Page 88 of The One for Forever

Danny grimaces. “No, I hear you. That’s why we’re here. To help in any way we can. I, uh, hear congratulations are in order? You and Quinn?”

Cliff glances up, then away, conspicuously silent considering my son’s usual talkative nature.

“Yeah,” I say cautiously. “We’re both very happy. Not about the drama around the Printz trial, obviously, but about falling in love.”

On the other side of the kitchen counter, Cliff goes completely still.

I’m not sure if Danny will have an issue with our age difference. He was one of Quinn and Cliff’s roommates at the Pink House. He saw me around plenty, but mainly as Cliff’s dad or a representative of Bennett Security.

Now, I’m dating his friend.

But Danny grins. “I’m thrilled for you. Makes all the difference, doesn’t it? Finding the right person. Lark is it for me. And Quinn is one of the best people in the world, a great friend, so I’m really glad to see she’s found you.” He clinks his beer bottle against mine, then heads into the living room, where the women have gone to join Quinn.

Now, it’s just me and my son in the kitchen.

“You’re in love?” Cliff asks quietly.

I turn to him. “Yes. We are.”

“Isn’t that kind of fast?”

“I can’t speak for Quinn. For me, I’ve known her a long time. So much of what I admire about her hasn’t changed. I see her differently now, but it’s more like I’ve seen her for who she really is. In one sense, yes, it’s fast. But loving her is the easiest thing in the world. It feels right to me. And I won’t apologize for it.”

“I wouldn’t want you to. I didn’t mean to sound judgmental.” He comes around from the other side of the counter. “Dad, Ineed to apologize toyoufor what I said before. A lot of it was…pretty awful.”

“You were upset.”

“But that’s not an excuse. You were right that I was reacting without thinking about why. I’ve talked about it a lot with Lia. I hope that’s okay.”

I tuck my hands into my jeans pockets. Quinn and I both changed out of our court clothes when we got home. “Of course. That’s what’s so great about having a partner. They’ll act as a sounding board.” Something else I was missing the last decade I spent alone.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

My brows tense. “Oh?”

“I’m going to leave West Oaks PD. I’m going back to school.”

For several seconds, I have no idea how to respond. And I have a hunch I’m about to say the wrong thing. So I try a different approach. “Tell me more.”

His mouth curves as he explains the social work program he’s interested in. To be honest, I’m concerned. He’s giving up a career he’s spent years building. Cliff is a good cop. The kind who cares about people.

But he can help people through social work too, I reason with myself. And he’s seen the work they do firsthand. He knows what he’s getting into. He’s clearly done a lot of research into the program, tuition, and job opportunities too.

Most importantly? Cliff’s entire expression lights up as he talks about it. In a way I’ve never seen him get passionate about police work.

So no, I don’t get it. But my son is a grown man. This isn’t my decision. Or my life.

“I can’t wait to see where this goes for you. If I can help or give advice, let me know.” I open my arms. “Proud of you.”

We hug. I still want to talk more about the other things he said at the beach house. About his childhood. About improving communication between us. But we don’t have to do all that in one night. The door is open now, and we’ll get there. Like Quinn said, we’ll be okay.

“Thanks, Dad. I’m happy for you and Quinn. You deserve someone as amazing as her. Just be good to her, okay?”

“I will, son. I promise.”

25

“How’s it going in here?”

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