Page 226 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“The place looks beautiful,” Sloane says as we take in the event space that Maggie and Everly have transformed into a baby shower paradise.
“Thank you,” Maggie says, looking very pleased with herself. “I really hope Jude and Haisley will like it.”
“I know they will,” Sloane says.
“Well, help yourself to some signature mocktails. They should be here anytime now.”
With my hand in hers, I bring Sloane over to the bar, where we read the list of drinks that Maggie and Everly spent a lot of time curating.
It wasn’t very long after Sloane and I got back from London that Jude and Haisley found out they were expecting. We were vaguely aware they were trying to start a family, but we didn’t think it was going to be that quick for them, and I don’t know that they expected it either. I can still remember the day they told us. Jude was still a little icy toward me but warming up. We were all at Stacey and Sloane’s house helping paint the walls, when Haisley painted on the wall that they were expecting. She asked us to check on the color in the bedroom, and when we walked in and saw they were pregnant, the entire place erupted.
It was needed, badly. It thawed Jude out completely. I can still remember the hug he gave me that day. It was a hug that lasted longer than it probably should have. It was tighter than expected, and when he pulledaway, I saw a hint of tears welling up in his eyes as he said, “I’m going to be a dad.”
I knew in that moment that he was letting down his guard fully and letting me in again because he was going to need the help and support. And I’ve been that man for him day in and day out. I’ve been by his side as he’s learned everything he needed to about being a dad, and I’ve even helped him set up the baby’s room when Haisley has been too tired and too sore to help.
“Your dad is here,” Sloane whispers as she brings her drink up to her lips.
I glance toward the door, where my dad walks in with my mother. Normally, he would be wearing a suit, because that’s all he really wears, but today, he’s wearing a pair of slacks and a simple polo shirt. Very understated for him, which I appreciate.
Ever since I had that talk with him, he’s been…trying.
It’s taken some time, but slowly, he’s been asking Hardy and me out to lunch just to chat. We don’t talk about business, don’t mention our goals or our plans; instead, we reminisce. We talk about sports, we find commonality in shows we are watching, and of course, we talk about our wives.
And those monthly meetings started turning into biweekly meetings, then a dinner here and there during the week, which turned into a family dinner on Sundays. By no means are we perfect, and there is still a hint of animosity between all of us that we’re slowly but surely shedding since deep-rooted anger takes a while to heal, but we are at least making the attempt to do so.
Dad spots us and heads in our direction.
“Place looks great,” Mom says as she places a kiss on my cheek and turns to Sloane. “You look stunning.” She places her hand on Sloane’s growing belly. “Not much longer for you either.”
My beautiful wife places her hand on her stomach and smiles up at me. “Just a few more months.”
My dad gives me a firm handshake, then kisses Sloane on the cheek. “Will the house be ready before you give birth?”
“Yes, Stacey said only a few more weeks, and then we will be opening our second location.”
Dad genuinely smiles. “That’s excellent, Sloane. You should be proud, especially after that article I read about Twin Haven and how it’s changing the rental landscape of San Francisco.”
“Thank you. We’re really thrilled about the growth we’ve seen. And of course, we couldn’t have done it without your donation.”
Dad waves her off. “It was my pleasure.” He then looks at me and says, “I learned that if I’m going to invest my money, then I need to start investing in the right things, with no strings attached.”
I smile at my dad as a lump grows in my throat. Had you told me a year ago that my dad would be saying such a thing to me, I would have told you, you were crazy. I never thought he’d have a change of heart, that he would take on some of the values that Hardy and I have instilled in our business, but he has. He’s made a significant change in how he conducts himself. And it’s been a learning curve for him. He’s taken a hit here and there and has had to learn how to deal with it, but he’s taken it in stride.
And when did I see that real change start to happen? When he realized his kids’ lives were moving on, and if he didn’t change, they’d move on without him.
Clearing my throat, I say, “Help yourself to some drinks. I think Jude and Haisley are going to be here soon.”
“Thanks,” Dad says and makes his way over to the bar.
“Seems like your dad is proud of you,” Sloane says as she leans into my shoulder.
I wrap my arm around her and hold her tight, keeping her as close to me as I can. “Seems like he’s proud of you.”
“I think he’s proud of both of us.” She stands on her toes and kisses my chin before she yelps.
“Are you okay?” I ask, concern etching my brow.
She grips the side of her stomach and says, “Yes, this bugger of a son of yours keeps kicking me.”
