Page 19 of Reckless Love

I didn’t think I could ever get past it.

I can’t get that time back.

How do I reclaim what I lost?

But that’s one of the most

incredible things about kids…

they just want you to be present

when you ARE around.

I shifted my thinking,

and instead of dwelling on what I’d missed out on,

I put all my energy into

making that day the best Caleb and I had ever had.

It’s actually transformed

the way I think about life now.

All that schooling,

and no one told me I’d learn the most

when I became a father.

~Weston

“Don’t wastetime thinking about what you’ve missed or what you think you know about how she feels. Talk to her. Tell her you want a future with her,” Henley says.

I nod. I want to do that, but I’m just not sure I can. I tap on the bench and stand up.

“I’m gonna head out, okay? I’ll be back to normal the next time we see each other, don’t worry.” I point at each one of them. “We had a great win again and we’ve got Bree’s wedding coming up. I’m getting my head back in the game…which means I can’t turn this Elle shit over in my head anymore.” I point at my head like it’s a revolving carousel.

“We’re here for you, man,” Weston says. “Whatever you need.”

I open the door and look back at them. “I know you are, and it means so much. Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

I walk away before I can look at their desolate faces any longer. You’d think I just delivered them the worst blow, notsomething that I’ve been living with since the night I met Elle Benton.

When I’m done working out, there’s a message from Carrie saying we need to talk, and I brace myself before calling her back.

“Hey, what’s up?” I say when she answers.

“Hello to you too,” she snarks.

“Hello, Carrie. How’s it going?”

“Well, Levi has had the best day. I think he finally crossed over to liking chicken.”

He likes chicken all the time at my house, but I don’t bother correcting her.

“The little man likes to eat,” I say.