Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 28 Best Christmas Yet?

*** Lou's POV ***

I was somehow up before Andie on Christmas Eve. I must have worn her out. I slipped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and headed up in search of coffee. I found Dad sitting at the island, scrolling through the news with a glass of what looked to be eggnog.

He smiled at me. "Morning, Louie."

"Hey Dad."

"Everything alright for you and Andie downstairs? I'm sor-"

I cut him off. "It's fine, Dad. You and Mom did a nice job of making it homey."

"It's only temporary." He mumbled. I headed for the coffee maker. "Want a glass of eggnog?"

"Nah. A bit too early for the hard stuff." I teased.

"There's no alcohol in here...yet." He chuckled. I busied myself with preparing mugs of coffee for me and Andie. "Lou, I wanted to talk to you about the kids."

I suppressed the sigh that wanted to fly from my lips as I turned around and crossed my arms over my chest. My dad eyed me for a second, calculating his words it seemed, but then he surprised me. "I know you weren't expecting this sort of life-altering upheaval. Your Mom and I...we want to help how we can so that you still get to live your life how you planned. So whether it is money to help with everyday costs or an extended stay with us or helping you buy a house, we're willing to see hiw we can assist."

"I..." I was honestly at a loss for words. I mean, I appreciated the offer. "Uh, thank you. It's helpful knowing I have your support. But honestly, it's going alright, especially with Andie's help."

"Sure, but this can't be what you or she wants long-term, right?" My dad pried.

"I don't know. All I know is that it works. The kids love the inn. They really look up to Andie. And she's been helping them both gain some stability, some confidence, maybe a sense of responsibility too." I kept my voice low. The last thing I needed was Paula catching wind that Andie acted more like their mother than she really had recently.

"Isn't it funny that we used to stay at that inn when you were all just kids? I'll tell ya..." He laughed.

"It's definitely racking up a whole new set of memories for me." I conceded.

"Andie sounds like a beautiful influence on the kids. Just like her grandmother was to her, obviously." He acknowledged. He paused for a long moment. I picked up the coffee mugs. "Do you love her?"

I set the coffee mugs down. "I do. I don't know how it happened. But I just can't imagine life without her. When we left...it was the hardest damn thing. I tried to convince myself that it was for her. To erase the danger we...Paula brought into her life, but God, Dad. A day didn't go by that I didn't question whether I did the right thing."

"I'm happy to hear it. She's a good one. Better than that Melissa."

"Melody?"

"Whatever." My dad laughed.

"Are you sure there isn't booze in there, Pops?" I teased.

"Mind your business." He sipped from his glass.

I picked up the mugs again to head out.

"Oh good, you made coffee." Paula mosied into the kitchen, reaching for one of the mugs that I was holding.