Page 73 of I’m Already Gone

“Son. Please. Stop.” Dad enunciates each word.

His large hand settles heavily on my shoulder, and the dam bursts.

I crumble, my legs giving way, slumping against the bar. A guttural sob erupts from my chest, releasing the grief of lost time and new memories we never made because of my stupid, selfish mistake. One single fuck up cost me years with the woman I love with every fiber of my being that I realize there may not be years left to make up for that. My shoulders shake uncontrollably.

Another sob breaks free, and then my father’s arms envelop me, drawing me into his strong embrace. His presence is a lifeline, grounding me in a world that seems to be spinning out of control.

“It’s going to be alright, son,” he says hoarsely. “We are here for you. For Lily. For the kids.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Mom cries as she joins us, her smaller frame pressing against my other side.

No additional words are spoken. None are needed.

All I can grasp onto is the desperate hope that Lily will survive this.

That she will beat this.

It’s been three days since Lily finally came home from the hospital. Since then, I’ve been getting things in order, basically tearing down my old life to rebuild a new one entirely focused on her.

Every second I spend now is dedicated to giving her my undivided attention, something I should’ve done years ago instead of letting myself get wrapped up in my own goals. The guilt’s a constant presence beneath everything else, a low-level ache I probably deserve.

Fortunately, Marcus has taken over as acting CEO, allowing me to be where I need to be: there for Lily, and more importantly, becoming the father my children need, including Ollie. It’s a significant change, but it feels right, like I’ve finally returned home.

Right now, I need to convince her to let me sleep in one of the spare bedrooms. I want to be close, to be there if she needs anything. But I can’t push her. And then there are the kids, especially Jake. He’s taken on a role that should’ve been mine, and I need to earn his trust again.

Rounding the back of the car, I pop the trunk and grab three grocery bags. Sam told me Lily hasn’t been eating much. But I have an idea. My spaghetti always brought a smile to her face back when we were married. Hopefully, that hasn’t changed.

I jog up the steps to Lily’s house, a nervous anticipation fluttering in my chest. My thumb hovers over the doorbell, and then I press it; a short, polite chime echoes inside. I wait, listening, holding my breath.

The door creaks open, and my breath stalls as I spot Lily framed in the doorway, her figure illuminated by the light behind her. She looks vibrant, glowing in her bakery’s purple shirt and black leggings. Her golden hair cascades down her shoulders, softening her features.

“Hey,” she greets, confusion and warmth dancing in her smile. As the door swings wider, I lift the bags in my hands.

“I brought dinner,” I announce, the corners of my mouth twitching.

A playful scowl quickly replaces her smile. “I hope you’re not expecting me to cook.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Nope, tonight’s on me. I’m here to treat you and the kids.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? What if I had plans?”

My heart sinks, anxiety creeping in. “Do you?” I ask cautiously.

She shakes her head with a smirk. “No, come in.”

With a sigh of relief, I step inside. The familiar, calming scent of lavender envelops me, and for a moment, everything feels right.

I turn to her and ask, “Can I set these down?”

“Of course.” She gestures toward the kitchen, leading the way while I do my best to keep my gaze respectfully away from her ass.

I lay the bags on the expansive island, starting to unpack the ingredients.

“What exactly are you doing, Ethan?” Lily says.

“What do you mean? I’m here to cook for you all,” I reply, meeting her gaze, finding her arms crossed, suspicion lingering in her eyes.

“No, I mean…why are you here? You’ve been dropping by more since that day at the hospital.”