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Dad closes his eyes and takes a slow breath in.
This is it. He’s going to explode on me.
So I keep talking, trying to stave off the blast. “In the orchard, I feel alive, connected to nature. I love the fresh air, the scent of the soil, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. It’s peaceful yet invigorating. I found joy there, and it’s where I see my future. Plus, with my business background, I’ll be a valuable asset to Uncle Tal when he’s working on that end.”
He opens his eyes, and I brace myself.
But he doesn’t explode. “Dave,” he says calmly, “I won’t pretend I’m not disappointed. I love working with you on the admin side of things.”
“I know, and I’m so?—”
Dad holds up a hand to quiet me. “That said, I would be a horrible father to deny you the opportunity to try a new path if you think it will lead you to happiness. I’ll miss having you around, but you have to do what you have to do. Have you talked to Talon about this?”
I nod. “I have.”
“Then it seems to be settled.”
I get to my feet. “Thanks, Dad. I know you won’t regret this.”
Dad laughs softly. “It’s funny. Your sister was in here not an hour ago asking if there was a position for her with me once she graduates from college.”
“Angie? No. She’s got her heart set on medical school. It must be Sage.”
Dad smiles. “Yes, Sage. This whole thing with Uncle Joe got her thinking about her future in a way she never has, I think. You know Sage. Always up for a good time. I told her that of course I’d find a place for her.”
I scratch the side of my head. I guess sometimes things do come together.
“That’s great, Dad. Someone as charismatic as Sage would be perfect working the business end.”
Dad nods. “I think she will. And training her will give me something to keep my mind off Joe.” His face twists for a moment, but he regains focus. “It sounds like this new position in the orchard will do the same for you.”
I grin from ear to ear. “I think it will, Dad. To try new things.” I rise and turn to the door. “Thanks again for understanding.”
My hand is on the door when my father clears his throat.
I turn back around and face him. “Everything okay?”
Dad’s head is cocked, and his eyes have a slight sparkle to them. “This change of heart wouldn’t have anything to do with Madeline Pike, would it?”
I widen my eyes. “Why would Maddie have?—?”
“Because I had a very interesting conversation with Frank Pike earlier today. He seemed to be under the impression that the two of you are something of an item.”
My cheeks warm. “We kind of got together in Europe. And we’ve been seeing each other here and there since getting back here.”
Dad chuckles. “I think this is the first time I’ve heard of you going out with a girl for more than an hour. Sounds serious.”
“It is, I think.” I hesitate a minute, gathering my thoughts. “I’m in love with her, Dad. That plane ride really jolted my priorities into place. I think she might be the woman I end up marrying.”
He crosses his arms. “Poor Maureen Pike. Four Steel in-laws. God help her whenever she hosts a family dinner.”
I laugh. It feels good to laugh with my dad. I can’t remember the last time we were having such a cheery conversation. Certainly not since I came home.
I turn back to the door. “Is that all, then?”
Dad holds up a singular finger. “One thing, Dave. If it’s true love—and it sounds like it just might be—don’t you ever let it go.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t.” I head out of his office. All of this talk about Maddie has my head in the clouds.
