if they did.

Daddy slid his arm around Seth’s waist while Deb showed Nate and Tina everything they’d already unpacked for the shop.

“Missed you.” He pressed a soft kiss to Seth’s lips.

“Missed you too, Daddy.” As long as everyone in the room was okay with their dynamic, then he’d might as well refer to him the way he preferred. “Do you think it looks good so far? Your mom came up with a lot of the display ideas, so it’s much better than it would’ve been if I’d done it on my own.”

“Love it. The place is really shaping up, isn’t it?” He smiled. “And I’m sure if you’d done the displays without any help, they would’ve been great as well. Plus, if you ever think you need advice, you guys can video chat and she can give you some virtual suggestions.”

Seth’s jaw went slack. “That’s agreatidea!”

That one small statement had relieved so much of the pressure he’d been putting himself under. He wasn’t sure if Daddy knew how amazing he was at making him feel better with so little effort.

“Good.” He smiled. “And she’ll love it. Now that Dad’s talked her into retiring, she’ll be itching for other things to do.”

“Oh, wow. She didn’t tell me about that. Maybe they could move up here near us.”

Daddy’s grip tightened and he coughed into his fist. “Bite your tongue.”

“Why? Don’t you think it’d be nice to have them around all the time?”

Daddy lowered his voice as he leaned in. “That’s the operative phrase, ‘all the time’. Without a job, Dad playing golf all day and none of her bridge friends nearby—we’d be the objects of her attention.Allher attention.” He arched his eyebrows.

“Oh.” Seth cleared his throat. “Virtual display tips are fine.”

Daddy gave a sharp nod. “I knew you’d embrace the wisdom of my thinking.”

“Should we unload the truck before dinner, so we can all drive to the restaurant together?”

Daddy strolled over to the window then peered outside. “Yeah, that’s not a bad idea. It’s not coming down too hard right now. But if it really starts up again later, we’re not going to want to walk back here.”

“Okay, I’ll grab my jacket and help.”

Daddy opened his mouth as if to respond, then paused. He shook his finger as if trying to remind himself of something. “Actually, why don’t you wait here with Mom and Tina. I’ll get Nate to help me. He needs to build up some muscles anyway.”

“I heard that!” Nate sauntered over. “I see you’re having me do your dirty work again.” He patted Seth’s shoulder. “This place is great, by the way. I know it’s gonna be a big success and I’m really happy for you guys.”

“Thanks, Nate.” Seth tried not to blush. “I appreciate you and Tina coming up to help. I didn’t realize how much work it was going to be getting everything ready.”

Tina gave him a bright smile. “But now it’s all yours. Just think how exciting it’ll be once you open the doors.”

Seth gave a nervous chuckle. “Exciting. And scary.”

Daddy smacked Nate on the arm. “Let’s grab this stuff before there’s another downpour.”

“Yes, boss.” Nate gave Tina a quick peck on the lips. “I shall return post haste, milady.”

She snorted then waved him off. “I’m actually going to follow them out. I want to grab my umbrella from the car.”

Seth didn’t want to sound like a big know-it-all, so he kept his umbrella usage observations to himself.

Deb came over and clasped his hands. “Honey, I hope you realize everyone’s going to love you in this town. This store will be a must-stop. People will want to come back just to visit you personally.”

Seth lost his battle with the blush, and his face heated furiously. “Oh, well…” He shifted on his feet. “I don’t know about that.”

Debbie regarded him with a fond smile. “I want you to know how much it means to have you in the family. I’ve told you before how grateful I am that you’re in Malcolm’s life. But I’m just as grateful that you’re in mine.”

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