Page 62 of Double Booked

Everything. He stared at his dad over the mug. “Okay. I’ll do it on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“That you call Mom.”

“No. Uh-uh.”

“Dad.”

“It’s too late for us.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I thought she was dating someone.”

“That was six months ago. She hasn’t dated anyone since then.”

“She’s better off without me.”

“I don’t think so.” He’d suspected his mom still loved Robert, and now he knew it went both ways. Somehow, they’d lost their way, but maybe they’d get another chance.

“I’ll think about it,” Robert finally said.

Cole sighed, knowing it was all he could ask for. He slugged down the rest of the coffee. “Do you have plans today, because I could stay for a while?”

“I’m due on a job in about an hour,” Robert replied, glancing at the kitchen clock.

His dad was a retired builder, but he still helped out a friend who owned a home improvement business.

“Okay. I’ll be in Estes Park for two more weeks, so maybe we can get together again before I leave.”

“Maybe I’ll get a chance to meet Eden,” Robert said, wiggling his bushy eyebrows.

“Maybe.”

Robert stood. “I hate to rush you, but I have to get ready for work.”

“Right.” Cole took his mug to the sink and rinsed it out. Then his dad walked him to the front door.

There was an awkward pause, and they just looked at each other. Then Robert stuck out his hand. “Thanks for stopping by.”

Cole shook his hand, noticing how rough and calloused it was. Robert had always been a hard worker, and he hadn’t appreciated it until now. “Thanks for listening.”

“Anytime. I mean that.”

Cole nodded.

“Now, get out of here and go get your girl!”

Cole laughed, the sentimental moment gone. Driving away, he thought about his dad’s advice. Was a relationship with Eden doable? How would it work exactly? Then, he realized he was forgetting the biggest question of all. Did she want a relationship with him, too?

Suddenly, he was in a huge hurry to return to the cabin and find out. He hadn’t been this nervous since he’d asked his high school crush to homecoming. She’d turned him down though, so hopefully, that wasn’t a bad omen. He pressed on the gas, wishing he’d never left that morning. On the other hand, the visit with his dad had been surprisingly uplifting.

Hearing Robert admit his regrets made him determined not to make the same mistake. He was going to tell Eden exactly how he felt, and hoped like hell she felt the same way.

Twenty-One

Eden awakened to silence. Instinctively, she knew that Cole had already left the cabin. It wouldn’t have been different from any other morning, except it was. Before, he’d been going off to work, but now he was avoiding her.