Mom touched Hadley’s shoulder lightly as she passed her to go back into the kitchen. After dinner, I’d need to discuss everything else with them.
When all the food and drink had been set on the table, we sat—my parents at either end of the table, Hadley next to me, and Nolan across from me.
“Nolan, will you say grace, please?” We held each other’s hands as Nolan bowed his head.
Nolan closed his eyes and sighed heavily as if the weight of his words were too much. “Thank you, God, for bringing our family together at one table—for sharing this delicious-looking meal.” He paused and I looked up to see if he’d finished. He squeezed his eyes tighter and added, “For bringing Hadley into Cade’s life and showing him that life is worth living. Amen.”
Hadley’s breath caught as her hand twitched in mine.
I was touched both by Nolan’s words and Hadley’s sweet reaction to them. Is that what Hadley had done? She’d shown me all the ways I wasn’t living life fully.
“Amen,” everyone repeated.
“That was beautiful, Nolan.” Mom placed her napkin in her lap.
I squeezed Hadley’s hand. When she looked at me, I said, “Thank you.”
Her eyes shined with unshed tears and she whispered, “You’re welcome.”
Maintaining eye contact, I brought her hand to my mouth before kissing the back. My feelings for her threatened to boil over, but I restrained myself and let go of her.
I looked around the table to find everyone’s eyes on us. Mom’s eyes were wet and Dad looked away before I could see. I’d avoided their home because of the memories of Caroline, but now that I was here, I was replacing those memories with ones of Hadley. I could see it wasn’t wrong. It was a natural progression.
Nolan smiled pleased. “So, tell me, how things are going at work? You thinking about retiring soon, Dad?”
Dad picked up his fork. “You know. I am. Someone approached me last year about selling and I think it’s time. There’s some travel your mom and I wanted to do.”
Nolan gestured at me. “Cade is cleaning up his businesses too. He hired Hadley’s firm to collect on unpaid contracts and created membership contracts for his studio.”
I exchanged a look with Nolan. We’d discussed going into business together. Maybe this would be a good time to tell our parents. “Nolan and I talked about finally going into business together. We could take on more handicapped accessible renovations.”
Hadley paused. She returned the glass she’d been holding to the table as her eyes moved from me to Nolan.
“We’ve talked about it for a long time. I’m in a good place and I’m ready to expand.”
“I like the sound of Morrison Brothers Construction.” Nolan smiled.
Pride crossed Mom and Dad’s face. They wanted us to work together for years.
Mom covered my hand with her own and smiled. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“What do you do, Hadley?” Dad asked her.
“I’m an attorney. I used to work at the U.S. Attorney’s office in New Orleans, but a friend of mine mentioned her law school colleagues were starting a firm here. It seemed like a good opportunity,” Hadley said.
She couldn’t have said anything better to my dad. He respected small businesses—having owned a garden center for years.
“Nothing like being your own boss. It gives you a sense of pride and makes you work harder.”
Hadley’s eyes widened at his comment.
Was she surprised my dad supported her when hers didn’t? Maybe my family could fill in the absence left by her mother.
“Do you have any family here, Hadley? Or are they all still in New Orleans?” Mom cut a piece of steak, placed it in her mouth, and chewed.
“My dad and brother still live there.” Hadley sipped her water.
“Oh, what do they do?” Mom asked.
“Well, my dad owns several hotels. He’s been expanding the past few years and my brother, Colin, is a college student.”
My hand found hers under the table and I laced my fingers with hers to show her my support.
Dad smiled at Hadley. “I’d be happy to pass along your firm if anyone needs legal services if you want to leave a card.”
“That would be amazing. Thank you,” Hadley said softly.
I wanted to be alone with Hadley to thank her for coming tonight, but I still had a difficult conversation with my parents ahead.
Dad and I cleared the dishes while Mom washed them. Hadley helped place leftovers in containers for Nolan and me. When the table was cleared, I sat with my brother and Dad in the living room watching the news until Hadley and then, Mom drifted back in the room.
Nolan stood and kissed Mom on the cheek. “Thanks for dinner. I’m going to get going. I have an early day tomorrow.”
I sensed Nolan was leaving to give me time alone with them.
“It’s good to have my boys under one roof again.” Mom hugged him.
Once we’d all said our goodbyes to Nolan, Mom settled in the living room.
I took a deep breath. It was time. I’d waited long enough to make things right. “Mom, Dad. I have some things I need to say.”
Hadley shifted closer on the couch as she took my hand in hers.
Dad lowered the volume of the TV before he leaned his elbows on his knees. “Go ahead.”
“I want to apologize for being distant the last few years.”
“You don’t have to—” Mom said.
I held up my hands. “I do. These last few years, I pushed you away. I could have been more present. I could have dealt with things in a better way.”
Dad winced. “Son, everyone handles their grief their own way.”
“I know, but I’m ashamed of how I acted over the years. You didn’t deserve that.” I looked at Mom because she was the one who’d tried the hardest. I’d seen the hurt in her eyes, but I couldn’t deal with it at the time. I couldn’t get past my own pain to acknowledge I was hurting everyone around me.
“An apology isn’t necessary. I’m just so happy you’re here
