Snowcrossed: Currently Under Construction

50. You'll Never Be Alone

I stepped outside, finding Paul seated on the front step. His FXR jacket pulled tight against broad shoulders, and arms resting on knees.

I took a seat next to him, prepared to receive my punishment, but he wasn't ready to give it. I could tell by how he stared off toward the homes across the street, where my dad's neighbours sat cheerfully in their living room.

His head fell, his eyes fixed on the hard-working hands that helped me repair the bronco when I first bought it. "Linda's alone," he said, breaking the silence, "preparing dinner in an empty house."

My clogged with regret, not wanting to think about how lonely she must be. Christmas was Linda's favorite holiday. She loved cooking dinner and spoiling her kids with treats and gifts. She'd been like that ever since I could remember, even when they were poor and had nothing to give but a tree Paul cut and hauled home in the back of his rusted-out piece of shit truck and a few dollar store decorations she collected over the years. Ones she kept long after Paul received his first million-dollar contract as a reminder of where they'd come from. "I'm sorry," I managed, clearing the rasp in my throat.

Paul said nothing, gazing through the cloud of breath.

We sat for long moments. Till my ass numbed on the frozen step.

"I don't need to tell you how upset I am." No, he didn't. I could feel the disappointment seep into me, but to my surprise, he said, "In myself."

My brows pinched in the center as puzzlement overtook.

"I should have said something. We were so concerned with you that we overlooked Hadley's wellbeing. When she left," he continued. "I was angry. I sought out Neil because I had no clue what to do. I kept you busy in hopes it might help." He paused. "Hadley's my daughter, Nick. I love her. But she takes precedent."

"I understand." And I did. I hated how my problems overshadowed Hadley's pain. I hated myself for allowing it to happen.

Paul shifted, coat scratching as the snow fell lightly before us. "I won't pretend to be disappointed in your actions. I saw the tape. You defended my daughter and Nate, and while I don't condone violence, I'm grateful for it. That bastard got what he deserved."

Twelve stitches, a broken nose and one hell of an ass beating, to quote my lawyer correctly. "If you hadn't done something, I would have, but that doesn't make it right. You may have won the fight, Baker, but Dallas won the war."

He was right. Hadley was gone, and I was sitting at my dad's alone with the shadow of uncertainty looming above me. I really fucked up and said as much as I apologized, knowing it didn't make it right, not after everything the Bells had done for me.

"What's done is done. We all make mistakes. It's a part of life, but it's how we move forward that counts. If she chooses you, I'll accept," he went on, referring to the one I loved with every ounce of being. "I already consider you a son." My heart clamoured through my ribcage. "But if she doesn't, that's something you'll have to accept and live with. Because the fact of the matter is, she may very well move on, and I won't lose my daughter."

The thought twisted like the shards of glass in my shoulder. "I understand. I don't want you to lose her either."

Paul looked at me then. "You'll always be a part of our family, Baker. You'll never be alone."

I kept my tears at bay as Paul embraced me—his hug genuine in every way.

I pulled, wiping my nose before he noticed my glistening eyes, but nothing escaped him.

"What's going on with your sponsorships?"

I dipped my chin, looking down at the floor between my boots. "It's not looking good. I got the call twenty minutes before you arrived."

Paul let out a lengthy sigh. "Well, you'll always have a spot on Bell Racing. Sponsored or not."

I glanced at him sidelong—my chest caving. "I appreciate it, Paul." And I did. "I won't let you down."

He quirked a grin. "And you'll always have a spot at the dinner table." He rose, hands clasped on his knees. "Grab your dad. Linda's waiting."

I grinned, grabbing my dad before sliding into the back of Paul's truck.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! To all my readers who read the first draft without this chapter thank you for returning! I know a few of you wanted to see the heart to heart between Baker and Paul. I hope you enjoyed it <3