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Dad’s head jerked up, then he scowled. “Dying?”

Then his eyes lit up, and the crinkles at the corners deepened as his tanned face split with a grin and laughter rolled out of his barrel chest.

Shaking his head, he rested a hand on Asher’s shoulder. “No, definitely not dying, but I certainly haven’t been living either. I owe you an apology. Your mother gave me an earful about what happened at my party…and the past fifteen years. I’m sorry for not being the kind of father you deserve. If you’ll let me, I’d like to make up for that.”

The glistening in his father’s eyes rattled Asher. In all his thirty-three years, he’d never heard such a humble apology. His uncle’s words from the other day about reconciliation sifted through Asher’s head.

He wrapped both arms around his dad and hugged him. “No apologies needed, Dad. I’m the one who’s sorry. I disrespected you by leaving your party instead of talking it out like a man. You’re a great dad and a hard worker who always provided for his family. I didn’t always appreciate that. Even though I still don’t want to work construction every day, you’ve taught me plenty through the years, and I’ve been able to help others. Thank you for everything. I’m honored to be your son.”

Dad dragged a hand over his face. “So, uh, I guess now’s a good time to let you know I have every album you’ve put out.”

“Yeah, I know. Mom displays them in the living room.” Much to Asher’s embarrassment. Her own private Hall of Fame, she called it.

Dad nodded, then shook his head. “Right, she does. But I bought my own—the covers line the walls of the trailer I haul to construction sites for every job.”

Asher opened his mouth, but the words died in his throat at his father’s admission. He looked at his dad, who had his hands in his pockets, studying the tips of his worn leather deck shoes, then Asher glanced at his mom, who brushed a tear off her cheek and nodded at him.

Wow.

The admission rocked Asher to the core, and he didn’t quite know how to respond.

“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it.” The words sounded so hollow, but he didn’t know what else to say.

Dad lifted his shoulder and chuckled. “Wasn’t like you needed the money or anything, but I could brag on my kid at work.”

His dad bragged about him?

The weight of his father’s words hit him in the chest.

Maybe he’d been underestimating him all these years.

“Listen, Ash, I know I’ve been hard on you. I’m not against your career. In fact, I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished. I think I was a little jealous.”

“Jealous? Why?”

“You stood up to your old man and followed your dreams. When I was in high school, I didn’t want to follow in my dad’s footsteps either. I didn’t want to drive the carriage or give tours and couldn’t wait to escape the island. I played guitar and wanted to strike out on my own, but my dad said a man needed to earn a living and take care of his family. So, I traded my guitar for my hammer. More so out of spite, but I love the company I’ve built.” Though his voice remained steady, Dad’s eyes softened. “I was too harsh on you about your dreams. I let my own fears cloud my judgment. I’m proud of you, son. I really am.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.” Asher took a deep breath. “I just wanted to play and pushed you away because I didn’t think you believed in me. All these years, and I never knew you played.”

“It was in the past so no need to bring it up.”

Asher caught the wistfulness in his father’s voice. “Doesn’t have to be.” He glanced at his parents. “Listen, Dad. A few minutes ago, Dani Sullivan asked Sadie and me to sing the final song with Miss Dahlia. After the rest of the acts play, she’ll close with her traditional ‘Amazing Grace.’” Asher jerked his thumb toward the stage where local boy and lead guitarist Caleb Kennedy played with his band. “Join us on stage and play with me.”

Dad’s eyes widened as he scanned the crowd dancing and singing along with Drake Hamilton, then he shook his head. “I can’t—I haven’t played in years.”

“So, you’re a bit rusty.” Asher lifted a shoulder. “Once you pick up that guitar and put your fingers on the frets, I bet those chords will come back to you. What do you say? Father and son playing together for the first time. And with Dahlia Denton, Dad.” He glanced at the platinum-haired woman with her tiny waist, huge personality, and wearing her signature sequins talking with Dani, Liam, and Seb Jonathon.

A genuine smile spread across Dad’s face as he followed the direction of Asher’s eyes. “Okay, yeah. Let’s do it.”

Sadie and her parents approached. While her parents caught up with his—apparently they knew each other years ago from the island—Asher draped an arm over her shoulder and drew her into his embrace. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “You okay?”

“More than okay.” She shook her head and laughed. “To be honest, words escape me. Tonight was even better than I could’ve imagined, thanks to you and your belief in me.”

“We believe in each other. A storm brought us together, but I’m so thankful the last one didn’t tear us apart. I love you, Sadie.”

“I love you too, Asher.” She looked at him with a wicked glint in her eyes. “Or should I start calling you Eli.”

He shook his head. “Eli’s in the past. While a phoenix may rise out of the ashes, it’s time for me to be the man God called me to be—Asher Quinn, the real man behind the mask. No more secrets.”

Sadie pressed a hand to his cheek. “I didn’t know Eli Noble, but I’m looking forward to getting to know Asher Quinn even more, who is the same fine young man that Gran claimed from the moment I met him.”

Asher didn’t deserve her, but he would be forever thankful she didn’t walk away from him for good.

He dipped his head and brushed his lips over hers, sealing the promise of their love.

They’d weather whatever storm came their way.

Together.