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Gus looked at his father with surprise.
“I’m sorry for not seeing the changes in you sooner, son. I’m sorry for not giving you the chance you deserved, for making you think you needed to go to impossible lengths to prove you’re worthy to be a part of our business.”
Gus bit down on the inside of his cheek, trying to hold back the tears.
“When you have children of your own, I hope you never have to experience what it’s like to watch one of them destroying their life.” Dad got choked up, which wasn’t something he did in front of them often, and Gus felt his own tears breaking through. “You are our son, who we love dearly, and we’ve only ever wanted what was best for you. I didn’t know that asking you to step away from the company for a while was going to do more damage. I only wanted you to have time to get your life in order, and I prayed you would come back stronger.
“And maybe you and Merritt didn’t start off in a traditional marriage, but she’s good for you. I’ve seen more change in you in the past two months than in the past year.”
Gus was ashamed. “I’m sorry for lying to you all. I was desperate to show you that I’d changed, but you wouldn’t see it.” He looked at his brother. “When I thought about being a man worthy of Dad’s respect and admiration, I thought of you, Bash. You’ve always had that, and I’ve always wished I did.”
Dad’s head fell and when he looked at Gus again, tears were spilling from his eyes. “I never meant for you to feel that I didn’t respect you, Augustus. It hurt to see you struggling, that’s all. And I tried to help in the only way I knew, with tough love. It’s how I was raised, but I never considered that it might make things worse.”
“It’s all right, Dad. I’m fine. And despite the stupid things I’ve done in the past, I’m in a good place.” He put his arm around Merritt. “I have this beautiful woman by my side, and I’m going to keep working on being a better version of myself.”
“We want you to come back,” Dad said.
“What?”
“To Schultz Chocolate. We want you back. As president.”
Gus looked over at his sister, who was smiling at him. “Sky, I don’t want to take anything away from you. You’ve earned your position.”
“Stop. You know I want you there. We’ll be co-presidents for now, and when Dad officially retires, one of us will take over as CEO.” She grinned deviously. “May the best woman win.”
He stuck his tongue out at her, and she returned the favor.
“Okay, kids,” Sebastian piped in.
They all laughed, which lightened the mood in the room substantially.
Gus looked over at Merritt. “I’m going to have to discuss this with my wife first, of course.”
“I thought you weren’t married anymore,” Skylar said.
“We haven’t met with the judge yet, so technically we still are,” Merritt replied.
“But even if we weren’t, Merritt just proposed, and I said yes,” Gus announced.
The table filled with joyful gasps, high-fives, and congratulations.
“That’s so wonderful.” Mom’s hands were clasped together happily.
“We’re so pleased,” Dad said.
“It feels weird to congratulate you guys since you’ve already been married for two months,” Skylar said with a laugh, “but I’m so happy you fell in love for real. I was kind of mad you got married the first time without us.”
“I know you were,” Gus said.
“Now we get to plan another wedding!” Skylar exclaimed.
“Maybe you should quit your job and become a wedding planner.”
She gave him a sarcastic look. “You’d like that wouldn’t you.”
He shrugged, and they both laughed.
Merritt squeezed Gus’s hand. “Will you go with me to talk to my parents today? I need to tell them about us and about my business.”