Page 124 of Indecent Ventures

Jade says, “Before anyone does something foolish, like blaming Collin, know that waiting to get married was my decision. I’m young, and we’ve only just started living together. I need to make sure I like him before I commit to a lifetime. Frankly, I’m still on the fence.”

Mac shakes his head. “Shit, if she lives with his messy ass, she’ll never want to marry him.” He smiles. He’s trying to lighten the mood. I appreciate it.

“I’m not messy.”

My mother scoffs. “Collin, you’re a slob. You were always the worst of all my boys.”

Jade raises one eyebrow. “I didn’t know this about you. Perhaps I should reconsider the whole thing.” She winks at me.

“I’m not a slob…anymore. I swear.”

Mac holds out his hand. “Congratulations.” I shake it. “Welcome to fatherhood.”

“Thanks, Mac.” Braden, and Shane all shake my hand as well. After a bit of hesitation, my father does as well.

That went better than expected. One dramatic revelation down, one more to go.

“While we’re here, I have something else to say.”

Shane jokes, “Did you get another girl pregnant, too?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “No. I’ve decided to go out on my own in construction. I’m leaving Fitz and Sons. I didn’t arrive at this decision lightly. You guys are going in a different direction than I’d like, so I’m going to go at it alone and build the things I enjoy building.”

My father sits down in obvious distress. “But dis is my legacy. Leaving dis company to my sons means everything to me.”

I sit down next to him. “I know, Da, but it’s not what I want. It doesn’t make me happy. It’s great that all of you enjoy building the houses we build. I think I’m just a more artistic person than you guys. I enjoy the creative aspect. I like building unique homes that I dream up in my head.”

“How are ya managing it all? Da money.”

“I’ve partnered with Carter and Reagan. They’re financing it. The Wander property was supposed to be our first, but I wasn’t ready to fully break from you then. But I am now. I’m ready. I’m trying to do what makes me happy, not what’s easiest. I didn’t come to this decision lightly. There was a lot of thought and planning involved. I have several projects in the pipeline, and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

He thinks for a few moments. “I’m both sad and happy. Sad to see ya go, but happy dat you’re taking a risk and pursuing a dream. I’m proud of ya for dat.” He sticks out his hand and I shake it. “I wish ya well, son. You’ll always have a place here with us.”

“Thank you.”

I look up at my brothers. Mac shrugs. “I only have to split the pie three ways now instead of four. Works for me.”

I give him the finger and he laughs.

My father turns back to my brothers. “Make sure ya support him. If he needs machinery or manpower, ya give it to him.”

They all nod in agreement.

For the first time in a long time, we have a stress-free meal. I realize that I was holding onto so much animosity and unhappiness for a long time. I guess I’m finally in a good place.

I’m a roll today, so there’s one more thing I want to say. I place my half-eaten burger down on my plate as I take a big breath. I look around, but my eyes land on Mac. “I have one last thing to say. I know I joke around a lot, and I know I made some immature decisions in my youth, but I’m not going to stand anymore for being this family’s whipping boy. I work hard, just like the rest of you. I’m good at what I do, just like the rest of you. I’m a responsible adult, just like the rest of you. I’m about to become a father, a family man, just like most of you. I don’t want you belittling me anymore, especially once my child comes. Jokes made in fun are fine. Nasty comments that aren’t intended to be funny are not fine.”

Jade has a huge smile as she squeezes my leg under the table. Ashleigh and Braden have big smiles too.

My father and Mac both nod in agreement.

After we eat, Jade and I walk back to my car. She grabs my hand. “I’m so proud of you. How are you feeling?”

“Happy. Ecstatic. Free. Like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.”

We stop at the car. She runs her hands up my chest. “Good enough for a pizza delivery? Extra anchovies?”

I grab her ass and squeeze it hard. “Can the delivery be on whatever playground I choose?”

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