When Sky Breaks: Burn & Break Duet Book 2

36. August

Foster groansas he eases into his recliner after enduring another grueling round of chemo yesterday. He doesn’t let you see the pain. He’s proud and tries to hide the grimace on his pale face.

In my early life, I learned to read people, their intentions, their vibes. Being ignored for most of my childhood meant I got good at navigating a room and those in it. Foster is the real deal. A genuine man who wants nothing but the best for his family, even if it means pretending he isn’t two steps from falling over with exhaustion.

“Can I get you anything? Water? Food?” Poor choice of words as his face turns ashen, the purple shadows under his eyes darkening.

“I’m okay. I’ll let you know. For now, how about you just sit down for a bit and talk with me?”

“Wouldn’t you rather lie down?” I attempt again to subdue the big guy.

“No, I’d rather sit and talk to you about my little girl.” He slices his eyes to me.

Oh.

I should’ve known this was coming. He didn’t call me to help just for fun this time. I respect the hell out of Foster, but even his piercing blue eyes worn down by chemo are intimidating.

Lowering myself to the couch, I prepare for the lecture. I deserve whatever he throws at me, but I’ll get him to understand I’ll fight for her, too.

“First off, how you holding up? I didn’t know your dad well, but I know losing a parent is never easy. I get that firsthand.”

The raw pain on Foster’s face stabs my gut. He lost his wife when Trek and I were kids, but the time didn’t diminish his feelings for her. A soft smile of understanding soon replaces it.

He came to my dad’s funeral, and his heavy, comforting arm around my shoulder while my mom shattered burned itself into my mind. For a brief second, I imagined it was my father’s arm.

“I’m doing all right.” I settle onto the couch and clasp my hands together. “My mom still struggles a bit with being alone, but I visit when I can, even though it’s hard. But we’ll be okay.”

Foster watches me, looking for a breach in my platitude. “Time will make the hole of grief smaller. It will never go away completely, but eventually, it won’t hurt as bad.”

Is that how it is with Sky and losing Chase? How Trek feels about his mom dying at such a young age?

“I hope you’re right,” I murmur before taking a quick glance out the window. “Please tell me Trek at least mowed your lawn since he’s been back?”

Foster chuckles lightly. “Yeah, he did. Don’t worry about it. But I appreciate all the help you’ve given me.”

I shrug and ping my eyes around the place. “I didn’t really do much.”

“Doesn’t change the fact you did.”

Since the day I found Foster leaning against a wall in the grocery store, looking worse for wear, I’ve inserted myself into his life. He didn’t know about the cancer yet, but he knew something was up. Tired and weak, these two things were not synonymous with the affable Foster Berry. Everyone loves and admires him and the work he does with the fire department. Me included.

For months, I fixed a few things here and there at the house, offering my meager company until Trek moved back home.

Foster and I still converse, but his son and daughter are here and more than capable of taking care of the minor details of running a home. Plus, I couldn’t handle the awkwardness. But now? I’d be over every day if I was allowed.

I clear my throat and pick at the fabric on the couch that the cat’s claws have nicked. “I wish I could’ve done more.”

Foster leans forward in his recliner and places a heavy hand on my shoulder, squeezing. “Son, look at me.”

I bite the inside of my cheek as I dart my gaze over.

“You were there when I needed someone. I’ll forever appreciate it, no matter how small it may look to others. I think you needed it too. Whether you want to admit it, losing your father affected you. I was happy to step in and be who you needed, too.”

He’s so kind. It’s hard to reconcile the unconditional support he gives strangers. Even someone like me. I try to shut out the voices telling me I don’t deserve it and cling to the words he says.

The death of our loved ones twists our destinies and forges our futures into something new, an existence unchartered. My dad dying didn’t feel like this cataclysmic event, but I know it changed me, changed my circumstances, shifted my perspective. Whether or not we were close, I lost a parent. It’s made me realize how short life truly is, and spending it with those who matter is a gift.

“Thank you, sir.”

He rolls his eyes, looking a bit too much like Trek. “How many times do I have to tell you? It’s Foster. You’ve seen me puke up my guts. I think we’re past the whole sir thing, kid.”

The tips of my ears heat. “Got it.”

He sits back in the chair. “So, this thing with Sky?—”

“It’s not a thing,” I interrupt.

Foster gives me a slow smile as he laces his hands in his lap. “I’m aware it’s not just a thing. But she’s also my baby girl, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.”

“Me either.”

He nods. “Good. Keep it that way. I can’t claim to understand what happened between you and her or with Trek. But she’s back and I want to make sure she stays or at least doesn’t disappear for another five years. You hear me?” The love for his daughter is fierce and loyal. “Sky deserves to have someone who puts her first.”

Nodding, I straighten my spine and absorb his fatherly lecture, even if he doesn’t have to remind me of everything Sky deserves and more. “You have my word. I’m here to do that because you’re right. She needs to be put first.” I swallow. “I messed up. Big time. But I’m going to make it right and keep showing her how much she means to me. I love her, Foster. More than anything.”

He studies me under the soft light in the living room, searching for anything amiss.

He won’t find it. I’m in love with his daughter and never letting her go this time.

Bobbing his head, mostly to himself, he then closes his eyes. “Okay. Then go check on her, please.”

I hesitate. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you alone. Sky wouldn’t be okay with that. I’m sure there’s something I could do, like change the batteries in your smoke detectors.”

A smirk forms on his mouth. “You’ve done enough, August. And I made Trek change those last month.”

He taps on his phone tucked in the breast pocket of his T-shirt. “Trek is on his way home from his work trip. I’ll be fine. I’m just going to sleep anyway.”

The mention of Trek shoots a beam of anxiety through me. I haven’t seen him since he moved back home. My ex-best friend is as much a stranger to me as the next because of all the bullshit we went through. But I can’t lie. I miss our friendship and hope he and I can work it out. Especially since he comes as a packaged deal with Sky.

“Only if you’re sure.”

Foster pops open an eye. “Absolutely. Now, go take care of our girl.”