Page 43 of XOXO, Summer
The heart that was shattered slowly pieces itself back together. I hug him. “Go straight there, okay?”
“I will.” Glancing at Daniel, he says, “Promise.”
Ruffling his hair this time, Daniel says, “On your way, kid. Adventure awaits.”
Roman takes off running before Daniel finishes speaking.I come stand next to him, pressing my head to his arm, and say, “Dolly’s meeting him halfway.”
Daniel’s arm comes around me, and he kisses my head. “Thank you.”
“I imagine it’s hard to let them try new things, to venture farther from us than they have before.”
“It’s good to do it in a safe way. He can’t do this in the city. Mia and I won’t let him.” There’s a scoff that’s lacking humor, and he says, “I was running all over the place by myself at his age. Shoplifted my fair share of candy and soda with friends I shouldn’t have been hanging around with. By nine, I was busing it to games on my own.” Though I desperately want to see his face, his grip is firm, holding me in place.Purposeful? Probably.
Other than anger and temper tantrums, I’m certain most hockey players aren’t used to showing much emotion. Daniel does with me. He gives me these small peeks into his past and feelings. It makes me feel more connected to him.
Exhaling a deep breath, he shifts his head and then releases me enough to aim his eyes out at the ocean. I’m mesmerized by it every day, fortunate to have it in my backyard. I can’t imagine life being lived without the immensity of this beauty in my life.
He crosses his arms over his chest. “I made the mistake of telling my dad I was bored when I was six.” No good story begins like that . . . my stomach drops at the thought of what’s to come. He peeks over at me. “He beat the shit out of me with my hockey stick and made me practice two extra hours that night without any dinner.” Sickness gnaws at my insides, leaving my heart feeling raw and aching. “I was never bored again. My son will never know pain like that. I’ll set the world on fire before I let anyone harm him.”
Reaching up, I pat his back gently like he did for Roman.Otherwise, I’d be taking him in my arms. It’s what I would want, but what does Daniel need?Screw it.I’ll take the lead and wrap myself around him from behind, resting my cheek against his back, and hold him.
A breeze picks up, cooling us down, and the closeness soothes me. Listening to his steady breathing becomes a guidepost that he’s okay, giving me the reassurance I need. “Daniel?” He hums in reply. He co-parents with Roman’s mom, but they aren’t on the same page when they’re apart. He’s on his own, fighting against what he was shown about what a father is and winning that battle. “You’re a good dad for breaking the cycle.”
He turns, wrapping me up like a present in his arms. Holding me so tight that I can feel his heartbeat against my cheek, he rests his head on the top of mine, and whispers, “Take the offer, Summer.” I smile against him because that was said from the heart.
I’d been fighting against the charity he’d offered me because it felt like sacrificing my pride. I don’t want his sympathy. I wanted him to give it for other reasons than guilt. Even as a loan, if it comes from somewhere other than feeling sorry for me.
“You won’t regret it. I promise. You won’t.”
“I know.”
Pulling back, I want to see his face and those amazing eyes of his. When I do, I say, “Thank you. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the money back to you one day.”
“I don’t want it back. I see the magic in Mountain Laurel Cove like you do.” He lifts my chin. “If you can, I want you to keep this town just as it is.”
“I’m doing my best.” I hug him once more, closing my eyes and finally able to breathe again when my phonebuzzes. I let go and look at my phone. Smiling, I tilt my head back up for Daniel. “Roman is safely in Dolly’s care.”
“Good.”
Tapping my fingertips under his, I ask, “Are you as exhausted as I am?”
“Yeah, I should pack up to move my stuff over.”
We both turn toward the cottage. He picks up the bag, and we walk together. “I can help.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t have much. You’re tired. Why don’t you head back, and I’ll meet you over there in a little while.”
“You sure?”
“I won’t be long.”
Sometimes you get a sense someone needs time to themselves. This feels like one of those times. “I can take Roman’s bag.”
“It’s okay. I got it.”
I stop on the doormat outside after he enters the house. “Okay.” I rock back on my heels and watch as he heads for the bedroom. Thumbing over my shoulder, I say, “I’m going then.”
Turning to leave, I take two steps before he calls, “Wait, Summer.”
