Page 69 of Deep Waters
“You don’t.”
“I do.” His gaze shifted to Zach. “I didn’t realize how much of the burden I was putting on you with this charade.” He squeezed Alan’s hand and smiled at his husband. “I still got to have a life, but yours was on hold.”
“That’s not true.” I frowned. “I could have broken it off at any time.”
“But not without cost. I regret that I put a price on our friendship.”
“It was one I was willing to pay.” I smiled at Simon. “Thanks to you, I’m getting everything I ever wanted.”
“Hey. I like to think I have something to do with that too,” Zach teased.
I squeezed his hand. “You have the most important part.” I shifted in my seat. “But I wasn’t ready ten years ago. For all that Simon and I were a ‘couple’ on paper, I needed that time to grow up and step into my own as an adult.” I caught Simon’s gaze. “As odd as it is to say, I needed you to get to Zach.”
“And I needed you to make it to Alan.” Simon smiled softly. “Have you heard from your realtor yet?”
“No, why?”
“I talked to my dad. I think you’ll be very pleased with his counteroffer.”
I reached across the table. “Thanks, Simon.”
A bubble bloomed in my chest, expanding as it sank in: for the first time, I wasn’t sitting on the sidelines, pretending to play the game. I was in it. The victor even.
Simon was settled and happy in his new life, and I’d both found my happiness with Zach and scored the land for San Juan Marine Repair. Satisfaction swelled, leaving me feeling lighter than I could remember. The long years of sacrifice were worth it. Maybe I woulddo it differently, with the wisdom of experience under my belt, but I was still glad we’d done it.
“It’s the least I could do.” He arched his brow. “Have you thought about how you’re going to tell your dad?”
Thought. Dreamed. Stressed. Played it out a few hundred times.
“I’m waiting for the paperwork to go through before I do.”
“Do you really want to blindside him?”
I grimaced. “You’ve got a point.” Trust Simon to hit on one of the angles I hadn’t considered. I’d wanted to present my dad with a done deal. Otherwise, he’d argue, manipulate, and generally make me feel like crap.
“I can come with you to talk to him, if you want,” Simon offered.
I smiled gently at my friend. Still my champion. Just like I’d been his.
Zach’s hand covered mine. He stared Simon down. “I think that’s my job now.”
The possessive show should have been irritating. I’d been managing my own life for years. But secretly, butterflies beat delicate wings of pleasure against my insides.
Simon laughed, the sound loud and boisterous, like Zach had told a joke instead of staking a claim. Simon shook his head, his mouth quirking to one side as his gaze met mine. “Did you ever think Zach Fenwick would be the protective type?”
“I always have Rae’s back,” Zach growled softly.
I bumped his shoulder. “And these days, my front too.”
Alan chuckled, and Zach melted back in his seat with a grin.
“Message received,” he said, eyes apologetic.
Zach and Simon shook hands while Alan and I hugged.
“It’s clear how much Zach loves you. I think you found a keeper,” Alan murmured.
“I did,” I said, “but you did too.”
