I made the journey in about twenty minutes, breaking several speed limits. Parking up behind the beach, I took a deep breath and opened the car door.
It was just starting to get dark and the air was warm and dry. People walked along the promenade with dogs enjoying the pleasant evening.
Looking around, I quickly located him sitting on a wooden bench.
He really was too big to go unnoticed anywhere.
I was still really mad with him but I knew he was struggling. I needed to cut him a break.
“Zack, how are you feeling?” I whispered as I walked quietly up behind him.
I touched his shoulder gently. He turned around and looked at me. His eyes were glazed and empty. I cupped his warm cheek gently. He kissed my palm as my eyes filled with tears.
“Alone.”
“You are not alone, Zack. You have me. Talk to me, I am listening.”
“I feel like I am drowning. I am way out of my depth and it scares the shit out of me. I don’t know how to do this on my own.”
“From what I can gather, you have been doing it on your own for years. Don’t put yourself down like that. You are doing an amazing job. The twins are loved so much by you. I love them too, Zack.”
I moved in front of him and pulled him into my chest, kissing his forehead. He sighed deeply.
“I don’t want them to grow up. Is that so wrong?” he whispered.
“No. I am sure you are not the first parent to think that. What would Phoebe have done if she were here?”
“Probably have congratulated Scarlett and made a move on Connor’s Dad!” he replied with no humour in his voice.
“Look, you just need to talk to her about it like an adult.”
“I know, JB. I’m so sorry I stormed off like a dick. I shouldn’t have hit Scarlett and I’m sorry I shouted at you. You have been more like a mother to her than Phoebe ever was.”
Tears filled his beautiful eyes. I pulled him closer and kissed his hair. I breathed in his beloved scent. My heart ached for him.
“Give her time to calm down and make your peace with her. At the end of the day, she will have sex if she wants to, whether you like it or not, Zack.”
“I know but she’s my little girl and I don’t like to think about it.”
A solitary tear crept down his cheek.
“I know and I understand, Zack. It’s okay. Let it out. You can always be yourself with me,” I told him holding him close as he cried unashamedly onto my shoulder.
I never thought less of him when he got upset. He was such a strong man with a strong character but he wore his heart on his sleeve and I loved him so much for that. I wiped the tears gently from his beautiful swollen eyes.
“Shall we go home?” he said. “Wait a minute, how did you know I was here?”
“Lucky guess, Zack.”
Chapter Fifty Four
Scarlett appeared in the kitchen. Her pretty blue eyes looked swollen and her face was puffy.
Zack was seated at the table, looking at a newspaper but not really reading it.
“Dad, can I talk to you?”
He turned around to look at her and I saw his heart melt a little bit.
“I will give you guys some space,” I told them.
I headed into the lounge. My phone started ringing as I flicked through a magazine. I was pleased to see that it was my brother Jack.
“Hi, Jacky boy. What’s new?”
“Sis, I am getting married. I asked Chloe and she said yes. The wedding is in two weeks. We thought we had wasted so much time, why wait?” he blurted out.
“What? That is fab news. You two are made for each other, Jack. I am so happy for you both. We will be there!” I told him, ending the call.
A few minutes later, Zack sauntered into the lounge.
“How are things with Scarlett?”
“Better. I know I will have to get my head around her having an adult relationship. It’s not going to be easy but I don’t really have any choice. She said you talked to her last night.”
“I did. She needed a friend.”
“You are so much more than a friend to her, Jennifer, and I really love you for that, baby.”
He pulled me to him and kissed me sweetly.
“I know it’s different for Jasper. You probably congratulated him. It’s a bit unfair but that’s the way it has always been.”
“He told me all about his first time in far too graphic detail!” he cringed blushing.
“Ha! That’s typical Jasper! Oh, I have some news for you.”
I told Zack about the wedding.
“I think Scarlett and Jasper will want to stay here. They have a lot on with just starting college. I will ask Camille and Roger to stay. They won’t mind, I’m sure.”
“Great! Well, I will need an outfit pronto. I will go shopping tomorrow. I’m not taking you as you are very naughty in changing rooms!”