Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Would settling all those uncertainties finally heal Seth…or push him over the edge?
Seth leaned against the patio railing, watching Hudson and Casen cannonball into the pool with the reckless abandon typical of teenagers. Their splashes sent water cascading across the deck, but neither boy seemed to notice or care as they surfaced, laughing and immediately plotting their next stunt.
The late afternoon sun cast the backyard in golden light. Seth took it all in, enjoying both the anticipation and normalcy of the moment. Beck, Hammer, Liam, and River stood nearby, drinks in hand, the easy camaraderie of old friends settling over the group like a comfortable blanket.
At the patio table, Raine and Heavenly set out the food, the women’s laughter mixing with the splash and chatter from the pool.
“Ready to eat in five,” Beck called out.
“Perfect,” Heavenly said back.
“So…” Liam appeared at Seth’s elbow, nursing a beer. “How does it feel? Being a father again?”
Seth blew out a breath, his gaze drifting back to Hudson, who was now attempting to dunk Casen. “A shock. Still is, sometimes. I look at him and think, ‘Jesus, I have a sixteen-year-old son.’”
“But you’re managing?”
“Beck and Heavenly have been incredible. And Mom…” Seth paused, remembering his mother’s initial reaction. “She took the news pretty well, all things considered. Though she did point out something I hadn’t thought about before.”
“What?”
“All the milestones I missed. First steps, first words, first day of school…” Seth’s throat tightened. “It’s weird, you know? I’ve been a father twice, and I’ve missed most of the firsts with them both.”
Liam’s expression softened with understanding. “That’s not your fault, mate. You didn’t know.”
“True. But it doesn’t make missing out any easier.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching Hudson and Casen attempt increasingly elaborate pool tricks, their whoops and hollers echoing across the water.
“How’s he been integrating into the house?” Liam asked.
“Pretty easy so far, actually. The kid loves video games, which gives us something to bond over. He’s on the quiet side—well, except when he’s snarky—but he seems to be settling in. School’s been good for him. Gives him focus and structure. And he’s already making friends.”
Seth paused, watching his son execute a perfect dive. “We’ll have to tackle the bigger stuff soon—driving, dating, going out with friends. But it’s only been a week.”
“Early days,” Liam agreed, then took a swig of his beer. “Speaking of early days...better luck with the conception thing next month.”
Seth nearly choked on his drink. “Jesus. Do you have to know everything?”
“I don’t try to know. It just... happens.” Liam shrugged apologetically. “For what it’s worth, I imagine you’re both disappointed and relieved.”
Seth couldn’t deny that. When Heavenly announced this morning that she’d gotten her period, he’d felt that conflicted mix of emotions. “We’ll have more opportunities.”
“You will. Hopefully you, Beck, and Heavenly will see some pink or blue booties in your future. But since nothing concrete has happened yet, I can’t see that far ahead.”
“Right.” Seth rubbed the back of his neck. “Actually, while we’re on the subject of your... gifts, why didn’t you give me a heads-up about Hudson? A little warning would’ve been nice.”
Liam winced. “Sorry about that, mate. My abilities aren’t always clear. I knew something significant was coming your way, but I didn’t know what or when.”
“Fair enough.” Seth took another drink, then felt Liam’s penetrating stare. “What?”
“Does being a father again make the idea of having another baby easier?”
The question squeezed Seth’s heart. He sought out Hudson again, stare solemn. “I’m still trying to figure that out. On one hand, Hudson’s made it to sixteen and nothing horrible has befallen him. That’s…encouraging.”
“But?”
“I still worry. Look what happened to Tristan.” Seth’s voice dropped. “That was my fault. What if I somehow put Hudson in danger, too? I’d never forgive myself.”
“First, Hudson isn’t Tristan,” Liam reminded. “And he’s not a replacement or a second chance to get it right.”
“I know that—”
“Do you? Because I’ve been watching you with him all evening, and you’re not the same man who lost Tristan. That Seth was reckless, obsessed, tunnel-visioned. This Seth?” He gestured Seth’s way. “More balanced. You’re not chasing ghosts to salvage a dead man’s reputation anymore.”
Seth felt his chest begin to loosen. “I’m trying to be better, do the right thing.”
“Just remember, Hudson isn’t your chance to fail again. Maybe he’s proof that your luck has changed.”
“Or maybe that’s the universe telling me to wait on having a baby with Heavenly and Beck,” Seth mused. “Part of me wants to hold off a few months—after Hudson’s more settled, after Mom’s wedding…” He trailed off, then shook his head. “But then what? Beck’s birthday is in November. He’ll be thirty-seven, and he keeps reminding me that he’s not getting any younger.”
Liam scoffed. “Isn’t it interesting how Hudson showed up right when you committed to starting a family? Maybe the universe isn’t dictating your timeline. Maybe it’s testing your resolve.”