Page 104 of This Kind of Forever

“You’ve been out on your own for quite some time now, Gabe, and you’ve never given me any reason to doubt your capabilities. So no, I’m not going to ask because I’m sure you have a plan. Or if you don’t, you’ll make one.”

Admittedly, I’m a little taken aback. It’s not like Dad has ever been on my case about figuring shit out, even back in high school. This is a pressure I’ve put on myself.

Self-inflicted pressure is almost worse than that of others. Because at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself, and that’s a hell of a lot easier when you like who you are.

“You’re not disappointed?”

He straightens. “Of course not. All I want for you and your siblings is happiness. There’s about a million paths to fulfillment, son. I don’t care which you pick or if you change your mind along the way.”

At least half of the weight sitting on my shoulders falls away. Though between him and Luke, I knew Dad would be the easiest to tell. Still, I feel relieved.

“An old classmate works for the coast guard out of Tobermory,” I say. “I’m thinking about reaching out, seeing what I’d need to do to get on his search and rescue team.”

He nods. “I think you should. They’d be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

He smiles. “Anytime. Now can you hand me the Phillips-head?”

I open the front door to the sound of giggling. It instantly puts me at ease, and I quickly shuck my jacket and boots so I can join in on the fun.

When I turn the corner, I find Hallie sitting on the couch alone. My daughter is nowhere in sight, and the remnants of their fort litter the floor.

“Hey,” she says. “How are your parents?”

“They’re good. I helped my dad fix one of the guest bedroom doors,” I reply. “Where’s Abbs?”

Hallie shrugs. “I’m not sure…” Her smile is a bit mischievous, and I get the hint. “I swear she was just here a second ago.”

“Hmm. I guess I’ll have to find her…” I lift the cushion on the armchair and pretend to look under it. Another giggle rings out. “Did you hear that?”

Hallie shakes her head. She rolls her lips inward as she tries not to smile. “Hear what?”

I walk around the back of the couch, but I catch movement across the room. The curtains are swaying, and a small pair of feet are sticking out the bottom.Busted.

“Maybe she’s over here.” I round the couch again, crossing the room. Another peal of laughter sounds, which is music to my fucking ears.

“She has to be close by,” Hallie says.

I shrug. “I give up. I think she’s gone.”

After hearing my fake dejected tone, Abbie pops out from behind the curtain. “Look! I’m right here, Daddy!”

I feign shock, and then I scoop her into my arms. She shrieks her laughter, growing louder as I begin to tickle her sides.

“Hallie!” she gasps. “Hallie, help me!”

I shake my head. “She can’t save you. She was in on your plan to trick me.”

Hallie stands from the couch, looking contemplative. “What if we negotiate?”

“What’s…that?” Abbie asks between gasping breaths. I let up on the tickling a little.

“Making a deal. Like if we tell your dad he can have our leftover pizza, butonlyif he lets you go.”

“Yes!” Abbie yells. “Let’s ‘gotiate!”

“I do love pizza…”