Page 141 of Unexpected Entanglement

“For someone my age, I’m lucky I only take three pills daily. You should see my friends. Some of them are carrying a pharmacy.” George laughed.

Rosemary smiled as she listened to his father. Chris watched the interaction between her and his father and wondered if something was going on.

When did Rosemary start sharing meals with Dad?

For all he knew, Rosemary had always respected the boundaries between an employer and an employee. And Dad had had no interest in other women since mom had passed. But he supposed when people shared living space for a long time, they might develop a bond that hadn’t been there before.

Like him and Rowan.

Chris felt the bond. He thought she’d felt the same. He couldn’t be that wrong, could he?

“You look like you have a lot on your mind, son,” George said.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Rosemary stood and gathered the empty dishes.

“Please, stay, Rosemary,” Chris asked. “I need to know something.”

Rosemary curiously sat back down.

“Do you have something to do with my father starting therapy?” Chris asked.

“I might’ve suggested it,” Rosemary confirmed. “When my Thomas passed four years ago, I was devastated. He was my world, you know. We weren’t blessed with children, but I never regretted it. I cherished my life with Thomas. So I had a hard time dealing with my loss. My friends suggested a widow/widower support group. It helped to share my grief with people who understand it.”

“Last spring, I came here to escape because I couldn’t stand being in the city anymore with all its demands. One day, I asked Rosemary where she was going. She asked me to join her. It led to me staying here, figuring out what I had repressed for years. However, seeing my depression was more acute. They referred me to my psychiatrist,” George finished.

“That’s fascinating.” Chris almost couldn’t believe it. “I’m so glad for you, Dad.”

But Chris had another question. “And when did you start sleeping together?”

The old dad would’ve roared at him. This finally happy-again dad grinned sheepishly as he covered the blushing Rosemary’s hand on the table.

“How did you figure that out?” George asked

Chris scoffed. “I see that magic blue pill left in the box.”

George guffawed. “The cat’s out of the bag.”

“Please.” Chris rolled his eyes at the beaming older couple. “Like I can’t see the secret glances, subtle touches, and the disappearing acts. You kids might think you’re discreet, but I have spidey senses.”

And I’ve just done the same thing in the past week.

“We might as well tell him.” George smiled at Rosemary before turning back to Chris. “This past year, Rosemary has shown me there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been in the dark for far too long, son. We bonded over our losses, and she reminded me there was still time to live and love.

“She brought light back into my life. Though I’m sorry I couldn’t find this light by myself, so I could be a better father for you when you were younger…” George trailed off.

“I’m just glad you’re happier, Dad,” Chris assured him.

They couldn’t go back in time, but he’d be damned if he didn’t embrace his dad now.

“I am happy. And now that you’ve agreed to take your place in The Sullens, I’ll retire as soon as possible because I can’t wait to start my life with Rosemary.” George looked at Rosemary’s face with adoration. “We are getting married.”

Chris had to pick up his jaw from the table. The news shouldn’t have shocked him, but it did. And the funny thing was, he didn’t question it at all. Not after the two weeks he had where he fell in love in no time at all.

Chris stood to hug Rosemary and his father, congratulating them on their newfound love and companionship. If they could find love at this later stage in life, maybe he shouldn’t give up on himself just yet.

“This calls for a celebration. Should we pop a bottle of champagne, Ro?” George asked.

“At nine in the morning?” Rosemary laughed.

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