Page 63 of Explorer’s Revenge

FIFTY-TWO

MAEVE

T he guys are still asleep. Although I only got a few hours, it was the most restful slumber I’ve had since I last saw them. I feel different, reenergized and hopeful, but as I watch my father read his newspaper with shaking hands, I worry this will hurt him.

“I like them, you know,” he comments as he drops his newspaper.

“I can practically hear your thoughts from here. They are good guys. I might have also threatened them on the phone to make sure they are serious.” My eyes widen.

“Whatever you choose for your life, Maeve, I will be happy as long as you are.”

“They want me on their team,” I blurt nervously.

“And is that what you want?” he asks, no judgment, just curiosity.

I nod, biting my lip. “But we were a team?—”

“Maeve.” He chuckles as he leans in. “I can never join you again. We know that, and I’ve long since accepted it.

You have to stop holding onto what was, kid.

It’s time to find a new partner or team.

I’ll always be your family, but I don’t want you out there alone, so walk this path with them, and I’ll be right here whenever you get back. ”

I hold his hand. “I’m sorry, Dad.” Tears fill my eyes as I stare at my father. He’s changed so much in such a short time, and I know he hates this as much as I do.

“Me too, kid. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you, but knowing you aren’t alone will make sleeping a little easier. When I found out you weren’t alone on that island, I could breathe. I’ve met them, Maeve. They would do anything to keep you safe. There is clearly a bond between you, isn’t there?”

“I enjoy working with them,” I hedge.

“Then do it. Life is too short for regrets, kid. Trust me on that. It’s time for you to find your own adventure.

All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be safe and happy and lead the life you want.

Raising you without a mother, I did my best to ensure money and your gender wouldn’t hold you back, and I’m proud of the woman you have become.

You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone anymore, kid, so enjoy it.

Find your place and your family. If it’s them, then that’s okay with me.

Besides, I kind of like all the noise in this place.

It reminds me of our trips when we would stay at hostels and meet all those people along the way.

That’s the key to exploring—not just experiencing the world and other countries, but the friendships and memories you make along the way. Go make your own.”

“I feel like I’m betraying you,” I murmur, my chin quivering. “I guess I always thought it was you and me until the end.”

“Me too, kid, but life changes pretty quickly. I’m happy.

I know you don’t think I am, but I like this life, I really do, so be happy, Maeve—if not for you, then for me.

Wherever life takes you, know I love you, and you will always have a home to come back to, but you were made to explore, kid, so make me proud and maybe send a postcard or two.

” I laugh, and he wheels closer until I can lean my head on his shoulder.

When he speaks again, his voice is low and soft.

“I love you, kid, never doubt that.” We stay like that for a while before I pull away, and he brushes my hair from my face. “Besides, they are kind of cute.”

“Dad,” I protest, which makes us both laugh just as a sleepy looking Way stumbles into the kitchen. He freezes when he sees us and starts to back up.

“Don’t worry, we’re done. Come eat. Are the others up?” my dad asks.

“Just waking up,” he replies as he ruffles his hair. “Please tell me there’s lots of coffee.”

My dad chuckles. “Over there.”

“Maeve, do you want one?” Way asks around a yawn.

“Maeve?” my dad mocks, and I shoot him a glare.

“Sure, thanks,” I answer, and when Way comes over, he hands me a mug and kisses my cheek before sinking into the chair next to mine.

The others file in soon after. Luckily, my dad’s house is modified for a wheelchair, so it’s easier for Logan to move around, though I know he’s practicing on crutches as well.

By the time they all arrive, the table is full of food, and they dive in like starving animals.

As I watch them, I realize they fit in my life with ease, like they belonged in the first place.

I observe as my dad talks to them, regaling them with his own travel stories and becoming a dad to them as well. I know he wishes he could be with us, and I think that will always sting us both, but as I watch him, I realize he’s not lying.

He’s happy here, so maybe it’s time I found my happiness too . . . or maybe I already have.