9. Tristan
Chapter 9
Tristan
F amily is everything. I need to create a stable home for Willow and Lana. The realization hits me hard.
I decide to travel by helicopter to meet Willow at Hunter’s house, but there’s something I have to do first. As I sit down at the desk in my home office, I dial Hunter’s phone number.
His deep voice replies. “This is Hunter.”
I hesitate before I greet him. “Hunter.”
“Tristan.” His voice is surprisingly calm. “I was wondering when I would hear from you.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done for Willow and my daughter, but I want you to know… I’m coming to get them, regardless of whether you agree with it.” The words rush out of my mouth before I halt and brace myself for impact.
Hunter sighs. “Okay.”
My brain scrambles. I’d hardly expected an agreeable response like that coming from someone who wanted to rip my limbs off a few days ago. I push the phone harder into my ear. “What?”
He chuckles. “I’ve done what I can. I’ve given them a home and a safe place to heal, but they’re ready for the next stage in their lives. They need you, Tristan.”
A sudden release of tension makes my shoulders relax. I swallow the lump that had been clogging my esophagus all morning. “Yes. They do.”
“My sister is a strong woman,” Hunter replies, his voice softening. “She’s had to be. And Lana… she’s an amazing kid. But they need more than just safety now. They need a complete family.”
I let out a long exhale. “Thank you, Hunter. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and for taking care of them all these years.”
“You bet. But Tristan?”
“Yeah?”
Hunter pauses, then says, “You break her heart again, I’ll have to break that pretty face of yours. Just thought you should know.”
My torso tightens before his heartfelt belly laugh resonates through the phone.
Chuckling, I relax and shake my head. “Noted. I’m ready to be there for them. To be the father Lana deserves and the partner Willow needs.”
There’s a pause before Hunter speaks again, this time with a hint of a smile in his voice. “Good, because they’re ready for you. It’s time for you to step up. Besides, I could use a break from all the Disney movies.”
I laugh. “Alright. I’ll take over from here. I’m getting the chopper ready right now.”
Hunter clears his throat. “The helipad will be ready.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
“Absolutely,” he replies. “Oh, and one more thing.”
“Yep?”
“Take care of them,” he says, his tone carrying a familiar protective edge. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
“Me neither,” I respond. “You have my word.”
The call ends, and I stand there for a minute to absorb the conversation. Who knew he would finally be on board with this whole thing?
The reality of what I’m about to do settles over me. I grab my bag, feeling a sense of purpose as I head to the rooftop of my penthouse, where my helicopter pilot awaits.
After the chopper rises into the sky, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of greens and browns, with scattered peaks reaching towards the horizon.
The trip to the North is far different from just a couple weeks ago, when I drove the Lambo up. This time, there’s no uncertainty and no fear. Only the clarity of knowing where I should be and who I need to be there for.
As the helicopter approaches the house, I spot the helipad below, a small clearing amidst the trees. The rotors slow, and we descend, landing smoothly.
Hunter stands by the pad with his hands clasped behind his wide hips. After the engine shuts down, he walks over and extends a hand. “Welcome back, Tristan.”
“Thanks.” A smile tugs at my mouth as I shake his hand firmly for the very first time. “Seriously. For everything.”
He nods before stepping aside and gesturing to the entrance. “They’re inside. Go to them.”
As I head towards the house, the door opens, and suddenly, Willow is there with Lana by her side. Her eyes meet mine, and a rush of emotions floods through me.
Lana’s face lights up with a smile, and she runs towards me. “Daddy!” Her voice is full of joy. “Where have you been? I made a new painting for you.”
Bending down, I scoop her into my arms.
“I’ve been finding my way back to you.” My throat chokes with emotion. “And I can’t wait to see your new creation.”
Willow’s eyes glisten as her face breaks into a smile. “I knew you’d be back.”
A sense of calm rolls through me. “I can’t stay away from you. In fact, I intend to spend every day of my life earning your trust. You and Lana are the only future I care about.”
She steps forward and touches my cheek. “I believe you, Tristan, and I believe in us.”
My shoulders suddenly feel lighter, like they’re floating. “I have plans, Willow. Big plans. An art gallery for your work, an art school where you can teach, and a stable home for Lana. Will you come back to Las Vegas with me?”
She puts her index finger up to her mouth. “Hmm. Sounds like you’ve mapped everything out.”
A wide grin spreads across my face. “We’re going to do it right this time.”
She smiles, the love and trust in her expression lighting up my world. “We’re ready, Tristan. Let’s go home.”
Tingling warmth comforts me as I guide Willow and Lana toward the waiting aircraft. The rotor blades of the helicopter cut through the crisp mountain air while the sun reflects off the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Hunter stands a few paces away with his hands buried deep in his pockets, watching us approach. His face is expressionless, but I catch the subtle tension in his jaw and the way his eyes narrow as he tracks every step his sister takes. He’s been their protector for a long time, and now he has to let go, trusting that I’ll step into the role he’s held for years.
Willow reaches him first. They stand still for a beat, as if neither wants to be the first to move. Then, without warning, Hunter pulls her into a fierce embrace. “You’re going to be okay. You’ll be in good hands.”
She nods against his chest, her eyelids squeezed shut. “I know. But I’m going to miss you, Hunter. We both are.”
He pulls back slightly, just enough to look her in the eye. “I’ll miss you too, but this is what’s best. You belong with him, Willow. It’s time.”
She glances over her shoulder at me, and I give her a reassuring nod.
Hunter kneels down and turns his attention to Lana, who’s been clinging to Willow’s leg, wide-eyed and silent. “Come here, kiddo.” He opens his arms, and Lana hesitates for a second before launching herself at him.
Her arms tighten around his neck. “I’m gonna miss you, Uncle Hunter.”
“I’ll miss you too, peanut.” He presses a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close for a long moment. When he finally pulls back, he tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his expression softening. “You take good care of your mom, okay? And be good to your dad, too.”
Lana nods, her eyes shimmering. “I will. I promise.”
Hunter stands up, his gaze meeting mine over the top of Lana’s head. There’s a wealth of meaning in that look. It’s a final, silent exchange between two men who have come to an understanding.
His brows crease. “They’re everything to me.” There’s a raw edge to his voice that cuts through the noise of the chopper. “Look after them.”
I nod, holding my chin higher. “You have my word.”
With a last look at his sister and niece, Hunter steps back, his hands dropping to his sides as he watches them walk toward the helicopter.
Hunter did his part, and now it’s my turn.
Willow sits beside me in the chopper, her hand gripping Lana’s as the aircraft ascends into the clear blue sky. I relax my shoulders, feeling the shift in the air as the mountains fall away beneath us.
Rays of sunlight pour through the window, illuminating the faces of Willow and Lana.
The flight back to Vegas is full of hope, dreams, plans, and laughter. By the time we land on the helipad of my Vegas penthouse, I feel content.
This is where we start over. Together.
I open the door to my home and step aside, the soft click echoing through the spacious penthouse.
Willow gasps, her eyes widening. Her artwork adorns the walls, each piece carefully framed and lit, transforming the space into a personal gallery of her talent.
Tears water her eyes as she takes it all in. “Tristan… it’s beautiful.”
“Like I said, I never stopped thinking about you.” I step closer, taking her hands in mine. “Willow, you and Lana are my world. I’ll spend the rest of my days proving that to you.”
Lana, standing by our side, looks around in wonder, her small hand clutching mine. Her eyes glow as she takes in the familiar paintings. “Mommy, it’s your art! It’s everywhere!”
I kneel to Lana’s level. “Yes, sweetie. It’s all your mommy’s amazing work. I’ve spent years collecting it, and soon, your work will be up here too.”
With Lana’s small hand still in mine, I pull out a diamond ring that shines in the ambient light.
Willow gasps again, her hands flying to her mouth, eyes wide.
I begin, my vocal cords filled with emotion. “Willow, will you marry me?”
Our daughter’s eyes widen with excitement, her face lighting up as she looks between us. “Mommy, say yes! Please say yes!”
Willow’s face softens as tears of joy stream down her cheeks. She nods, a radiant smile breaking through her watery eyes. “Yes, Tristan. Yes.”
As I slip the ring onto Willow’s finger, Lana claps her hands while her eyes bounce with glee. We embrace, our family bond sealing tighter with each passing second.
A sense of hope and legacy for the future fills the air as we embark on our life journey together.
Willow rests her head on my shoulder, her hand intertwined with mine, and Lana snuggles into my other side, her small arms wrapped around my neck.
As we stand with the lights of the city twinkling below us, I whisper into Willow’s ear, “I love you. Both of you. Forever.”
Willow looks up at me, her eyes shining. “We love you too, Tristan. And we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
This is our moment—our beginning. Whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them as one.
With the promise of a new future ahead, we stand together, ready to face the world as a family.