Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“No way is she not getting renewed.”
“That’s what I told her, but she’s never had the feeling of being secure. From what she’s told me, she’s never had anyone long-term to stand beside her.”
“Is that person going to be you?”
“Yes.”
“I assume you’ve told her that?”
“Yeah, I told her. She’s worried that both our hearts will be broken if she has to leave Willow River.”
“Too late for that?” Dad guesses.
“Pretty much.” I huff out a laugh.
“Told you I was good at this.” He smirks.
“Then tell me what to do, Dad. How do I know when to quit or keep fighting? I know she needs time. I can give her time. I’ve been giving her time, but also not. I’m trying to show her I’ll keep showing up. I’ve told her that whatever happens, we’ll figure it out together. She’s worried about taking me from my family. She’s worried about breaking my heart and hers. She’s scared, and it keeps me awake at night. Tell me, Dad. How do I know how long to fight? Forever?”
“Depends. What does forever look like to you? Before you answer that, I want you to picture yourself struggling financially. I want you to think about starting a family. Consider the good times and the bad.”
I nod. A lifetime flashes before my eyes, and without him telling me, I know where he’s going with this. No matter what scenario I imagine, it’s the same outcome. The same pillar of support is standing next to me.
Fuck. I really am in love with her.
“I can see it all over your face, but tell me. Who’s with you? Who’s weathering the good times and the bad with you, Rushton?”
“Crosby.” I whisper her name, my voice gritty. I knew I loved her, but this, it’s more. I don’t know why, but it feels like more. “We’re together, but we’re not together,” I tell him. “She’s mine. I’ve told her as much. I’ve told her I’ll wait, but she says we need to see how her job turns out.”
Dad nods. “You love her harder, son. That’s the best advice I can give you. You keep showing up, and you erase every doubt and every insecurity she has. However, to answer your question, you convince her that being together is all that matters. You show her that no matter what life throws at you, staying together is what matters.”
I nod. I watch as Crosby laughs at something Palmer is saying, and I know that she’s worth the fight. She’s worth all the love I have to give her. “I love her.” I don’t mean for the words to be spoken out loud, but I also don’t want to take them back.
“I know you do, son. She might not be able to say the words, but she loves you too. She wouldn’t search you out like she is right this moment if she didn’t.” He pauses. “You never want to ask yourself what if. You don’t want that hanging over your head, and you don’t want regrets. Show her that love. All will work out as it should.”
I turn, and sure enough, Crosby is watching me. She smiles and lifts Remi’s hand to wave, and I feel that smile touch something deep inside me that’s reserved just for her. “Love her harder,” I mutter. Dad grips my arm in a reassuring squeeze before walking away and fussing at Brooks for taking an old man’s seat.
It’s funny how a short conversation with my father has me seeing clearly. I knew I was willing to go the distance, but there was always worry in the back of my mind that I was pushing her too hard.
A few minutes later, Ramsey steals Remi from Crosby, and she excuses herself to come to me. At least, I assume that’s what’s going on since she’s headed my way where I’m still standing in the corner by the window. As soon as she’s within my reach, I snake an arm around her waist and pull her into me.
“Rush,” she whispers.
“They all know how I feel about you, Crosby. I don’t know if you’ve figured it out yet, but there’s not much you can hide in this family.”
“I hear Brooks and Palmer did a pretty good job,” she sasses.
I nod. “They did, which is why everyone has been doubling down on getting in the other’s business.”
She tilts her head back and chuckles. “I think that’s just the Kincaid way.”
“You’re probably right,” I confess. I hold her a little closer, and she comes willingly, resting her head on my chest. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Thank you for including me. This has been really nice.”
“You know what else would be nice?”
“What’s that?”
“For you to be here for every holiday.”
“Rush.”
“For every Sunday dinner, for every get-together, I’d want you right here.”
“In this very spot?” she teases, trying to lighten the moment.