Page 38 of Bear's Midlife Bridesmaid
His older brother shook his head. “There was never really any question, you know. It’s your house.”
“But it’s also in clan territory,” Jace reminded him. “I’m not going to make a decision like that without checking in, both with you and everyone else by proxy.”
“It’s fine with me, and it’s fine with everyone else,” Dylan assured him. “Just let us know what help you need when the time comes.”
“Thanks, man. I will.” Jace stood.
“Onequestion.”
“Hm?”
Dylan tipped his head slightly. “What does she think about all of this?”
Jace rubbed the back of his neck. “She doesn’t know yet. It’s a surprise.”
“Just this part or all of it?”
“All of it,” Jace clarified.
“So, you’ve been running around like crazy, checking in with everyone and making arrangements, and you don’t even know if she’s going to go for it?” Dylan asked.
Jace shrugged. “What can I do? I need answers. I need a plan. If Erin isn’t wild about the idea, we can come up with something else. But I want to go to her with at least most of the loose strings tied up.”
“You’re a noble man, Jace. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Dylan stood and came around the desk. He put an arm around his brother and pounded his back. “I wish you all the luck in the world, but I don’t think you’ll need it.”
“Thanks.” As Jace said his goodbyes and left, he knew his brother was right. He’d already used up all his luck in meeting Erin. The rest was going to work out one way or another. He’d promised her it would, and he’d meant it.
The short walk back to his house was justenough time to make another phone call. “Hey, Ian. Have you had a little time to think?”
“I didn’t really need it, Dad,” Ian reminded him.
“Yeah, but big decisions always need time. Even if you’re excited about it, even if you think it’s perfect, it’s good to think about it,” Jace reminded him.
Ian laughed. “As if you’re taking so much time!”
“I’m older and more experienced,” Jace retorted with a smile.
“Okay, Dad. Whatever. I’m completely cool with it. In fact, I’m so happy that I feel a little bad about it. I really just want to make sure thatyou’reokay with it.”
“It was my idea, wasn’t it?” Jace had raised his boy right. Ian had plenty to be excited about, but he was still pausing to consider everyone else involved.
“Fair enough. I just want you to be sure.”
“I am,” Jace confirmed. There were plenty of times in his life when he hadn’t been sure, when he’d only been making his best guess. This time, he knew it was right. Yes, he still wanted Erin to be happy, but it felt good. It felt like the direction he was supposed to have been going his entire life, but he hadn’t known it until now. “I definitely am.”
“All right, then. I’m going to share the news with Bailey. I’ll talk to you later, Dad. Love you.”
“I love you too, son.” Jace hung up and blinked back the tears that threatened to emerge. Yes, he’d raised Ian right. Now, if all went the way he hoped, he’d have the chance to do that all over again.
Jace stepped through the back doorway of his house. He paused to look at the kitchen and living room and paid attention to how the rail felt under his hand as he climbed the stairs. The carpet on the second floor was soft under his feet. When he reached the bedroom, he remembered how much he liked the way the light angled in the windows from the beach. What he liked most about this room, however, was right in the middle of it, fussing with a suitcase.
“I think the zipper is stuck again,” Erin said with a frown.
“Can I take a look?” Jace fiddled with the zipper for a moment, freeing the bit of fabric it’d managed to get caught in. “There.”
“Thanks. Just when I had everything about ready to go, my luggage decided to fail on me once again.” Erin had folded her clothes and put them in neat stacks on the bed next to her toiletries.
Her vacation was over, and it was time for her to go home. It felt like so much time had passed since she’d first stepped onto the yacht, yet it’d only beena week. “Your failed luggage has some interesting memories for me,” he cracked.
