Page 20 of Take This Heart
“Your mom always said I had a head for hats.”He’d laughed when we brought up his hair.
I can’t breathe. My heart is pounding out of my chest. My ears are ringing.
“Dad,” I whisper.
He apologized before we all left.
“I didn’t want to tell you until I knew what we were dealing with. I’ve got a good doctor, and the odds are prettygood. I was going to tell you. I wanted all of you to hear it from me. I just wanted a little more time.”
“But—”
“I’m fine,” Dad insisted. His smile was steady, but his eyes were too bright. “And I’m glad you’re all here. There are probably a few things we should discuss.”
I’d burst into tears. Again.
Dad crossed the room and took me in his arms. “Goldie. I’ll be okay.”
I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head against his chest. “You don’t know that.”
“I will be,” he said. His hand cupped the back of my head. “Being by the water has been really good for me.”
“How long have you known?” Dylan asked, his eyes shining with tears.
“Just a month.”
“A month?” I whispered, crying harder.
The thought of him carrying that without us was crushing.
I pulled back just enough to see Noah, Tully, and Camden looking stunned.
Dad’s hand rested on my cheek and I focused on him. “It’s not a big deal, buttercup.”
But it is. It’s such a big deal. I’ve already lost one parent. I don’t think I can handle losing another.
As soon as I’m home, I check on my dad and then open the text thread that’s just my brothers and me.
It was so hard leaving him. What are we going to do? He got upset with me for trying to stay, so I finally left! But I feel awful about it.
Noah
Same. I’m still going over there every other day despite his grumbling about it. He’s going to be okay. We have to stay positive—for him and for each other.
I’m not feeling very positive right now.
Tully
I’m not either.
Camden
It seemed to really help boost his spirits that we were there. I’ve never hated being so far more than I do right now.
Dylan
I know. Going back to California tomorrow feels impossible, but he’s insisting that I don’t hand the business over just yet. I’m going to as soon as I can though.
I love you guys. Once I have this week behind me, I’ll be with him as much as I can.
