Page 112 of One Sweet Day I Found You

Dr. Bingham slapped Nick on the back. “That’s wonderful, Nick. You should’ve told us sooner.”

“Sorry,” Nick said quietly into Courtney’s ear as everyone returned to his or her seat. Courtney waved it off.

Nick looked at his mother. She shook her head as if scolding him for not mentioning it earlier but she seemed to be getting over the shock. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I’m very happy for you both.”

Nick took Courtney’s hand again and addressed the group. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you all, soon.” His face probably matched Courtney’s rosy color by now.

Victoria seemed to be enjoying the whole exchange. Nick shot her a glance, shaking his head. That woman—pulling the strings.

Courtney smoothed her shirt and spoke up, addressing Nick’s mother and father. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before. I feel silly telling this, but I actually didn’t realize you were Nick’s family, until…” She looked at Josie. “Well, until Kenny asked about him. And then Josie started telling you all about the coast guard rescue, and then I wasn’t sure what to do.”

Julia laughed, waving it off, and Nick looked over at Josie on the other side of the room.

“You told themwhat?” Nick said, trying to keep a playful tone to his voice. The day just kept getting stranger.

“I told them about the rescue! John was so proud of you, Nick. He said it was rough out there. You really impressed him.”

“Oh—wow.” Nick smiled appreciatively. “Thanks. Yeah, that was quite a day.”

Dr. Bingham was encouraged. “It sounds like you’re doing some great work around here, son. Are you able to use your medical training very much on these rescues?”

Once again, Nick’s head began to spin. Did he detect a note of approval in his father’s voice?

“Yeah, all the time,” Nick answered quickly. “It’s been a pretty busy summer. I’ve been cutting back my hours at the shop a little so I can take on more hours with the team.”

Should he tell them his news? He hadn’t even told Courtney yet. Nick glanced around at his family.

Oh, why not? He might as well come out with it. The conversation was already over the top.

“Actually, I was offered a job this week with the local emergency services. I mean—a paid job, in Anderson Cove. They need someone to start in mid-September.”

Everyone looked stunned once again. Courtney turned her head and stared at him, eyes wide. She squeezed his hand. “They did?”

Nick nodded. Victoria and Josie seemed delighted. Kenny and Gloria nodded with support. His father looked skeptical.

Nick finally rested his gaze on his mother. He could see the torment on her face, although she tried to hide it. She must’ve really had her heart set on him returning to Chicago. Nick shot her an apologetic look.

“And have you accepted, Nicholas?” Victoria asked sweetly.

Nick glanced at Victoria and then at his mother. Courtney squeezed his hand and he squeezed hers back. “I have.”

* * *

The room went quiet again.

Courtney watched Dr. Bingham glance at his wife and then back at his son. The older gentleman sighed heavily then finally spoke. “I’ll admit, Nick, it’s not what I wanted for you.” He ran a hand across his cheek. “But maybe what I want isn’t what’s right for you. I see now that I should’ve trusted you, son. You’re obviously making good decisions without any help from us.”

Courtney held her breath.

Dr. Bingham went on. “And you’re obviously happy here.” Nick nodded vigorously, still holding Courtney’s hand. “So, I guess I just need to let you live your life on your own terms.”

Nick finally relaxed and Courtney tried to hold back tears.

Dr. Bingham stood and walked over. Nick stood up and the man pulled his son in for a tight hug then gave him a confident slap on the back. “I’m proud of you, son. Congratulations.”

Nick looked relieved. “Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate that.” He grabbed his dad’s hand again for another quick shake.

Kenny stood up again and went in for a hug next. “I’m sorry I got on your case before, Nick. I’m really happy for you.”

Mrs. Bingham sniffled and finally, sighed heavily. It might take her some time, but Courtney guessed she’d come around to the idea that her younger son had built a whole life for himself here, in which he was happy and fulfilled. She seemed to love Nick more than she could express. She stood up and walked over then held out her arms. “Oh, Nick.”

Nick reached out and took his mother in his arms, holding her there for a few moments. Finally, Julia let go. “I’m so proud of you, honey. We’re going to miss you, though.”

Nick nodded.

Kenny and Gloria offered their approval, and Courtney turned for a look at Victoria, who was watching, enrapt, as if this was all playing out just as she’d hoped. Courtney beamed at her and Victoria returned the sentiment.

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