over the local practice. No way.
Gavin paused with his hand on the handle of the big, heavy oak door.
But maybe he should take it.
He didn’t love his dad getting involved when Gavin had specifically told him not to, but he also couldn’t deny that it was the perfect setup. This wasn’t like his sophomore science class where his dad leaned on the right people to get Gavin the B he needed to stay on the football team. This wasn’t like the party where the high school principal’s car ended up in the river and his dad worked it so Gavin hadn’t paid a penny or done even a minute of community service.
This time it made sense. It fit. It was something he’d earned—at least in part. He’d graduated top of his class in college and vet school. He was a great vet. Promise Harbor would be lucky to have him.
Even more, it would prove to Allie, and her friends and family, that he was serious. He was staying and that was that.
“Fuck.” He arm outstretched, hand still on the handle, Gavin let his head drop forward and his eyes close.
He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t take something that had come to him through his dad’s connections, whether he wanted it or would be good at it or not.
He’d made his life, his reputation, his relationships on his own, away from this place, for ten years. He could do it again. He’d work his way into the community and eventually establish his own practice.
And in the meantime, he’d make some money and work on his family relationships and see what happened.
“Dammit,” he breathed. His stomach was churning, his heart and head pounded, but this was what he had to do. To be with Allie, he’d do anything.
He shoved the door open, the old hinges creaking, announcing his arrival.
But he’d stepped into the sanctuary. The social hall was the east wing of the church. He strode down the aisle with purpose, just as he’d done two weeks ago. He, of course, replayed every second of that day in his head and knew that he’d do it all over again. He didn’t have a single regret.
Even as he crossed past the altar and then through the doorway that would lead to the hall where his dad and brothers were.
He wouldn’t change anything.
His dad was up on a tall ladder, facing where Gavin emerged.
“Gavin!”
His face broke into a wide smile that brought Gavin up short. He’d seen photos of his family over the years. His mother made a point of emailing him pictures from family gatherings and an annual Christmas card with a photo of her and his father. But he wasn’t prepared for the new lines on his father’s face and the gray in his hair.
“Hey, Dad.”
Greg Montgomery descended the ladder faster than he should have, but it only wobbled slightly as he jumped past the final three rungs and headed for Gavin.
He looked like he was going for a hug and Gavin instinctively stepped back. He definitely wasn’t ready for that.
“It’s good to see you,” Greg said, stopping a few feet away instead of enfolding Gavin.
“Thanks.”
“I’m glad you came by. Surprised, but glad.”
Gavin pulled in a deep breath. “Dad, up front, stay out of my business.”
“I…yeah.” Greg cleared his throat. “You mentioned that on the phone.”
“And I meant it.”
“Okay.”
He seemed sincere and Gavin felt his chest tighten. He wanted his dad to be sincere about a lot of things. He wanted this to be like any other son going to see his dad when he was home visiting.
But it wasn’t. It just wasn’t.
“Dad, this is going to be…” Fuck, he didn’t even know what it was, not to mention what it was going to be. He tried again. “This is hard.”
His dad looked uncomfortable, but he nodded. “I know.”
“I just…” There were a lot of things he wanted to say. Things he probably should say. Things he definitely shouldn’t say.
Then he looked into his dad’s face. Damn, maybe there wasn’t anything he shouldn’t say. Maybe they just needed it all out on the table.
“Gav, I know there are things you can’t forget.”
“You’re right,” he said. “There are things I can’t forget. And honestly, that’s what kills me, Dad.” He rubbed the middle of his chest, where everything seemed to be knotting up. “I look at you and I remember so many things. Like the time you got us behind the scenes at the aquarium. And how you had us make cards for