On the Slopes of Tahoe (Love Along the Way #2)

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Rory

W illow decided after breakfast that we needed to spend the day in our pajamas watching movies and eating junk food. I’m not going to even pretend it wasn’t perfect. It’s only my second full day in Sydney and I feel like we’ve been going nonstop. It doesn’t help that I haven’t gotten much sleep the last two nights to help me adjust to the time zone, but you won’t catch me complaining.

Wes and Joss only made it about three hours before they turned up, also in pajamas, to crash our plans. I couldn’t have asked for a better day with the people I love.

Now, the bonfire burns bright, all of us wrapped in cozy blankets with drinks and discarded paper plates strewn about from the burgers Wes grilled for us.

Willow’s asleep in her chair, and I can’t blame her as a yawn stretches through me where I sit across Breck’s lap. It’s reminiscent of last night, but this time, instead of leaning back against the arm of the chair so we can talk, my head is tucked under his chin. His heart is beating a steady rhythm under my cheek.

“So, what happens now?” Wes asks from across the fire, like it’s the simplest question in the world.

Breck clicks his tongue, chastising his friend.

“What? I’m just curious. You invited us here—” Wes starts again.

“You invited yourself here,” I cut in with a smirk.

“Okay, true, but still. You’re all lovey-dovey over there, Willow looks happier than I’ve seen her in months, so…”

I tilt up my chin and Breck tilts his down. I can’t even speak, too caught up in the emotion, the love swirling around us.

“You’re leaving us, aren’t you?” Wes pouts, jutting out his bottom lip. My eyes meet his and there’s real sadness there.

Tears prick my eyes. I can’t answer. A small part of me wishes we could stay, but we all know what’s best, at least right now, and that’s a move to Tahoe.

“I’m sorry, Wes,” I say, my voice cracking.

“God, don’t apologize.” There’s a sheen of tears in his eyes now. “Don’t apologize for doing what makes you happy, Rory. You deserve all the happiness. All of it. I can’t imagine a better man to make you happy.”

I hear a sniff behind me—goodness, we’re all a mess.

“I tried to convince her we needed to stay here for you,” Breck deadpans, and I smack his chest.

“You did not! Look at you throwing me under the bus to try and stay in my brother’s good graces.”

“Well, he has to or I’ll beat him up for going after my baby sister,” Wes jokes and I growl at him, garnering laughs from everyone. “Seriously though, Rory. You’ve given everything of yourself to everyone around you. God, I wish we could all be together, but this isn’t about me—I mean, everything is always about me.” He chortles at his own joke. “But truly, I’m happy for you guys.”

“Thanks, Wessy,” I say through my tears and he barks out a laugh, immediately lightening the mood.

Breck squeezes me tighter against him. “It won’t be right away. There are details we’re going to have to work out here. Willow needs to finish this semester before we take her out of school again. We have to apply for visas and…” Breck blows out a breath. The weight of all that needs to be done is heavy on both of us, but mostly on him.

“There’s a lot to figure out,” I say, kissing the stubbled underside of his jaw. “But we’re figuring it out, together.”

“Yeah, we are.” Breck leans in to kiss my nose.

“We’re here to help. Whatever we can do to make this easier. Do you—” Wes looks around the yard. “Do you have a plan for the house yet?”

“That’s one of the bigger obstacles. I don’t know if I should sell it or rent it or…”

“What if I have a solution to that particular obstacle?” Wes says and looks at Joss, who places her hand over his.

“Oh yeah?” Breck offers skeptically.

“Would you consider selling it to us?” Wes asks.

“What?” Breck and I say in unison.

“Yeah. We’ve been thinking about moving out of the city. We love our apartment, but—” Wes stops and looks at Joss again.

“He’s trying to knock me up, and if it works, we want something bigger. Somewhere with space,” Joss says, not beating around the bush.

“Really!” I yell, running over to my brother and sister-in-law to wrap them both in a hug. It’s awkward with them still sitting in their chairs, but I don’t care.

“Yeah,” Wes says, a cheeky grin pulling his lips.

“It’s new, so don’t get too excited. Regardless, we love this house. And that way, you’d always have somewhere to come back to when you visit.”

Breck joins our hug, making it even more ridiculous. “I think that’s the absolute perfect solution. I just—” His eyes tear up. “I can picture you guys here. I can’t imagine a better place for you to raise your own brood of children.”

“Child… Let’s start with a child and see how it goes,” Joss jokes.

“You’re going to be a great dad,” I say, hugging my brother tighter. Then I stand and look at Joss. “And you’re going to be the best mom. I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Speaking of parents,” Wes says, bringing the celebratory energy to a grinding halt. “I talked to Mom and Dad last week.”

“Both of them—at the same time?” I say, incredulous.

“Yeah. They conference-called me from the office.” He rolls his eyes.

“And…” I say, nerves fluttering in my stomach. They’ve continued to invite me to dinners, and even though I haven’t gone, it has opened a small channel of communication between us, making it finally feel like the ball is in my court.

“They—well, I think they’re finally seeing the writing on the wall for what their relationships with us will look like if something doesn’t change. It was the first time I’d talked to them since they kicked you out.”

“What did they say?” I ask, chewing at my thumbnail. I never meant for my issues to come between them and Wes.

“Mom said she misses you, misses me. Dad was more emotive than I’ve heard him in a long time, maybe ever. He said he’s been watching the children he raised live their lives completely separate from him and he’s starting to see he might be the problem. That they might be the problem.”

I’m stunned into silence. Breck’s hands wind around my middle.

“I’m not telling you what you should do here,” Wes continues. “I honestly don’t know how I feel about it either. I know my relationship with them was always better than yours, and I’m sorry for that.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but it doesn’t make it okay. I think it might be worth talking to them though, hearing them out. It doesn’t mean you have to forgive them or allow them into your life, but I think they’re sincerely taking note of how their actions have affected us both.”

Joss gives me a sad smile. “You know I don’t have any relationship with my mom. That was my choice, and it was the right one. My dad though, he made some terrible decisions, but he’s also done everything he can since he’s been back in my life to make up for them. Some people deserve a second chance, others don’t. I agree with Wes though. It might be worth at least talking to them before making your decision.”

I lean into Breck and feel his arms tighten. “You know I’m not a huge fan of your parents,” he says, “but I would do anything to be able to have a relationship with mine. Maybe they’ll surprise you, or maybe they’ll be exactly who you know them to be. Either way, you’ll have your answer.”

I turn in his arms to face him. “What about you? And Willow? If they’re in my life then they’re in yours—hers. How do you feel about that?”

His face softens and he ghosts his lips over mine. “I love you.”

“Breck,” I say with mock exasperation. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“If they’re really set on changing, then I can give them the chance to do so. I honestly haven’t thought about Willow having grandparents in her life before. My parents are gone and Talia’s were never in the picture. If I can choose for her to have more people who love her, I will. Always. If they won’t accept her, then that’ll change things, but we can cross that bridge if we come to it.”

“She’ll never feel rejected by another person if I can help it,” I say, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

“I love you so much, woman.” I feel his words all the way to my toes. “How did I get so lucky?”

“You got lucky with me first, mate,” Wes says. “If you didn’t know me, you wouldn’t have her, so you just remember that when you start pawing at her, would you?” He tries to hold a straight face but fails and we all fall into a fit of laughter.

“Fair point,” Breck says with one last chuckle against my neck. “You don’t have to decide anything about your parents right now, but it’s something to think about, yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ll think about it.”

The next two weeks pass in a blur of school drop-offs and pick-ups, beach trips, coffee runs, touristy fun around the city, cozy dinners, and bedtime stories. Also with Breck and I making love at every opportunity.

He took it as his personal mission to have me on as many surfaces of the house as he could. “Making up for lost time,” he said as he bent me over the back of the couch one afternoon while Willow was still at school, or “taking advantage while I can” when he pressed me against the shower wall and lifted me so my legs wrapped around his middle.

In the midst of it all, we talked. And talked. About everything and nothing. About how we would make this move work, what our plans would be when he and Willow got their visas and could officially move to the States.

The rest of the in-between we spent with Wes and Joss. I visited Harbour Grounds nearly every day—the coffee shop Joss’s best friend Jaz owns. We spent many mornings on the beach—at least when Breck could haul me out of bed. I’m not a morning person, and he’s already said he’ll have to figure out a way to fix that.

I took a couple of surf lessons and despite being extremely comfortable on a board on the snow, me and a board in the ocean didn’t jive as well as I expected. Looks like we’ll have to track down some California waves this summer once he and Willow arrive so I can practice some more.

We went to the zoo, and to see Guys and Dolls at the Opera House. Breck and Wes showed me around the University of Sydney and all their old haunts from college. Every day was filled with something new, creating memories. We filled the time to the brim because we knew today was coming.

We’re packed into Breck’s ute, headed for the airport. Willow’s been a sniffling mess all day, clinging to me in one way or another. As the airport looms nearer, I’m right there with her.

Wes insists we park and go in. No goodbyes on the curb today. The minutes tick by too fast. The baggage line empties too quick. Before we can fully process, we’re at security. Two weeks, gone in a flash, and I’m missing them already. Even though they’re still standing in front of me.

“Why can’t we go with you now?” Willow asks, her eyes red-rimmed and voice breaking on the words.

“I wish you could, Bug,” I say, leaning down to kiss her head.

“We talked about this, sweetheart. We have to get some things sorted before we can go, but it won’t be too long. You’ll finish your term here and I’ll get our paperwork together. Then we’ll go, yeah?” Breck tries for an encouraging tone, but it falls flat, even to my ears.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to wait.” She pouts and leans against me.

Wes and Joss surround me and Willow, recognizing they won’t get a hug if they wait for her to let go.

“I’m going to miss you, Roars.” Wes pulls me against him. “We’ll start talking about potential trips we can make to see you guys soon. Christmas at the very least.” He kisses my temple.

“Travel safely and let us know when you get home, okay?” Joss says and hugs me tight.

“Keep my brother in line, and keep an eye on these two for me,” I say back to her.

“I’ll do my best,” she says with a wry grin.

“I love you both. Gah—I’m going to miss you. Thank you for this trip. Thank you for everything.” I’m nearly crying now and I really wanted to hold it together.

“Love you too, sis,” Wes says. He and Joss step back to give me a moment with Breck and Willow.

Breck holds my face between his hands, his forehead pressing against mine. “I love you. Thank you for being brave and coming for us.”

I choke on the sob that wants to break free at his words. “I-I love you too. Both of you.”

“We’ll see you in two months. It’ll fly by, and you have your shoot for Sacramento Weddings next week. You’ll barely notice our absence.”

“Are you saying that for me and Willow or for yourself?” I chide him with a watery chuckle.

He nudges me playfully, and I absorb his light, his smile, his positivity. “Fly safe, and let me know when you land in Los Angeles and when you get home. You’ve checked with Jamie about picking you up?”

I nod. “Everything will be fine.”

“I know it will.” He kisses me then, sliding one hand into my hair while the other wipes away a tear on my cheek. I step back and Breck has to peel Willow’s lanky arms from around my waist.

I drop down to my haunches and take a deep breath. “I’ll see you soon, okay?” She nods, and the look in her eyes breaks my heart. “Will you take good care of your dad for me?” She nods again. “I knew you would.” I lean forward and kiss her forehead.

She leans in to whisper in my ear, the same words from when we said goodbye in Reno. “We love you, Rory.”

And I whisper back into hers the same words I said last time: “I love you both too.”

An hour later, I’m sitting at the gate waiting for my flight when my phone rings. Jamie’s name flashes on the screen. Shoot, I forgot to call him.

“Hey you. I’m sitting at my gate. Still good to pick me up in about a day?” I chuckle, but he doesn’t immediately respond. “Jamie?”

“I’m here.” His voice sounds strained, distant.

“Okay, good… I thought I lost you. So, are we good for tomorrow?”

“That’s actually why I’m calling. I’m at the airport.”

“A little early there, Jameson?” I hike my bag up my shoulder and press the phone closer to my ear.

“I’m at the airport because I’m getting on a plane.” I can imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose under his glasses, and I pause my movements. Something’s wrong .

“What? Why? To where?” I ask in quick succession.

“Scotland. My grandfather is sick.”

“Oh my gosh, Jamie. I’m so sorry. I—is he going to be okay?”

“It doesn’t sound like it. I can’t not go. It’s been too long since I was there.” There’s guilt in his voice. He blows out a breath. “I can’t pick you up tomorrow.”

“I’ll figure something out.” That’s the last thing on my mind.

“I’ve got you covered. I parked my car in the garage at the airport. I’ll text you the location. The keys are in the center console. You know the code to get in so you should be all set to drive it home.” He’s all business now, and without being able to see him, I can’t pick up on his emotions.

“Are you alright?”

“I don’t know. I just… I need to be there. I coordinated with Patrick and he can cover all the elopements I was supposed to do for the next month. I don’t really know how long I’ll be gone yet. I’m sorry I’m going to miss the one for the magazine.”

“It’s okay, Jamie. We’ll figure it out.”

“So, did you get the guy?” Jamie asks. There’s so much about his history in Scotland he doesn’t talk about and I don’t want to push, so I let him change the subject.

“I did.” I dip my chin and smile. “He and Willow are moving to Tahoe. Breck’s hoping they’ll be there in time for fireworks on the Fourth.”

“I’m happy for you, Rory. I really am. He’s a good man. He’s good for you. And Willow—she’s a great kid. I couldn’t have asked for a better family for you.”

Family . My own family.

“You’re my family too, you know?”

“I know, but this is the one you’ve always deserved,” he says, the words choppy with emotion. I wish I could hug him right now.

“Thanks, Jamie.”

“I better go. They’re getting ready to board my flight to LA. I wish we were going to be there at the same time so I could hug you. You’ll let me know when you get home?”

“I will. You let me know when you get to Scotland, okay? Your grandparents are on Skye, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Take a picture on the ferry to Skye and send it to me. I’ve always wanted to go there,” I say, imagining it.

“Maybe you’ll have to take a trip there someday.”

“Someday,” I say dreamily. “Fly safe, Jamie.”

“Fly safe, Rory.”