Page 157 of The Widower
He wasn’t wrong.
“Yeah. I know she’ll do anything for you, son.”
“I’ve always liked her, Dad. And after she helped me get over my fear of car rides, I liked her even more. Someday I’ll love her like I love Mom.”
“When did you get so grown up?Tell me.” I stared at him, speechless.
“I don’t wanna be grown up. I’d rather stay a kid. And… I love you, Dad.”
I hadn’t expected that, but then he threw his arms around me.
Just like at the cemetery, I ended up crying again—and I realized I’d turned into a total softie when it came to my kids.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, son. I pulled away from you, and I mourned your sister’s death alone. Please forgive me. I promise I’ll be a better father.”
“Dad… you’re already the best dad in the world. And even though I’m just a kid, I know you care about people and help everyone here.”
“Hearing that means a lot to me. Thank you, buddy.”
We kept talking for a long time, and for the first time since the tragedy that hit our family, we were finally able to talk about everything—and nothing—at the same time. He even set his video game aside, and that alone felt like a big step toward what was coming next.
One week.
That’s how long Isabelle, Joshua, Hanna and I are going to unplug from our town — from the tragedies, the robbery, everything. And what better way to do it than hit the most beautiful city in the world, blow some money and go shopping till we drop, right?
The answer is no. Actually, the opposite. We decided to spend a few days in Southport, North Carolina.
We all needed something like this. All of us.
Henry was at the mansion, and after talking to everyone he could, he turned to me with a face far too serious.
“Looks like you’re about to give me a lecture. Tell me I’m moving too fast, blah blah blah,” I interrupted, guessing what he was going to say.
I’d told Henry most of the story, and he’d listened in silence — something I never would’ve expected.From him, of all people…
“A lecture? Give me a break.”
“Seriously?”
“I’m quiet because I don’t know how to put into words how happy I am. You’re changing,” he said, looking up and then shaking his head as if the word wasn’t quite right. “No — I said that wrong. You’re not changing. You’re going back to the friend you were years ago. The tragedy did a lot of damage, but deep down I always knew you could be fixed.”
I smiled.
“I won’t say a thing.”
“You don’t have to. I will.”He came closer and put a hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good man, and I see it even in the little moments when you don’t notice. The way you treat Isabelle and Hanna makes me so happy I can’t even explain it. I was tough on you when I thought you were giving up, but I did it for your own good, and I’m proud you kept going.” He paused, then added, “Loving and showing love is hard, man.”
“Why do you say that?” I asked.
“We’ve been through a lot. People change, and not everyone understands what love really means.”
“Why do I have the feeling you’re talking about yourself?”
“You’ll never know my past.” He winked.
“Henry…”
“Just do the right thing. You love each other — it’s obvious. Be the man she expects, and if you hurt her, I’ll personally end you.You hear me?”
