Page 63 of Keeping You

“Good morning, Honey,” Mom says as I kiss her cheek.

I move and kiss Hannah’s cheek, my lips lingering a little longer as I whisper, “I missed you when I woke up.”

Her cheeks flush pink, and her smile turns shy.

“Whatcha makin’?” I ask.

“Pancakes with fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon,” Mom says.

“How can I help?”

Mom shakes her head. “We’ve got this. Why don’t you go see your dad. He’s on the back deck reading the paper.”

I do as I’m told and grab a cup of coffee before joining Dad. Dad doesn’t look up from his paper as I settle in the chair acrossfrom him. We sit in silence as I look out over the property. After a few minutes, he folds his paper and sets it on the table.

“You happy, Son?” Dad asks.

I set my coffee cup on the table and contemplate how to answer his question. “Right now. Yes.”

Dad nods. “And in general?”

“It’s complicated,” I say.

He turns his chair so that he’s facing me instead of the yard. “How’s that?”

“There’s just a lot going on. It’s stressful.”

He stares at me as he clasps his hands in front of him and rests them on his stomach, leaning back in his chair. “Stressed at work or in general?”

Dad’s really digging in with the questions. He’s usually the silent type. I’m not sure what’s changed.

“General.”

Dad sighs. “Son, what’s going on?

I continue looking over the yard, not able to look at him. “I’m not sure my marriage is going to last,” I finally say.

“Why? Don’t you love her?”

I lean forward and rest my arms on my thighs, rubbing the heels of my hands into my eyes. “More than anything, but the feeling isn’t mutual.” I sigh. “We were drunk in Vegas when we got married. I woke up and thought I finally had a shot with the girl I’ve loved for years while she woke up pissed. When we got back to Vancouver, she told me she wanted an annulment right away. I convinced her to give me ninety days to show her we could work. It’s been forty-one days, and I’m not sure I’m any closer to convincing her.”

“I see,” Dad says, and it hurts to think I disappointed him. My parents raised me to respect women, and I do. I respect Hannah, even though keeping her in this marriage doesn’texactly show that, but I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I just gave up without a fight.

“After the ninety days, I’ll sign the papers if she wants, but I couldn’t not fight for her.”

“You’ve always loved hard, Grayson. We’ve watched it with how you love your sister, mother, and I, and we saw it with Rebecca. Just remember to be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. Your family will always be here for you, no matter what happens.”

I release a deep breath, absorbing his words. Him saying I love hard isn’t wrong. I’d do anything for my family. “Thanks, Dad.”

He stands from the table, clapping me on the shoulder, and says, “I love you, Son,” before heading inside.

Hannah comes outside, and when she’s standing in front of me, I grab her hand and gently pull her towards me until I can wrap an arm around her waist and pull her onto my lap. I need her close. She giggles lightly as she settles in.

“Breakfast is almost done,” she says.

I reach up and run my fingers through her soft hair before tucking it behind her ear. “Thank you.”

She smiles.

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