Page 122 of Between Us

Nodding, I swallow the lump of emotions clogging my throat and try to find the words to thank him for everything he’s done for me in my life. I’m not blind to the fact that he and my mother worked their asses off to build a life where I didn’t have to worry about money. I’ve been blessed to have their emotional, and financial, support throughout every step in my life. And regardless of the small inheritance Blake has, she’s aware of everything my parents have offered us.

And all I can do is work to create the same life for my kids—one of stability, love, and comfort.

His eyes brim with tears and I know that there aren’t any more words we need to share. I take after my mom’s personality, though I’ve never needed my father’s words to know how much he cares about me. He shows it to my mom, and me, in a hundred other ways.

Clearing his throat, Tim takes a tentative step forward, seeming to not want to interrupt the moment. But my dad steps to my side and opens space for him.

Over the years, Tim and I have grown closer. Both as family, and also professionally. Even when I had to quit my vet assistant position in the last two years of my program, he supported me, offering advice all the same.

And we haven’t talked about it recently, still I have an idea of what he’s going to bring up.

“I’m also proud, Adrian,” Tim starts. “To have you as a son-in-law and to watch the exceptional veterinarian you’re going to become. And I agree with Will. Be proud of your accomplishments because I promise that your family is.”

“Thank you, Tim. For everything over the last four years.” Taking in his features—so similar to Blake’s in a lot of ways—I note the paternal affection in his eyes that goes deeper than me being married to his daughter. “You changed my life when you offered me that job. I had no idea how much at the time.”

He shakes his head, though it’s more in a speechless way than disagreement. “You changed ours too, Adrian. Especially my daughter’s.”

Smiling, that brings a new spark of life to my heart. Blake’s bloomed in the last few years, but I don’t want to take any credit for that.

“I know your exam is coming up soon, and I have all the faith in you to pass it.”

“Thanks.” The word comes out thick and full of emotion. I’ve never craved the approval of another man before—outside of my father and grandfathers. From my first day of training under Tim, that changed. I wanted him to see me as a competent employee with a lot of potential. As time has gone on, I’ve looked for his approval in more ways than just professionally.

And I think I have it from him.

With an almost shy smile, he rubs a hand down the back of his neck. “I know we’ve talked about you working at the vet clinic as soon as you graduated but…” My brows furrow and my heart drops. It doesn’t make sense for him to rescind his job offer, especially when Blake and I have plans for the outreach program starting in the next couple of years.

“But,” he continues, “I want you to know you have options. You aren’t on a time limit, and that position will always be available for you. This is a really exciting and new time for you, Adrian. I encourage you to consider an internship and residency if you feel so inclined.”

“Oh,” I breathe out. In the last year, I had started to think more about a surgical residency. Tim is an amazing veterinarian, and focuses primarily on patients who need intensive surgeries, leaving the less complicated procedures to some of the other veterinarians. However, we both know he can’t offer me that.

“Look, Adrian,” he lowers his voice in that way he does when he wants you tohearwhat he’s saying. “I know you and Blake have amazing plans for the outreach program, and I’m so proud to be a part of that with you two. Blake’s goals don’t have to be your only goals.

“So, if there’s something you want to explore or study, do it now. Blake has the support she needs to get things in order after she graduates. I’ve hired staff in the last couple of years with her future needs in mind, and Olivia’s really stepped up to help Blake, as you know. We will always be waiting with open arms, and a white coat for you, son, so chaseyourdreams first. Hear me?”

It’s not the first time Tim’s called me son, but it’s rare, nonetheless. Glancing at my dad, I note the appreciative smile he offers Tim before turning to look at me. I’ve mentioned the idea of a residency to Blake a couple of times, and of course she’s been supportive—encouraging me to do this for myself.

Honestly, it’s my dad who I’ve opened up to about this the most. He knows my fears—missing my opportunity to work under Tim—and where my guilt lies—taking on another educational pursuit when we’re expecting our second child. But the small nod he gives reminds me of everything else we’ve talked about.

How much help Blake and I have from our families. How I can’t lose myself in being a husband, or father, because Adrian Jones the man, is just as important as those roles. How being the best version of myself is the best thing I can be for my family.

Clearing my throat, I glance at the living room window again. Blake’s eyes are on me still. She tilts her head in a silent question, and I offer her a small, tentative smile. Her lightning eyes move from my father to hers and back to me. After years together, she can practically read my mind by now. So, the nod she gives me is enough, before turning back to the conversation around her, giving us privacy out here.

“Actually…” I turn toward Tim and square my shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about that for a while. And I wasn’t sure, because everything you, Blake and I have planned means so much to me. But I think—no, IknowI want to join a residency program. One of the doctors I worked under during clinicals works at the animal hospital in Aurora Hills, and they have a great surgical program.”

Tim grins. “That’s an amazing facility, and the few people I know there are great at what they do.”

“I’ve heard. So, I’m planning on applying for that after I finish my exams.” Most of the time, an internship is a requirement for a residency. After briefly speaking with Dr. Forrester at Aurora Hills Animal Hospital, and with my advisor extensively, I should have gained enough experience to bypass that year. But even if I need that additional year, I’ll still be done with my residency a year before Blake is set to launch the program. And I want to be right there with her for that.

His lips tug even further up, matching the energy of my dad next to me. Pulling me into a hug, Tim tells me, “Let me know when you need a letter of recommendation.”

Smiling and nodding at him, a weight lifts off my chest, and I know I’ve made the right choice. More than that, I know Blake and I will get everything we want from life with the people we’re lucky enough to know.

After another couple of minutes of talking, I find a lull in conversation and slip back inside. As soon as the sliding door opens, Blake and Millie’s heads turn in my direction from the kitchen island.

Everyone inside has moved to the kitchen now. Selena and my mom are getting another glass of wine and preparing dessert—berry cheesecake with chocolate sauce, Blake’s favorite. Sweets in general aren’t my favorite, though I find myself eating them a lot more since I met Blake. Millie’s taking after her mom in that way though.

Walking up behind her, I wrap my arms around Blake’s shoulders and place a soft kiss on her head. Millie’s sitting on the counter in front of her, playing with an edible slime Selena makes for her sometimes. She does well at not eating it, yet she stays entertained for hours.

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