Page 87 of Ice Ice Maybe
What did he mean by that?
Mom patted his arm. “Did the doctor tell you that you need to make some changes to your lifestyle?”
Dad nodded solemnly. “He did, and I agree.”
I crossed my arms. “How come when we told you, you ignored us, but when the doctor told you, you agreed?”
He shrugged. “I should have listened to you. And I’ll tell you something, it’s funny what can pass through your mind in the back of an ambulance as you’re contemplating if you’re going to die. You wonder when you stopped appreciating the little things in life, the things all around you. The smell of fresh-cut grass, laughter, a bowl of popcorn and a classic movie, even the sound of birds singing in the morning. It shouldn’t take such a drastic event to realize that time is a more precious commodity than anything money can buy.” He paused, his expression serious. “I’m going to make some big changes, which includes reducing my stress. I’ve already decided I’m going to sell off a few companies. I also want to be more involved in the Sea Lions Foundation, if you don’t mind, Zena.”
“Of course, Dad,” I said, touched. “I’d love that.”
“I must also mention that I’m terribly embarrassed I skipped the last three family vacations because of work,” he added. “That ends today. We’re going to plan the biggest vacation you could ever imagine, and we’ll leave the day after the hockey season ends. I promise.”
Mom’s face lit up. “Oh, Everett, that’s wonderful!”
“I agree!” I said.
I felt a warmth spreading through my chest. This health scare seemed to be exactly what our family needed to bring us closer together, like Mom suggested.
“Nolan, I’d like to speak to you in private,” Dad said.
Mom’s protective instincts flared. “Don't you start, Everett. Leave him alone. He has done nothing but help us.”
Dad raised his hands in mock surrender. “It’s not what you think. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Besides, it’s quite obvious by now that Nolan can stand up for himself.”
I turned to Nolan, concern etched on my face. “We’ll be outside if you need me.”
Dad nodded. “Close the door behind you.”
As Mom and I stepped into the hallway, I couldn’t help but wonder what Dad was up to. “Any idea what he wants to talk about?”
Mom waved it off. “It doesn’t matter, boys will be boys. But now that we have some privacy, tell me what’s going on with you and Nolan. Are you in love?’
I felt a smile spread across my face, warmth blooming in my chest.
“There’s no doubt about it, even though I haven’t told him yet,” I admitted. “I don’t know how it’s even possible. This is crazy.”
Mom’s expression softened. “Remember that your Grandma Alice and Grandpa Chris fell in love on their first date, and they’re still going strong after sixty years. Don’t overthink it. Love doesn’t always follow a set timeline or pattern, sweetheart. Sometimes it sneaks up on you, and when it’s right, it clicks into place.”
“Well, you know Grandma and Grandpa inspire me every day,” I said, then glanced at the door, curiosity gnawing at me. “I really want to know what they’re talking about.”
Mom chuckled. “Relax, honey. I’m sure it’s nothing earth-shattering. And like your father said, Nolan’s more than capable of holding his own.”
It was only a few minutes later when the door opened, and Nolan stepped out looking shell-shocked as he closed the door behind him.
“Are you okay? What happened?” I asked, alarm rising in my voice.
Nolan glanced back at the door, confusion written all over his face. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before finally speaking.
“Did Mr. Dalton hit his head when he fell?” he asked.
“No, why?” I pressed.
Nolan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Your father knows about us, that we have feelings for each other. He also asked what my intentions were with you.”
I groaned, covering my face. “I can’t believe he did that.”
“That sounds like Everett, always protective of his baby girl,” Mom said.
