Page 148 of Second-Rate Superstar

Dad blew out a heavy breath. “You’re right. I’ve been too hard on both of you boys.”

Dakota’s wide eyes volleyed between the two of us. She was as surprised as I was.

I shrugged. “So, what? You think that can erase my childhood? I will have to live with what you did to me for the rest of my life.”

“I just . . .” Dad ran a hand through his short, graying hair. “I only got two shots.”

Shots? What the hell does that mean?

He hung his head. “It was wrong to place my burdens on you boys. I thought if you both became these incredible champions that people would remember forever, it would compensate for the ones that never were. But nothing can ease that ache, I’m sad to say. It never leaves you. And I’m sorry. It wasn’t fair to either of you.”

I had no idea what he was talking about, but I wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined an apology from my father after laying out all the ways he’d failed me as a parent.

“Uh . . .” I peeked at Dakota, but the look in her eyes told me it was my choice in how to respond. “Thanks?” I didn’t know what to say.

Dad nodded solemnly. “I know I can’t ask your forgiveness. But know that I’ll try to do better.” He spoke to Dakota next. “I only know what I’ve heard from my wife about you, but I can see you’re good for my son. Take care of him, okay?”

“You have my word,” Dakota replied.

I tilted my head toward the stairs. “We’re gonna go.”

“I know I don’t say it enough, Braxton,” Dad said. “But I am proud of you.”

Seriously, what kind of alternate dimension is this basement?

Not having the words, I ducked my head, turning with Dakota and ascending the staircase. Bidding my mom farewell, I waited until we reached the car before asking, “Do you have any clue what that last part was about?”

Dakota gave me a sad smile. “Your parents have dealt with a lot of loss. More than any couple should have to bear.”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“The age gap between you and Jaxon wasn’t by choice.” Her blue eyes held so much meaning, but I still didn’t understand.

“Can we try not speaking in riddles? What happened in that basement left me confused enough.”

Reaching forward, she took my hand. “You were their miracle, Braxton. They lost so many babies between you and your brother.” She sucked in a sharp breath. “I don’t think I would have survived it. Your mom kept pushing on, but I guess your dad took it really hard.”

“The ones that never were,” I repeated my father’s words.

Dakota nodded. “Yeah.”

“I never knew,” I breathed out. “I figured they poured so much energy into Jaxon being a hockey phenom that they didn’t have time to have another kid for a while. I never imagined . . .”

“It’s a difficult thing for people to talk about,” she explained. “Even harder for them to live with the pain.”

While it didn’t excuse my father’s actions, I understood better the source of his own pain.

“I’m sorry they had to go through all of that, but I’m not sorry it’s what led to you,” she said softly. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“Guess we both had rocky starts that were completely out of our control.” A wry laugh fell from my lips.

She smiled up at me. “I have to believe that’s what makes us perfect for each other. We understand the pain of disappointing parental figures, and it bonded us.”

Stroking a thumb over her cheek, I promised, “Our kids will be so loved.”

Dakota smirked. “Oh, are we back to the kids conversation? What happened to going slow?”

“Can’t help myself. You make me want the future to happen right now.”

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