Charlie has mentioned more than once the obligation that she feels to her family and her dad’s memory to ensure that the practice he built is strong and in good hands before she turns it over. It’s admirable, really.
I begrudgingly pick up my daughter’s suitcase and carry it down the stairs while I balance Ainsley in my other arm, not wanting to let her go. My daughter has a fucking suitcase to come to our house. The irony is not lost on me.
Once we reach the foyer, I drop the pink-and-white polka dotted bag by the stairs and grab Charlie’s arm, spinning her around and pushing her up against the front door. “Look, if this is about money, just tell me how much. I’ll pay off the loan on the rehab equipment. Tell me what I have to do to keep you and Ainsley here with me.” It’s a plea, and I hope she hears the desperation in my voice.
She tries to take Ainsley from me, but I don’t let her. She’s not going to use the baby as a shield. Her eyes cut to the ground as if our foyer marble is the most interesting thing on the planet. “You know that this isn’t completely about the money. I want to leave the practice as strong as it was when my dad died. No one can do this but me. Plus, Colin, I’m enjoying this challenge. I like seeing my patients’ progress, and knowing that it’s because of me.”
Charlie just confirmed what I’ve been suspecting. This whole getting her father’s practice in order is about Charlie wanting to do right by her father, but it’s also practicing the kind of medicine that inspires her again. My gut acknowledges what my mind isn’t ready to admit yet. This isn’t going to end. She’s going to slowly move my daughter to Houston, four hours away from me, for her career. I did move her away from her dream for my job.
Charlie continues to drill holes in the floor with her eyes, and it’s killing me. I adjust Ainsley on my hip and use my free hand to raise her chin. Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears, and I fucking hate it. “Hey, don’t cry. I’m just tired of telling you goodbye.” Then, I give her my half-smile and chuckle. “Thought I’d make one last-ditch attempt to keep you here.”
I kiss her lips, not wanting to let her go. I don’t want us to end this magical week together angry at one another. If she is wanting to stay in Houston permanently, ten minutes before she leaves me again is not the time to fight about it—even I’m smart enough to realize that.
She’s the one who pulls away first. “You know we got distracted and never discussed the Lake Somerville property site plans.”
She’s at least thinking about our future if she’s talking about the vacation home.
“Damn distractions.” I smirk, staring directly at her tits.
“Maybe we can get to it next time we’re home.” Please let it be for good next time. Prove me wrong, Charlie. Come on, baby, show me that you aren’t karma’s best revenge.
She turns, brushing against my crotch as she wiggles away from me. “One more bathroom break. Can you put Ainsley in the car?” Neither one of us moves for a couple of heartbeats as I absorb her smell, and feel the lingering remnants of her touch on my cock.
She breaks the spell and heads toward our bedroom. I pick up Ainsley’s suitcase. “Come on, baby girl. Time to tell you goodbye.”
My heart is heavy as I carry my daughter to The Tank. I can do this for a finite period of time, but this can’t be my life. I can’t keep giving Ainsley goodbye kisses. I’m not willing to give up my relationship with my daughter or wife for Charlie’s career.
Brad and Carter are having a heated goodbye make-out session in my driveway, and only stop when I begin to load the back with my wife and daughter’s things.
Amy and Aiden join us on the driveway. Amy is flushed and her lips are swollen. They must have said their goodbyes in the privacy of one of their rooms.
I strap Ainsley into the car seat, checking the restraints to make sure they’re secure across her chest. Next, I lean over, giving her a kiss on tip of her nose. She giggles and bats at a toy that Charlie has suspended from the roof of the car. I can’t stand it, so I lean in for two more kisses and a nose rub. “Bye, Daddy’s angel. I’ll see you soon.”
Brad takes the passenger seat, and Amy slides in the back next to the car seat.
Now, I must tell my beautiful girl goodbye. I pull her to me and hold her tightly while I kiss her lips. I silently pray into her hair that I’m wrong, and that she’s going to come back to me.
Her arms, wrapped tightly around my chest, give me the reassurance that this is as hard on her as it is on me. My feelings must be wrong.
She pulls away first. “I love you.”