The Long and Winding Road by Marie Force

Author:Marie Force [Force, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781958035009
Publisher: HTJB, Inc.

Chapter Fifteen

“Love knows not distance; it hath no continent;

its eyes are for the stars.” —Gilbert Parker

After dinner, Max helped his mom with the dishes. “I have a favor to ask.”

“What’s that?”

“Colton has convinced me that I should go to Houston to surprise Lexi, and I was thinking about doing that this weekend, but only if you wouldn’t mind having Caden.”

“I wouldn’t mind. Other than Sunday dinner, we have no plans except volunteering at the tree farm on Saturday. He can help us there.”

“He’d love that. He’s also got a couple of birthday parties.” Max had talked to Landon earlier, who’d assured him he’d survive at the farm for a few days without Max.

“Nothing we can’t handle. Go see Lexi. I agree with Colton that it’s a good idea.”

Max glanced at his mother. “Caden told me he doesn’t like her.”

“What? He barely knows her.”

“That’s what I said, too, and we made a deal. If he gets to have his mom in his life, I get to have Lexi in mine.” They’d told his parents and grandfather over dinner that Caden would see his mom the following Wednesday.

“That’s a fair deal.”

“It’s just been me and him—and all of you, of course—for his whole life. Things are changing for both of us, and I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

“That was bound to happen eventually, no?”

“I suppose, but it’s been a lot to process over the last few days.”

“When it rains, it pours.”

“That sounds like a Gramp-ism.”

“I get most of my isms from him.”

Max laughed.

“The one thing to remember about life is that change is inevitable, and it’s not always a bad thing.”

“I like things the way they are.”

“But you liked having Lexi here with you, enough that you’re already planning to go see her.”

“I’m worried about Caden. He never says he doesn’t like someone.”

“He’ll come around. He just needs to get used to seeing you with her.”

“Part of me wonders…”

“What?”

“Maybe I’d be better off just leaving well enough alone. Caden isn’t happy about her, so it might just be for the best—”

“No,” Molly said forcefully. “He does not get to decide whether you date or care about a woman or even bring a woman into your lives. You’re a loving, devoted father to that boy, and he’s had you all to himself for his entire life. It’s only natural that he might see her as a threat to the status quo, but he’ll get over it.”

“What if he doesn’t?”

“He will. Don’t you dare take a step back from Lexi because of what he said. He’s seven, Max. If you start seeing her now, someday he won’t remember much about the time before she was in your lives. And knowing her as we do, I have no doubt she’ll make every effort to ensure his comfort around her.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I’m very sure. You’ve given that child everything and made us so proud in the process. It’s time to take something for yourself.”

Max hugged her. “Thank you for always having the advice I need.

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