BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 58

Lucas

"You okay, son? Thinking of your parents?"

I swallow hard, blinking back tears as I pull away. "Yeah." Thankfully, I sound much steadier than I feel. "It's, uh... not having them here today is much harder than I thought it would be."

He nods, a look of understanding softening his features. "So, talk to me. Where's your head at?"

For the first time in my life, the question makes me laugh. Not long ago, it would have sent me spiraling closer to the edge—not because I didn't want to open up, but because I was terrified of the answer. It always felt the same, no matter how I spun it: I was failing at life. And the last thing I wanted was for this man, who had sacrificed so much to care for a lost 17-year-old kid, to see me as a failure.

But today, his question feels different, maybe because my answer does, too. For the first time, it feels like I've truly beaten back the demons, like my progress isn't something fragile that will eventually slip away.

"Right now? About a two or a three," I say, smiling. "It's mostly... just wishing my parents were here."

"Good." He pats me on the shoulder with a pleased smile, giving it a gentle squeeze. "That's good."

"So... have you seen her?"

His smile widens. "Just coming back from visiting with her and the girls. She's doing good. She's happy. Excited. She looks beautiful."

My lips curve up as I picture her, even as tears prick my eyes. "I can't wait to see her." It's only been twenty-three hours, thirty-two minutes to be exact, but it might as well have been an eternity.

"I bet."

"And the girls? Nero?"

"They're doing great, too. Behaving. Aunt Rosie's been a huge help, and Nero's done a great job keeping them entertained. I never thought I'd see the day that dog would actually relax enough to be a pet."

I chuckle, feeling the pride swelling in my chest. "I know. Me neither." After everything Nero's been through, I couldn't be more proud of him. Like me, he's made huge strides to overcome his past, and he deserves this happily-ever-after as much as I do—maybe even more. If not for him, I might never have made it after leaving the program that ultimately saved my life.

"So, uh... I was hoping we could talk." My smile falls as I notice the worry that lines his forehead.

"Of course," I motion to the wingback chairs by the windows, and as we settle into them, I watch him closely. He's refusing to meet my gaze, his fingers fidgeting restlessly, which only tightens the knot of anxiety building in my chest. "What is it? Is it Embree? The girls?"

He must catch the fear in my voice because he rushes to reassure me. "No, Embree and the girls are fine. Everything's good, Luc. I promise. What I need to tell you... it has nothing to do with the wedding."

"Okay... then what is it?"

His head drops, shoulders slumping in a way that makes him look older, frailer than his sixty-three years. Whatever he has to say can't be good. And the fact he's chosen this moment—right before my wedding—to bring it up...

"Wait... you're not sick, are you?" I lean forward, a nervous energy surging through me that makes my knees bounce uncontrollably. That can't be it, right? After everything, the universe wouldn't be that cruel. Not now. Not when I'm finally getting the life I dreamed of.

"No. It's nothing like that. I'm sorry, Luc." He gives me a rueful smile, his voice rough as he clears his throat. "In trying to find the right words, I'm making this sound worse than it is." He pauses, then asks, "Remember when we first met?"