Chapter 182

“You say I’m not what you expected, Nathan, but this is what you wanted. What your heart tells me. And because of that, this is what I am. Not a parlor trick, or a game, just truth through your eyes. Maybe it’s a hard thing to understand, but this is me, every paternal memory that made you feel safe and comfortable wrapped up into one thing. Granted with pie, and fries, and coffee, which could arguably be more on the motherly side, but…that’s neither here nor there with me. I am what I am, Nathan. And I am for you.”

The images were just as quickly gone, Nathan left staring into Dave’s blue eyes like those of that old man’s from his memory, with something rugged and handsome like Dad, and old Country like Johnny, and firm but loving care like Walter, and…and so much else Nathan wasn’t sure he could name.

Dave grinned. “Now get your ass away from my counter, son, and go do your job,” he said, pushing up to stand tall again. “They’re waitin’ for ya.”