Some People Do

11: Ohana

ERIC

I have a lot to think about where it comes to being an active and present father. Of course I want to see my child every day of his young life, but I have a lot happening in Oregon. I also know Sookie has no desire to move back. As easy as it would be, Portland has a lot of negativity surrounding it, not only for her but for me too. Yes, I was able to get better in the same environment. I own a business and my entire family is there. When I look over at Sookie and I see my future standing right next to me. On one hand it is a lot to think about, on the other I know I'll never be able to live with myself if I stay in Portland. It's been weighing on my mind since finding out I'm going to be a dad. I know Sookie can tell, although she hasn't bugged me about it. She knows it's something I have to work out on my own.

After seeing my son on the monitor, moving and wiggling around, it kinda cements the changes I'm going to make.

"I'm going to sell the doggie daycare," I blurt out as we walk along the beach. It's later in the afternoon so there's not a lot of people. The dogs went for a swim in the morning so we have them on leashes, keeping them out of the water.

"What?" Sookie looks at me as if she's not sure she heard me correctly.

I look down and repeat, "I'm going to sell it. The business is doing way too well to close it. I'm going to see if any of my employees want to buy it from me. If not, I can have a manager and be a silent owner. I'm going to be a dad and I'm not going to let a second of that go to waste."

"Wow," she says. "I mean, I'm not really that surprised you want to be involved, considering the way your childhood was. I was worried it was going to be a fight to get me back to Oregon. It's a beautiful place there but I just... I go back and I feel... not good."

"I know, and it shows," I tell her. "Seeing you there compared to here... it's night and day. I want our baby to get the best of both of us. This place brings out the best you, and the best me is anywhere you are. Like you said, when it happens it's not moving on, it's the next chapter. This feels like the next chapter of my book and our journey."

Sookie stops walking so she can hug me. It doesn't take long to figure out she's crying.

"What's wrong?" I chuckle. I hug her back and kiss the top of her head.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

"Good." I kiss her head again. "I'm glad you're happy. I'm going to make some calls tomorrow. I have a house to sell too. As much as I love that house I think it's going to be refreshing to let it go. I think it's an appropriate release."

Sookie looks up at me with wet cheeks and a big smile.

"I think you'll get into the Aloha spirit in no time," she says.

"I'm already there." I dip to kiss her lips, earning a bark from Artis. I still don't know who she's mad at when we kiss. Could be either of us... "My mom is going to be pissed," I chuckle as I pull back from the kiss. I give no shits about that.

Sookie shrugs. She gives no shits about it either.

"Don't be a shit person," she says. "I've done my share of shitty things, but I at least try to be better."

"And look at you, you're doing amazing," I grin. "I hope they need a doggie daycare here. If not, I'm switching gears."

"You know, I don't know if there's a need for a doggy daycare here. Might be good to switch gears. Give yourself a fresh start. You could be my secretary, of course I'll probably start sexually harassing you. These second trimester hormones are ridiculous."

"Do you think we could really work together?" I smirk. "I don't think we'd ever get anything done." I drop my hands to grab her sexy ass.

She laughs and says, "I would go out of business in like three days. Working together is probably not the best idea. However, working from home will come in handy with a new baby in the mix. Or it'll be awful. I guess we'll see."