Distraction (Club Destiny #8)(92)
“He’s going through some issues of his own right now.”
“Something you can help him with?”
Sarah knew that was a trick question. “No. And I haven’t been sticking my nose in. I told him I’m here to talk whenever he needs me. I’m not trying to fix him.”
Elaine smiled. “But you want to.”
“No,” Sarah admitted. “I don’t want to fix him. I wish I could make the situation better for him, but I can’t. And since he’s not in danger, I know I can’t project my feelings on him. So, I’ve offered an ear and when he’s ready, I know he’ll talk to me.”
“I’m proud of you, Sarah. I think you’ve come a long way over the years.”
“I think I have, too. It took some time, but I’ve made some progress.”
“And Dylan? How’s he doing?”
“He’s good. He’s in control of his life. He told me that was the reason he didn’t contact me after … you know.”
Elaine nodded.
“He said he had to fix himself in order to be worthy of me.” Her heart melted a little more as she said the words aloud.
“And you believe him?”
“I do.”
“It sounds like things are working out.”
“I think they are.” Sarah glanced at her watch.
“Well, I won’t keep you since you’ve got a lunch date.”
“Dylan’s joining us,” Sarah noted.
“He is?”
“Yes. And he’s asked his kids to come as well. So we can tell them together.”
“Are you nervous?”
Sarah shook her head but then laughed. “Of course I’m nervous. These are his children. I want them to like me.”
Elaine’s smile was so warm Sarah could practically feel it. “You’re a strong, independent, highly intelligent woman. You’ve got a good heart, Sarah. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Doesn’t mean you won’t.” Elaine chuckled. “But you’ve come through this stronger. I know you can handle anything that crosses your path.”
Sarah got to her feet when Elaine did. “That means a lot,” she told her therapist. “But I hope you know you’re not off the hook. I have every intention of continuing these sessions. Dylan even mentioned he’d like to come with me.”
“I’d like that,” Elaine said. “And I’ll still be here. Ready to listen whenever you need me.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Elaine’s eyebrows slanted.
“For listening, for guiding me in the right direction.”
“Oh, honey, I might’ve listened, but your heart led you in the right direction. Now you have to simply follow it.”
Swallowing hard, Sarah hugged Elaine and then turned on her heel and headed for her car.
Now, if she could make it through lunch, she might just be all right.
DYLAN SHOULD’VE REALIZED THAT PUTTING Nate and Jake at the same table was going to cause some friction. Thankfully, they had Stacey to keep things moving. She hadn’t stopped talking since she took a seat between the boys.
“So, why’d you bring us here?” Nate asked, his forehead creased. He was clearly uncomfortable as he glanced between Dylan and Sarah.
“We wanted to tell you that we’re getting married.”
Yes, well, that was one way to get his children to be quiet. Even Stacey didn’t seem to know what to say. Granted, Dylan assumed by the smile on her face that she wasn’t completely horrified by the idea.
“You love him?” Jake asked Sarah.
“I do,” she confirmed without missing a beat.
Jake peered over at Dylan briefly, then back to his aunt. “Then I’m happy for you.” A small smile curved his mouth. “You deserve to be happy, Aunt Sarah.”
“Thank you.”
Dylan could see the tears forming in her eyes.
“Well, I had absolutely no idea you were in love,” Stacey announced. “But I only have one thing to say.”
Dylan waited and he felt Sarah stiffen beside him.
“It’s about damn time.”
They both choked out a laugh.
“Nate? Do you have any questions?” Dylan prompted his son.
Nate seemed to consider that for a moment, then met Dylan’s eyes. “Only one.”
“What’s that?”
A smile formed on his son’s face and Dylan’s chest constricted at the sight. It had been so long since he’d seen Nate smile.
“Does this mean that the guest house will be vacant?”
Dylan chuckled and Sarah squeezed his hand. “It’s possible.”
“Cool.”
“Have you told Aunt Ashleigh yet?” Stacey asked.
“Not yet. But I’m sure she’ll know before the day is out.”
“She will,” Stacey confirmed. “Because I already texted her.”
Dylan shook his head. His daughter was something else. He glanced from one face to the next. Stacey, Nate, Jake. “Y’all are really okay with this?”
Nate nodded, Stacey said, “Of course,” and Jake smiled.
“Are you gonna tell them about the new job?” Sarah asked, her voice barely above a whisper.