Page 39 of Whispers of You
Holt shifted on the stool at the counter. “You can say whatever you need to, Dad.”
Nathan snapped his mouth closed and turned back to the TV.
Roan stared at his father. His eyes darkened as he took the man in, but he didn’t say a word either.
Lawson’s jaw worked back and forth as he stared at his boots.
What had happened to this family I loved so much? Had I been oblivious to them falling apart right under my nose? I knew that I wouldn’t let any of them talk to me about Holt, but they told me about their holidays, ones I knew Holt was present for, and I’d heard nothing but happiness and hilarious stories afterward. This tension had to be new.
Kerry threaded the towel through her fingers, casting a worried look in her husband’s direction. I gave her arm a quick squeeze and started for the couch. Looking down at Nathan, I inclined my head toward the hall. “Take a spin with me.”
“Haven’t you heard? I broke my leg.”
“Please,” I huffed. “That was months ago. And I know for a fact that your physical therapist wants you taking loops on solid ground several times a day. You going soft on me?”
Nash covered his laugh with a cough.
Nathan arched a brow. “You checkin’ up on me?”
“You’re more of a father than I’ve ever had. So sue me if I’d like to keep you around a little longer and stop you from biting everyone’s head off. It’s gonna be real cramped quarters if Kerry kicks your butt out, and you have to come stay with me.”
He tried to glare but it was no use, his lips twitched. It was so similar to how Holt’s fluttered it made my chest ache.
Nathan reached out a hand. “Help an old man up.”
I wrapped my fingers around his, but he really didn’t need my help.
“Seriously, Dad?” Nash gaped. “I’ve only asked you three times to walk with me since I got here.”
Nathan shrugged. “She’s better company than you.”
Grae chuckled. “I could’ve told you that.”
“Come on,” I urged.
Nathan and I moved down the hall, away from the soft sounds of some sports game on the television and the muted conversation. It would take us all the way to the opposite side of the house.
“They’re all talking behind my back now,” Nathan grumbled.
“Only because you gave them a reason.”
His jaw tightened.
“What gives? I’d think you’d be happy to have Holt back.”
“I am.”
His voice was gruff like he’d been a smoker in another life.
“You weren’t acting like a man thrilled to see his son.”
Nathan was quiet for a moment as we walked, his gait labored but better than the last time I’d been here. “He won’t stay.”
“So what?”
His head jerked up. “I want time with my son. I put up with him chasing every life-threatening situation he could find all over the globe, but I’m done with it. I don’t know how much time I’ve got left on this Earth, and I’d like to actually get to know my boy before I’m gone.”
My steps faltered, and I gaped at Nathan. “So, you’re…what? Trying to heckle him into staying?”
