Page 95 of Replay

“Dad, don’t question yourself; you have always been the best to us. I couldn’t imagine being in such a one-sided relationship for so many years,” Nate says, and I see the genuine remorse he’s feeling.

“It was after the third offense a couple years ago that I finally decided to end it. I was no longer going to be the doormat to someone who didn’t care about me or my feelings.”

Berkley’s eyes overflow with tears. “I'm so sorry my father ruined your family. I can't believe you can even stand the sight of me after everything he put you through.”

I shake my head vigorously, “I could never blame you. We’re all just innocent bystanders to their toxic adultery,” I say, knowing all the times I was ready to call it quits, but I stayed and truly tried to make it work…for my kids.

I reach for her hand. “Plus, I knew from the day you and Nate met that you were something special, and I would never stand in the way of my son’s happiness.”

“I love you, Dad, so much. I'm sorry you had to suffer in silence all those years. You will always be my daddy. The first man I ever loved and the man I know will always be there for me.” Willow hops out of her seat, wrapping her arms around me.

“Listen, me telling you all this has nothing to do with making you feel bad for me. It was so you’d know why I never thought for a moment you weren’t mine. Because you’ll always be my baby girl.” Kissing her head, I try to hold back my own tears.

“All of you are my family, and I’m always here for you,” I say, looking at the other two, who are just as emotionally wrecked from the day.

“We’ve all had a long day. Let’s call it a night, okay?”

They all agree. Willow tells Nate and Berkley to go get some rest and that she’ll let Nola know he can come in. She gives me a long hug before heading out back. I make my way to my front porch and sit, digesting the reality of things. But instead of getting down from the turn of events, I count my blessings… I have amazing kids who I know can and will do anything they set their minds to. I’m finally free of Jane and all the heartache that came with her.And I feel like I’m finally ready to move on.

But my first focus is making sure my kids thrive and know their worth. My happiness with the right person will come…one day.

Twenty-Five

Itry my best not to make a sound as I slip out of bed, knowing Nate has got to be exhausted from his game and the heaviness of yesterday. Quietly, I creep downstairs, not wanting to wake anyone else up either.

Pouring myself a cold glass of water from the pitcher in the fridge, I notice movement on the screened in patio.

Nola and Willow are sitting across from each other with coffee cups in hand. Part of me doesn’t want to interrupt, but a bigger part of me wants to talk to Willow, one-on-one. So, I slide the glass door open and join them.

“Did you guys even sleep?” The bags under Nola’s eyes tell me the answer.

“There weren't any tattoo shops open, so Brody went for a midnight walk on the beach with me to clear my mind. We were just saying we should really go take a nap, at least.”

I don’t miss the way she says Nola’s real name. A name I’ve very rarely heard anyone even mention, much less use when speaking to him.

I smile at them both and look at Nola. “I can drive back to school later so you and Nate can rest.” I’m so glad Nola was here last night. I think it was important for Willow to have someone not in the family to talk to about the shit that went down yesterday.

Willow’s eyes fill with emotion as she looks at me and my chest aches with pain for her.

“Brody, if you want to go take a nap in my bed for a little bit before y’all head back, you can.”

He stands, likely reading that we need a minute together.

“Upstairs, second door on the right,” she says, passing her empty coffee mug into his waiting hand, and he gives her a reassuring wink before heading in.

The door closes behind him, and Willow is the first to speak.

“So how are you feeling about all this? I don’t think it really hit me what it meant for you and your childhood until last night.” Her sad eyes break my heart, and I’ll never forgive our parents for putting her through this.

“Willow, don’t worry about me. My fairy tale childhood was shattered the day I lost my mother. And then again, when I found out about his affairs. If anything, you’re the best thing I’ve discovered during the whole mess.”

She smiles, but it doesn’t quite hit her eyes. “It’s so crazy. I have always looked up to you and considered you as my sister. Thirteen-year-old me wanted to be just like you. And now toknow all this time, we were more alike than I ever could have imagined.”

I squeeze her knee. “I loved you from the moment I met you. I think our souls knew what we didn’t.”

“I just don’t want you to resent me or cause more problems for you and Nate. He filled me in on the real reason he broke up with you during the drive here last night, and it only added fuel to the fire I’m feeling toward my mom and your dad.”

“I promise you, Will, not one fiber of my being resents you. I love you too much for that,” I say, standing and reaching for her. She joins me, and we immediately embrace, just holding each other.

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