Thanks, Pop, Gavin said, accepting a beer from his father. Today turned out good.

It sure did. Chad relaxed in his seat, his eyes landing on Gavins. The older you get, youll start to notice the chaos of a big to-do party loses its glitz. This is what its all about.

Gavin knew his father was correct. Somewhere between becoming successful with Blake Industries and playing the tiresome field with women, Gavin lost touch with what really mattered. Not that he hadnt held family close to his heartit was impossible not to considering his parents raised him to treasure itbut the importance of what really counted in life became skewed.

So how are you holding up? Colton questioned. Mom said you and Emily went for a blood paternity test a few days ago.

As Gavin swept his gaze to the house, where he could see Emily through the kitchen window, Gavin knew he wasnt doing well. Sure. Hed told Emily he wouldnt give up hope Noah was his son, but as the answer neared, he found it more difficult to hold onto optimism. Gavin shrugged, taking a gulp of beer. Im dealing.

Theres a reason behind everything, son, Chad sighed, clapping Gavins shoulder. Just remember that.

Yeah, Pop? What would be the reason if its not my kid? Gavin hated questioning anything his father said, but Gavin couldnt find a string of sense if this outcome was about to mind-fuck him. The despondency in his fathers eyes made Gavin feel like an asshole. Im sorry, Gavin somberly admitted, trying not to lose the faith his father had always attempted to instill in him. I told Emily at the beginning of this wed go through it scared together. I said that mostly to calm her down, but hell if this isnt killing me. The thought of having that asshole involved in her or the babys life is fucking with me bad.

Gavin dragged a hand through his hair, his nerves kicking up with every evil whisper in his mind. Gavin shook his head. Hes calmed down a bit in the past couple of months, but Im assuming thats because Ive kept him in place. If hes this babys father, itll go right to his head, and hell take it to a whole new level. The asshole let us know hes moving to Florida a few months after the babys born. Emilys a mess over it. Im going to fall in love with this kid and have to watch Dillon take him over the summer and holidays. Itll break us both.

With his hand still on Gavins shoulder, Chad looked at Colton who was staring wordlessly at his brother. Bringing his eyes back to his son, Chad shook his head. His voice was soft but resolute. Gavin, youre a strong man. Youve always been. The first time I held you, you told me with your eyes you were going to make your mark in this world, and shit, son, you have. Youve made your mother and me proud. I know you may feel that strength you were born with slipping from your grasp, but you have it in you to not let it go. Find it again. Its there. As a man and as a father to this child, whether yours biologically or not, youll do whatever it takes to keep you and Emily from breaking. Youre the man whos going to turn this child into a man. You and Emily need one another and you may need one another more than ever after this. But whatever you do, never question the decisions the heavens make for us. Again, theres a reason behind everything. All that matters is what you do with those decisions. You can let them break you or mold you.

With the words he needed to hear soaking through his mind, Gavin glanced toward the house. Watching his mother and Emily step from the porch, he tried to focus on what his father had said, but as the stars started to blanket the sky, he feared that until he had those results in hand, here and now, he wouldnt be able to find the strength he needed to walk them through this. As doubt plagued every muscle in his body, Gavin stood and made his was over to Emily. Forcing a smile, he gently pulled her into his arms. He felt as if he was failing. A man whod continue to fail if Noah wasnt his.

Hey, she said, smiling. Everyones heading down to the beach to light off the fireworks. I didnt realize itd gotten so chilly out here. Im gonna run back inside and grab my jacket. Do you need anything?

Gavin didnt answer. No. Instead, he bent his head, crushing his lips to hers. Ashamed and riddled with guilt for masking his feelings, he kissed her hard, burying his hands in her soft curls. He wondered if Emily could taste the fear on his tongue or if she could feel the uncertainty in his hold. He didnt know how long they stood wrapped in one anothers arms, but in that moment, he wished he could stop time. Stop it from moving forward to a wicked place where he wouldnt be able to take care of her.

Emily slowly pulled back, her eyes searching Gavins. Are you okay?

Yes, Gavin lied smoothly. I can go get your jacket.

Its all right. I have to use the bathroom. She touched his cheek and smiled. Ill meet you down by the beach.

Gavin nodded, and she made her way into the empty house. As she washed her hands after finishing up in the bathroom, Emily worried about the way Gavin looked. God, she just wanted their wait to be over. She wanted her carefree Yankees lover back. The waiting had stripped him of so much, and Emily couldnt help but hurt for him. On a sigh, she flipped off the light, praying the waiting would be over soon. In the bedroom, she yanked a light, spring jacket from her suitcase. She was glad shed brought it with her. Emily pulled it on and started for the door, however, she came to a stop, her feet glued to the floor, when her gaze locked onto Gavins laptop. A pang shot through her.