Page 80 of Wilde Hearts

“You don’t have to apologize, Lynn,” Ensley said quietly. “I can’t even imagine how hard the thought of packing up his things would be.”

“Is there anything you’d like me to keep?” I asked.

My parents exchanged a look. I wasn’t sure if either was going to answer, until my father finally did.

“I don’t think so. Unless there’s something either one of you would like to keep.”

I nodded.

Ensley cleared her throat as she put her napkin down and stood. “Let me help you clean up the kitchen, Lynn.”

My mother waved her off. “No need, sweetheart.” She looked at me. “Are you going to do this today?”

I stood. “We can. Are you okay with that?”

She smiled softly. “Of course. I may try to join you, but…I can’t make any promises.”

I made my way around the small table and kissed my mother. “Don’t stress over it, Mom.”

My father reached for my hand. “Thank you, Colt.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to do this earlier. To take this on for you both.”

Placing her hand on the side of my face, my mother said softly, “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”

Turning to Ensley, I drew in a breath and slowly let it out. “I’m going to go to the basement to get the boxes.

She nodded, and started to help my mother clean up. “Let me at least keep busy while Colt gets the boxes.”

I left Mom and Ensley talking quietly as my father followed me downstairs. We carried the boxes up both sets of stairs and set them outside Grady’s room. He handed me the packing tape he’d grabbed, as well, to put the boxes together and secure them after they were full.

“Dad, are you okay?”

He nodded and wiped away a stray tear. “I’m fine, son. Just memories and regrets surfacing.”

I put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. I knew exactly what he was feeling, and I needed to tell him.

“I know how you feel, Dad. It’s why I ran away.”

“You didn’t run.”

I shook my head. “I did. I blamed myself for Grady’s death…and I know you do, as well.”

His eyes met mine.

“It wasn’t either of our faults.”

He closed his eyes. “I’ve tried to tell myself that every single day since, but I still can’t help but bear the blame. Did you know Grady wanted to be a pilot?”

My head drew back in surprise. “You knew that?”

He smiled. “Your mother did. She told me a few months after his death. If I’d only just let him live his own dreams and stop trying to form his future by forcing him to run this place.”

I wrapped my father in my arms and hugged him tightly. “Dad, please don’t blame yourself.”

Feeling his body shake with sobs nearly undid me. I wasn’t sure how long we stood there, me holding my father as he let his tears fall, but I wasn’t about to let go first.

When we heard Ensley approaching behind us, my father turned, allowing Ensley to move closer and hug him, as well.