Page 101 of The Science of Attraction

Paddy’s startled gaze found his wife’s.

She nodded. “It’s true. Everyone loves Zach. And the team love working for Jules. He knows what he’s doing and a lot of that is down to you. He’s an excellent manager, Paddy. Trust him. Trust what you taught him. He’s this station’s future if you let him be.”

I sent her a grateful smile, then looked back to my father who seemed to have aged a decade in the last minute alone. “And I’ll tell you something for free right now. If you can’t accept who I am, who Zach is, and whoever we choose to love, then the person running this station after today won’t be me. You won’t have to give me an ultimatum like you did Zach, because I’m giving you one instead. And don’t think for a minute I won’t follow through. That’s how much my future and Liam mean to me. Now, I’m done talking. I’m going to go and find Liam and tell him exactly what I’ve told you. The ball is in your court, Dad. Let me know when you decide.”

I held his gaze and tried to ignore the sympathy welling in my chest at the startled confusion written all over his ashen face. Finally, I broke away and circled the table to kiss my mother’s cheek. “Thanks, Mum. I’ll keep my phone close if you need me.”

She nodded and offered me a tiny smile, mouthing the words,Well done, which meant everything in the whole fucking world.

Zach took my place, embracing Mum while I went to stand beside my father.

I waited for him to look up.

He didn’t.

I sighed and squeezed his shoulder. “You know, you might not have been the easiest father in the world, but I always loved you and looked up to you. I grew up wanting to make you proud. I wanted to run this station exactly like you taught me, maybe even better. I think I’m doing that. IknowI’m doing that. But just because I love this place, don’t make the mistake of thinking I won’t walk away, because I will. I love him, Dad. Don’t make me choose because you won’t like the answer.”

Zach followed me out the door, but I didn’t stop until I reached his ute where my knees finally gave way. He caught me before I hit the gravel and hugged me fiercely to his chest.

Hopper appeared from nowhere and ran circles around the two of us, whining and uncertain, feeding off the strong emotions.

“I am so fucking proud of you.” Zach kept a firm grip on me. “You said everything I wished I could’ve said last year when I came out, and then some. And Mum? Holy shit. What a fucking legend.”

I finally found my feet and Zach let me step away. I wiped at my eyes and then crouched to reassure Hopper I was okay. His tan brows wrinkled as he licked at my face, but he did settle. “I learned from watching you, Zee.” I looked up. “You’ve been so fucking brave. And you had to do all of it on your own.”

“No, I had you,” he said softly. “And then I had Luke.”

“Maybe,” I acknowledged. “But I’m not sure I could’ve done this without knowing Liam was there. You didn’t have that. If Dadusedto be my hero,you’remy hero now.”

His eyes filled and he yanked me back into his arms just as raised voices drifted from the kitchen to the driveway. We both groaned.

“Jesus Christ, this family is a fucking mess.” Zach banged the side of his fist on my back and we swayed together, tight in each other’s arms. Then he pushed me away, keeping his hands on my shoulders. “Now listen up. Regardless of what comes next, I want you all to come stay with us tonight. Connor can have the couch. Man, that kid’s got some balls. Anyway, we’ll have a council of war and a beer or ten, okay?”

“As long as Liam agrees, then yeah, I’d like that.” I opened the door of the ute for him to get in and then shut it.

But he didn’t move, staring up at me through the open window, a deep crease between his brows. “Just to be clear, youaregoing to choose Liam, right?”

I snorted. “What do you think?”

He grinned. “I think that man has you wrapped around his little finger and it’s an excellent look on you both.”

“I think you’re right.”

His face grew serious. “Soooo, you really love him?”

I couldn’t stop the smile. “Yeah, shocker, I know.”

But he didn’t laugh. “No, it’s not. Liam’s a good man. And I think he’s bloody perfect for you. Anyone who can rattle my unflappable brother has my vote. I’m happy for you both.”

“Oh, he rattles me all right,” I admitted with a smirk, thinking of the man’s bossy streak in bed, which wasn’t something I was ever going to let my nosey brother know about. “I’ll text you.”

I stood back to let him go, but a sudden movement on the drive caught my eye, and I turned to see Marty making his way toward the woolshed. The old man hesitated and looked our way but then kept going.

Every hair on my body bristled with anger, for both my sake and Zach’s.

“Let him go,” Zach warned softly. “He’s not worth it.”

I wanted to. I really did. But Marty had been family to both of us from the day I was born. “I can’t,” I answered just as softly.

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