Meetings between us McKenzies are usually entertaining, but today I can’t bring myself to pay too much attention. The boardroom is off of my cousin, Michael’s office. We all elected him to be at the helm once our fathers announced their retirement. He’s the manager amongst us. With my current mood, I’d rather lock my office door and work on a new project without any interruptions. My sister Olivia is more outgoing than me, but she too, likes to be locked away with her work.

My father, Lucien, and his brothers, Michael and Sebastian, still keep up-to-date with what’s going on at the office, which is why they’re also sitting around the large conference table.

Papers are scattered while I sit in my seat woolgathering, as my mother would say. My concentration has been all over the place and I can’t settle on any one project, which is unlike me. I’m never indecisive.

My mind is constantly on what Rachel is doing. I wonder until it drives me crazy. I need to get more of a life, but I have no idea how to do that. My heart has settled on Rachel, and I know that I won’t ever be truly happy with someone else.

Suddenly, I feel the silence around me and slowly glance around the room—all eyes are on me.

“What?” I ask, frowning.

All eyes turn toward my father who stares at me and shakes his head, a worried expression on his features. He clears his throat, but it’s my sister Olivia, who says, “Snap out of it Alexander.” Clicking her fingers in my face.

Opening my mouth, nothing comes out.

“Let’s get back to business,” Dad says and I sigh in relief.

I glance at Olivia and reaching out, squeeze her hand. She’s angry with me because she knows what’s going on. In fact I’m fairly sure the whole family is aware what’s going on between Rachel and I.

“The office here is closing for four days during Charlotte’s wedding, although we’ll all have our office phones forwarded to our cells during that time,” Michael says as I force myself to concentrate.

“Dad,” I say, “are you and Mom still traveling to the hotel with me from the airport?” I glance at Olivia. “Are you driving or do you need a lift?”

“We’ll still drive up with you.” Dad grins. “Your mother is looking forward to a road trip with our two children.”

“Urgh,” Olivia groans. “I guess that means I’m going with you as well.”

I laugh and so does Olivia. She loves spending family time together, which I guess we all do.

“Joshua is meeting us at the airport in Boston and insists on driving Lily and I.” Uncle Michael smiles. “Lily is slightly disappointed that Charlotte is making her own way there with Tanner. She understands though.”

“Carla keeps hinting to Madison that it’s about time she finds a ‘nice young man’, much to her chagrin,” Uncle Sebastian says. “I actually think my wife is more interested in having a grandchild than a daughter who is married.” He shudders. “Madison is my baby girl, I can’t imagine her married or a mother.”

“Or what she’d have to do if she got married and have a baby,” Uncle Michael teases.

Uncle Sebastian goes white and narrows his eyes at his brother. “I don’t want to imagine my daughter with a horny assed man, thank you for that.”

“If you two have finished, I can’t wait for Alexander or Olivia to get married and start popping out babies,” Dad says to my horror.

Olivia starts laughing. “I’d love to see Alex popping out babies.”

Dad rolls his eyes. “Let me rephrase, I can’t wait for Alex to marry and for his wife to pop out grandchildren.” He grins at Olivia. “Of course you could be first.”

Now I laugh at the shock on my sister’s face. “Nice one.”

Olivia glares in my direction.

I warn, “Do not go there.”

She snaps her mouth closed.

Michael chuckles and shakes his head. “So we’re sorted with work and for the wedding. Correct?”

“Yes boss.” I salute.

Michael gives me the finger.

Grinning, I gather up my things and ask, “Are Dylan, Jaxon, Rachel, and Paige traveling to the hotel together?”

I notice Dad’s attention from the corner of my eyes while I hold Uncle Sebastian’s gaze.

“Yes they are. Dylan has the four-wheel drive with him. Which is just as well considering the forecast for snow. So I think Charlotte is going to get the white wedding she wants.” Uncle Sebastian smiles. “My wife has plans for the snow.”

Uncle Michael snorts. “Won’t body parts freeze off in the snow? I mean you’re not as young as you once were.”

“My body parts will be warmed by my wife.” Uncle Sebastian winks and laughing, walks out with a wave to us all.

Dad groans and looks at his brother. “When McKenzie Holdings was started so many years ago, I never imagined we’d be sitting at the conference table with some of our children.” He glances at Olivia, then me, then Michael. “I want you to know that we’re all proud of you.”

“Geez Dad.” Olivia sniffles. “I never cry.”

“I’m going to tell Mom,” I offer, trying to hide how much his words touched me.

Uncle Michael laughs. “All your mother will do is smack his ass and kiss it better.”

“Dad!” Michael shouts.

“On that note, I’ll leave you to business.” Uncle Michael pats his son on the shoulder as he leaves.

“God,” Michael slumps in his chair, “I’m not sure what’s wrong with Dad today and the comments.”

Dad roars with laughter. “You’re married Michael, I’m sure you can work it out.”

Michael’s eyes widen in surprise and then he shudders. “Moms and Dads never have sex,” he says with a straight face as he leaves the room.

Olivia follows him out.

I offer my dad a wry smile. “Was it planned for us both to be left in here alone?”

“I couldn’t have planned it better.” Dad moves beside me and sits against the tables’ edge as I lean back in my chair. “You’re my son Alexander, and I love you.”

“But—”

He shakes his head. “No buts … I’m here if you need me. For anything Alexander.”

Quickly glancing away, I turn back to the man who I’ve always loved and respected “I know Dad. I’ve always known that you and Mom are there for me. Olivia knows that too.”

“I wish I knew how to help you,” Dad admits. “It hurts us knowing that you’re hurting. I never want my children to struggle and no matter how old you and your sister get, I’ll always want to make everything better for you both. It’s been that way since the minute you were born.”

“You’re making me want to cry like a baby.”

He smiles softly. “I love you.” Dad grabs my head and kisses me on the top. “Follow your heart.”

Before his words register he’s gone and I’m alone in the room.

Did he tell me to follow my heart, knowing exactly where that will take me?