Page 149 of Fall I Want
The older I become, the more I notice how fast time passes.
Frederick sets three whiskey glasses on the minibar and pours us each a hefty shot.
I glance at my father. “What do you want to drink to?”
“To happiness,” he says.
“And family,” I add.
“To happiness and family,” we repeat, clinking them before tossing them back. The whiskey is smooth and goes down like water. I need it, though. I’ve been on edge since the plane landed, knowingI’ll run into Nicolas. Even thinking his name makes me want to punch him out.
“How’s retired life?” I ask before I get too lost in my thoughts.
Frederick chuckles. “Boring. I’m going stir-crazy. Easton has told security not to allow me in the building unless he gives an okay.”
“Sounds like it was the only way to keep you away,” I say.
“It was.”
“And that’s exactly why I’m never retiring. I’ll be put in the grave first,” my father confirms. He’s addicted to work and always has been, but I know the truth. It’s how he ran from dealing with the death of my mother. Maybe Silvia can make him stop and smell the roses as they dance through life together.
“Morbid. But I’ll drink to you running the business until you’re ninety-five. I might have a little heir to take your place by then and skip the CEO thing,” I say as I pour another round.
Dad laughs. “Don’t tease me with grandchildren.”
The thought of starting a family with Autumn brings me so much joy I can hardly contain it. Though, we haven’t discussed it yet.
I make a mental note, but it does not matter. As long as I have her, I’m fucking happy.
“I’m still waiting,” Frederick says. “But Connor is a handful. Can’t imagine the trouble he’ll get into when he’s grown. He’s nosy. Into everything. A little smart-ass too.”
“As are all your kids.” I chuckle.
“You’re damn right about that.” Frederick sets our glasses on the bar as a light knock taps against the door. I glance over my shoulder as it opens.
“Ten minutes,” Silvia’s sister, Alice, says.
I give her a nod and she leaves. Frederick returns to us, hugging my father before wrapping me in one too. “I’ll see you both out there.”
We’re alone.
My father adjusts his tie in the mirror and I watch him from the side, just as I did as a young boy.
“Nervous?” I ask, wondering. Even if he was, my father is too hard to read. He’s a pro at tucking his emotions away.
“No.” He smiles. “I’m happy for the first time in a very long time. Thank you for being here. I know you di—”
I place my hand on his shoulder, meeting his eyes in the reflection. “I’m sorry for being a dick. Hurt people hurt people. I wanted someone to be angry with when I learned about Nicolas and Celine. You were an easy option, and I’m very fucking sorry about that. After some perspective and finding the love of my life, I realize they don’t matter. Love you, Dad. I’m happy for you.”
“No need to apologize. I understood where you were and just wanted to support you how I could. I’m bad at this emotional stuff.” Then he turns and hugs me firmly, holding me tight. “Love you too, son. Seems like we’ve finally found our way.”
“We have,” I confirm, letting him go.
He laughs, a sound that brings me back to a happier time. “Mom would be so happy and proud of you,” I tell him.
For a brief second, he chokes up but pushes it away. “She’d be proud of you, too.”
“I believe she somehow had a hand in my happiness.” I smile.
