Page 45 of Sherry and Sunflowers
"Why didn't you say anything before now?"
Ollie punched his shoulder. "Because like I said, we're in it together. I don't need the work. You do." He chuckled. "And I'd get jealous if you were flying with someone else. We're a team, you and me. Always have been."
Reaves smiled. "Yeah, we are. But you can't let me hold you back. I…"
"Reaves." Ollie's tone was stern. "Didn't we just agree that you weren't going to do this?"
Reaves laughed. "I'm not sure that I agreed. But yeah."
"We can think about it and talk about it. See how things evolve with your dad. But no matter what happens, bud, our days of flying together aren't over. Even if we only go up in the Cirrus together on weekends, I'm not prepared to give it up. You, me, and the sky, okay?"
"Yeah, I'm not either." He couldn't imagine not flying with Ollie anymore. They'd gone through every step of their training together, from their initial private pilot's license all the way through to the jet ratings. "I don't want to give it up."
"And like I said, we won't have to. I guess all I'm saying for now is that I don't want you to feel like you're letting me down if you decide you need to step back from flying the DuPont jet—because if you do, I'll step back with you, and we'll figure something else out." He smiled slowly. "In fact, if you need part-time help running the House of St. James, I'm up for it."
Reaves laughed out loud. "You have Stratton Wines yourself, and you've never taken an interest in running the place. Why…?"
"You know damn well why. Or you should. It's not about the wines, or a business. It's about the people involved. I love your dad." He made a face. "And you. And it's not just about helping. It's about still being able to spend time together. Callie won't want me in her hair the whole time, so I'd probably be coming to hang out at your dad's place with you guys anyway. You might as well put me to work."
For the first time, that heavy weight in Reaves's stomach seemed to lighten a little. "We do make a good team. Maybe we could figure it out between us."
"I bet we could. But don't feel like you need to include me if you and Alara want to figure out how to do it between the two of you."
Reaves could only shake his head. "I can't even go near that thought. There are so many steps between here and there that need to be figured out. But even if it comes to that, and she wants to be part of it, there'll always be room for you, too."
"Okay. Well, on that note, I'm going to head home. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
"Yeah. Talk to you tomorrow."
~ ~ ~
"Prince Daddee!"
Alara looked up, startled. She'd been lost in her work since lunchtime. Zia had been playing quietly, making gifts, she said—but now she was hurtling, arms wide open, to where Reaves stood in the doorway. Her heart felt like it filled up and overflowed when he squatted down to greet Zia.
Zia flung herself at him so hard that she knocked him on his ass. The sight of the two of them laughing together on the floor made Alara's eyes sting.
"Hey, little buddy."
"Hi. I'm glad you're here." Zia glanced at Alara. "Mom's been working hard all day."
Reaves met her gaze, and she nodded. She wanted to tell him all about it, but she really needed to finish. She was so grateful to him when he got to his feet and scooped Zia up to sit on his hip.
"It looks like Mom still is working hard. Do you want to come water the sunflowers with me while she gets finished?"
Zia studied Alara closely. "Will you be okay if I go, Mom?"
"I will. I'll be fine. Thanks, Reaves."
He nodded.
"Do you think Grandpa Grape will want to come?" Zia asked, looking thoughtful. "He's not happy today."
Alara felt bad that she hadn't checked in with Charles herself, but Zia had trotted off to visit him a couple of times, surprising her each time when she returned. The look on Reaves's face did nothing to ease her concern.
"I just checked on him. We'll see him at dinner. He won't mind if we water the sunflowers without him this once."
"Okay. Let's go then."
