Page 44 of Now and Forever

Seth’s eyes burned and he swallowed hard. “I feel the same about you.” If he said much more, he was sure he’d turn into a sobbing mess.

The door opened with a burst of cold air in its wake, and Daddy entered with Nate. They were carrying something large between them that was covered in a sheet. It also appeared to be quite heavy. Seth rushed forward to help.

Daddy held up his hand, palm out. “Wait there.”

Tina was right behind them, so she shut the door. Seth narrowed his eyes. She didn’t appear to have an umbrella with her.

“I did go to the vineyard about the wine today, sweetheart. But I didn’t need to bring it back in the truck, it’s being shipped. I had to get that confession out of the way first, because I lied to you.”

Seth glanced back and forth between everyone and they didn’t seem shocked by Daddy’s statement. “I don’t understand. Why did you lie?”

Daddy appeared sheepish. “To surprise you. There was something I ordered for the shop that couldn’t be shipped.” He grinned. “Actually, I suppose it could’ve been, but I wanted to be the one to bring it to you.”

Judging from everyone’s almost giddy expressions, whatever Daddy had gotten was the most incredible thing ever. His gaze landed on the mystery object that was now resting on the floor, with Daddy and Nate supporting it with their bodies. Whatever it was, it was at least six feet wide and about four feet tall.

“You ready to see, sweetheart?”

Seth nodded vigorously. He’d been ready the moment he’d spotted them hauling it in, but now he was evenmoreintrigued.

Daddy yanked the white cloth away and Seth gasped. His hands flew to his mouth.

The Sea of Dreams.

“You got a sign made!”

Daddy grinned and held up an arm, gesturing for him to come over. Seth hurried to his side and gave him a big hug.

“Do you forgive me for lying to you, baby?” Daddy whispered in his ear.

“Of course I do, Daddy. I understand why you did.”

Daddy pulled back and gazed into his eyes. “And you like it?”

“Loveit. It’s the right blue and the way the letters are carved makes it look so…” Seth bit his lip, searching for the perfect word to describe what he meant. “Welcoming. Like home.”

Daddy hugged him again. “That’s what I’d thought, too.”

“Ahem.”

They broke their embrace and were met with Nate’s cranky expression. “Are we eating some crabs, or what? And I think this sign is squashing my toe.”

Seth grabbed the top of the heavy wood panel. “Oh shit, Nate. Sorry!”

“Ahem.” This time it was Daddy making his displeasure known.

Seth jerked up his head. “What?”

“Language.”

Deb hmphed. “Oh for heaven’s sake, Malcolm. You say it all the time.”

Nate nodded. “She’s right. You do.”

Daddy threw his hands in the air. “Why is everyone always accusing me of saying the word ‘shit’?”

Nate pointed a finger at Daddy. “There. You just said it again.”

They all fell into a chorus of laughter and Seth sent a silent thanks to whatever deity might be watching over him. Somehow, he must’ve done something right to deserve such wonderful people in his life. Seth watched his Daddy smiling at his mom and friends, and his heart filled with warmth.

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