Page 94 of Wild Hearts

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Brady

THE MORNING AFTER THEpaddle out, I get up at the arse crack of dawn to drive to Byron Bay. I pull up in front of Dad and Tarshia’s and let out a few deep breaths. I need to keep my cool.

After sitting in my car for about fifteen minutes, I finally climb out of my car, locking the door with a loudbeepsplitting the silence. I wince as I head up the driveway, taking the stairs one at a time until I find myself standing in front of the front door.

My heart races in my chest and I scratch the back of my neck, trying to work up the courage to knock. I know I need to talk to him. I need to put this behind me, for everyone’s sake.

I bring my fist up and knock three sharp raps against the door, shifting my weight uncomfortably. I hear footsteps and muffled voices from inside. I tuck my hands into my back pockets and take a step back. Tarshia is unable to hide the surprise on her face when she sees me standing in front of her.

“Brady,” she finally says warily, stepping aside so I can pass. “Come in. Your dad is in the kitchen helping Theo finish his breakfast.” She forces a nervous laugh as she follows me through the living room.

I clear my throat, my eyes trained on the new photo sitting on the mantel. A candid photo of Dad, Tarshia and Theo from the Baptism. She’s laughing at something Dad has said to her while he leans in close, his hand resting on her waist. Theo has a tiny little hand on each of their faces. My chest tightens. Wren captured the moment perfectly.

“She’s a really talented photographer,” Tarshia says softly.

I nod, still unable to find my voice.

“Brady,” my dad says, standing up from the kitchen table and wiping his hands on a tea towel. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

I glance between the two of them. “I... I’m really sorry for my behaviour at Theo’s Baptism.” My eyes drop to the floor. “It was–I shouldn’t have–” I shake my head. “I’m really sorry.”

“Son...” My dad’s voice cracks as he stands in front of me. He hesitates, but his arm cautiously reaches for me.

I step into his embrace with a shaky, “Dad,” and I break down into tears.

All the anger seeps out of me as I cling to his shirt. I’m a teenage boy again, seeking reassurance from his dad that everything’s going to be okay.

Tarshia runs a gentle hand over our shoulders as she brushes past on her way to the kitchen to tend to Theo. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” she says, grabbing her car keys and leaving the room.

“Dad,” I mumble into his soaked shirt. “I don’t want to be angry anymore. I don’t want to hurt.”

“I’msorry,” he chokes out, holding onto me for dear life. “I’m so sorry.”

Eventually, I collect myself and take a step back. I move to sit on the couch and drop my head into my hands. “Why did you do it, Dad? Were we not enough for you? WasInot enough for you?”

“No. Brady, I–”

“Did I do something wrong? I know I gave up surfing after the accident at TropFest, but I didn’t think you cared.”

His brows furrow. “Of course, I cared.”

“Then why did you do it? Why did you tear our family apart?”

He sucks in a sharp breath. “I... don’t have an answer for that, son. I stuffed up. I’m sorry that I hurt your mother, and you and Ivy,” he says shaking his head. “But what’s done is done. I can’t change what I did. I’m still your dad, Ivy’s, too. I also have Tarshia, Theo and now the new baby as well. I love them, but I also love you and Ivy. I want to be a part of your lives, but I know that I hurt you. I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. I’m sorry we blindsided you with the new baby and the Baptism all in one go. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the right thing to do.”

My stomach tightens. I didn’t exactly get the answers I was looking for, but Dad’s right. He has Theo and the new baby to think of as well.

“Did you hear about Maribel?” I ask, looking over at him.

He nods, wincing. “Your mum called me.”

“She did?” My brow furrows.

“She did.”

“You didn’t come to the funeral.”

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