Page 73 of Wild For You
“You didn’t,” I assured, hating that I put that doubt in his mind. “You never treated me differently than my sisters. I don’t know why the fear was still there. It’s what kept me from wanting to take over the farm. I still don’t believe I’m the right person for it.”
I went on to tell him how the farm had been in his family for generations, and I was only his kin through marriage. Nash nodded along, listening to me get everything off my chest.
“You are my son in every way that matters, Andrew. I loved you the moment your mom brought you on a date because she couldn’t find a sitter. I knew I was going to marry you both. Because marrying her meant I was getting you too, and that was the best gift anyone could have given me.
“I love your sisters, even though they drive me crazy and are probably perched outside the door trying to listen to our conversation.” He paused, and we listened to the scurrying of feet drift away. “I love them, without a single doubt, but my love for you is different. It’s almost… more. Because I love you for myself, and because I needed to love you extra forhim. Iwanted to make sure when your father looked down on you from heaven that he thought I was doing a good job of being the most important man in your life. And you know how single moms have to be a mother and a father to their child? I needed to be your stepfatherandfather.”
There was no use in fighting against the emotions swirling through me. I used the back of my hands to wipe away the tears threatening to spill from my eyes.
“I love you so much, Andrew. You’re the best person I know to take over the farm. Even if your last name is Keyes, you will always be an Easterly. It’s just a name. But it’s your heart that carries on the legacy.”
“I love you too, Dad,” I said as he reached over and hugged me in a way I hadn’t felt since I was a kid. That kind of all-consuming hug where it gives you renewed strength.
“You don’t call me that nearly enough.”
“Sorry. I’ll work on it.”
Sitting back, I wiped at my eyes again and watched as Nash did the same.
“Now that we’re on this topic, I wanted to talk to you about Kelsey.”
I audibly groaned as I tossed my head back against the couch.
“Not in that way, son.” He chuckled. “I can see you have feelings for her. It’s not hard to notice, if someone is paying attention.”
“But Rory—” I started, but he interrupted.
“I get it. It’s a slippery slope, because she’s friends with your sister. Well, really, all your sisters. They’re a little too wrapped up in their own lives to notice. But what I wanted to say was this. If you’re in it for just a quick roll in the hay, then end it before she gets too attached. I can tell you from experience thatit takes a certain kind of man to raise another man’s kid. And if you’re not all in, you would destroy two people’s lives.”
“Yeah, I know.” It was something that had been on my mind since the first doctor’s appointment.
“Don’t get me wrong, Andrew. I know you have a big heart, and you would love that baby unconditionally, as if it were your own. Just make sure you’re ready for the sacrifices that you’ll have to make. And in the end, you’ll get the best kind of reward.”
“I… I want to be there for her. I care for her.”
“I can see that. I know you’ll do what’s best for her.”
“Is it crazy that I may love her already?” I asked, because Nate and Owen already hinted they thought I did. After Nicole, I had no idea what love was.
“Not at all. I fell in love with your mother after our first date. If it’s the right person, I think love can be possible at any time.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Mom peeked her head inside. “Dinner’s ready.”
“Wonderful. We’ll be out in a second.”
She nodded and ducked back out. Nash stood, and I followed suit. He was right. He had been the best stepdad and father I could have ever asked for and had proven his love for me many times.
He crossed toward me and slapped me on the shoulder in a supportive way. I remembered his hand being larger when I was a kid. Nash always seemed like this impenetrable man, and now I could see how time had taken its toll. Time that I’d spent inside my own head, unable to see how much the man loved me.
“I’m really proud of you, Andrew. That’s a really good woman out there, and I could see how she’d be your perfect match in every way.” He smiled. “Before you go, I want you toknow, whenever you’re ready, I’ve set aside your mother’s ring for you.”
“Hasn’t that ring been in your family for generations?” I gawked.
“It has. Made it through eight happy marriages that I can recount. We want you to have it.”
“But what about—?“
“Don’t worry. Your mother has already chosen her replacement.” He chuckled, and I joined him before sobering once again.
