how many pandas they plan to fit in one living space and I walk out to the pool deck where Rocco and Luke are standing in front of the infinity edged pool. Rocco makes an exclamation about how cool the house is and darts for the rock stairs that lead down to our private beach.
“I like this place,” Luke says. He’s only seen it in listing photos because he’s too cool to do visits with his parental units. “It’s going to be chill to have friends over.”
“That is quite the high praise, Son,” I counter, nodding.
Luke clears his throat. “Hey, Dad?” This time I’m confident of his words.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve been thinking.”
Oh God. This can’t be good. This is close to sharing feelings. Something he does maybe once a year with Windsor. What has he reserved for me? My stomach tightens as I wait for him to finish. With a teenager, he’s either been thinking about a tiktok video, illegal drugs, or tits. Maybe all three, but surely that’s not what he’s about to tell me. Right?
He turns to look at me, and grins when he sees the fear in my eyes. “I want to be a Navy SEAL. Like you and Uncle Steve. And Stone.”
I’m his father. I have influence. What I say next could shuttle his life in one way or another. Agree or disagree? I don’t want the bad things that come with my life for him. I have shielded him from most of the bad, he knows the good, the joy. He is my flesh and blood and I want the very best of everything this world has to offer. I’d do him an injustice if I told not to follow his dreams.
Because it brought me to this moment in time. Windsor and Marley’s laughter carry to us as they make their way outdoors. A warm reminder of everything I’ve obtained after I thought I’d lost it all.
Luke is still looking at me, his eye color and smile a carbon copy of my own. “You’ll change the world, Son. Nothing would make me prouder.”
His eyes get a little teary, and I realize he might have thought I wouldn’t approve of his decision. In his emotion, I see relief. Validation. Pride. “You’re one of the very best things I’ve been given in this life. I’ll love and support you no matter what you decide to do.”
“No matter what?”
I grin and pull him against my side. “If you get rolled up on murder one charges, I might be a bit upset you got caught, but other than that, we’re good,” I deadpan, then wink.
He tells me not to worry about him becoming a villain. I lean down, a little less than I used to because he’s catching up to my height, and kiss the top of his head. Windsor and Marley smile at us while taking selfies on the other side of the pool. I envision my family years from now, grown. Maybe even grandkids, and the mood gets melancholy.
“If you fly, I fly,” I choke out.
He squeezes my hand and replies, “Let’s jump.”
SET IN STONE
PROLOGUE
Morganna
I WAS ALWAYS aware some things are more permanent than others. I grew up in the south, so I know how easily things perish in the dry heat. Don’t leave dogs or babies in hot cars, always drink plenty of water, and if that tomato plant doesn’t get the hose turned on it every night? It will wilt away in ten seconds flat. I’m also acutely aware that almost all marriages end. My job as a divorce attorney gives me a front row view of that non-permanent state of bliss. One thing is true: they all end differently.
The permanence of objects and people fluctuates daily. Granddaddies die and tiny baby bundles are born at the exact same time. I think I always knew Thomas Stone Sterns wasn’t permanent. His otherworldly beauty and wisdom were destined for me, that much I know for certain. But I remember falling for him and realizing the volatility of his permanence at the exact same time.
“Damn baby, you’re so beautiful like that,” Stone hollers over the whipping wind. We’re bumping down a half-paved, half-rocky road in my hometown. The hot, torn leather seats of the beater truck stick to the backs of my thighs and my bare feet are propped out the window, my porn star pink toenails glistening. As I turn my head toward Stone, I grin. Yes, the mere sight of him makes me giddy. His biceps and