Chapter 48
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
NATE
I thought coming clean to Mackenzie would be the hardest conversation of my life.
I was wrong.
“You knew my dad?”
Liam’s steel-blue eyes stare up at me, so eerily like Ethan’s that it punches me in the gut. It’s almost comforting, yet it brings the weight of this moment crashing down on me. Mackenzie had suggested telling them the truth. At least a version of it that wouldn’t haunt them. So here we are.
“I did,” I say carefully. “When we first met, your dad talked a lot about you two. He was proud of you.”
“Then why didn’t you tell us?” Liam presses, skepticism etched in his furrowed brow.
I take a slow breath, choosing my words wisely. “Your dad asked me not to. He thought if you knew he sent me, you wouldn’t let me help.”
Liam studies me for a long beat as he processes my words. Nick, on the other hand, has been quiet. He sits curled up on the couch with his arms wrapped around his legs. His little voice finally breaks through the silence.
“So, my daddy died a hero?”
I nod without hesitation. “Yes, he did. The bravest person I knew.”
Both boys smile, but it’s Nick’s that knocks the wind out of me.
“I knew it! He was like Aquaman.” Nick crosses his arms and lifts his chin, smug defiance in every facet of his expression.
Liam rolls his eyes. “Captain America, dumbass.”
“Language,” Mackenzie chimes from behind me, amusement clear in her tone.
I turn to find her leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, warmth in her gaze. I wonder how long she’s been standing there. The silent gratitude in her expression does something to my chest, and I return my own appreciative smile.
“How about you get ready so we can go,” she says as she hands Liam his crutches. “We don’t want to be late for the zoo.”
The boys comply, shuffling toward their rooms, and the second they’re gone, I exhale the tension I hadn’t realized was still there. “You don’t think they hate me?” I ask, hating how badly I need the reassurance.
Mackenzie steps closer and rests a hand on my chest. “They could never hate you. Thanks for doing that.”
“Of course.” I slide my arms around her waist, bringing her flush against me. “How did Jill take your news?”
“Surprisingly, okay. I think she’s sad to see me go, but she certainly understands.”
“You’re sure this is what you want?”
“Absolutely. No more juggling a million things at once. This frees up more time for my classes. I won’t feel like I’m drowning.”
I smirk, tightening my grip. “If you want to drown in me, I won’t complain.”
She huffs a laugh, sliding her hands up my chest. “You won’t, huh?”
“Never.”
I stare at her lips, fighting the temptation to kiss her senseless. There’s so much I want to say. So much I want to promise. But we’re taking this one step at a time .
Instead, I settle for, “I talked to Medix-Lift today.”
Her eyes brighten. “And?”
“I’m officially employed.” I pause for dramatic effect. “You no longer have a deadbeat boyfriend lounging around the house.”
She grins. “Damn, so you won’t be at my beck and call anymore?”
I chuckle. “Oh, I’m always at your mercy. But I told them I’d only work a few days a week. And never on the nights you have clinicals.”
“You don’t have to do that, you know. Mom’s flexible now that Stan’s back to himself.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “Two or three days a week is all I need. I’m retired, you know.”
“That’s right. I keep forgetting I’m with an old man.”
I lower my voice, smirking. “I’ll show you an old man.”
She opens her mouth to respond, but a tiny voice interrupts before she can.
“Ew, are you gonna kiss Mommy?”
Nick stands in the doorway, his nose scrunched in disgust.
Mackenzie’s face turns pink, making me smile, and I take my victory where I can.
She clears her throat. “Are you boys ready?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Liam says, grabbing his crutches.
“All right then.” I ruffle Nick’s hair. “Let’s go see those penguins.”
Nick squeals and bolts out the door, his excitement contagious.
I glance at Mackenzie, who watches him with that soft, affectionate look that makes my chest tighten. This—right here—is everything I never knew I wanted.
I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together.
She looks up at me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
I squeeze her hand.
This, I want to make permanent.