Ethan poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned back against the counter. Noelle had taken a shift at the café, which left him on his own for the day, and alone with his thoughts.

Noelle made a good point. He didn’t need to let everyone he met or treated behind his walls, just the people who mattered. He should learn from Trapper. His dog didn’t have trouble adjusting.

“Look at you two.” Both dog and cat cracked open an eye but didn't budge. “All cuddled together. Trapper, I think you found a buddy.”

The dog ignored the envious sentiment, stretched out a leg, giving him the doggy-finger, then settled back in for a snooze. The cat lifted his head and propped his chin on the dog's forearm.

The room fell silent.

Lonely.

Maybe he should call Tom, see if he wanted to meet for lunch. He sipped his coffee and looked out at the mountain meadow. The skies were blue. The hillside had a spread of white with spots of green. He was wondering where his cross-country skis were stored when the front doorbell rang.

Trapper didn’t stir. “You're not a very good guard dog. You know that?”

The dog's tail thumped twice, but he didn’t look a bit guilty.

Ethan put his mug on the counter, then headed down the hall.

Opening the front door, he paused. “Tom? I was just thinking about calling to see if you want to go for lunch.”

“Good morning.” Tom scanned the room behind him. “I brought blueberry muffins. I thought we could have that breakfast we talked about. Is Noelle home?”

Home? Odd? “She's not here. She said something about a shift at the café, and helping Jenna at the bakery.”

“Oh, good.”

Good? The conversation was getting weirder by the minute. “Would you like to come in?”

“I can smell you’ve got Peaberry brewing.”

“How do you always know when I get a new shipment of coffee?”

The delicious, flavorsome brew grown on Kilimanjaro emanated an aroma like no other in the world. The coffee also had a unique taste, with citrus, pineapple, and coconut layers of flavor. “Just a lucky guess.”

“Come in. Take a seat. I'll pour you a cup.”

Tom settled onto the brown leather sofa. “Your place is looking mighty…festive.”

“That's Noelle's doing. She wanted to decorate for the holidays.”

“There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh tree.”

Ethan handed Tom a mug, which said, doctor powered by coffee.

“Mmm. This stuff is terrific.” Tom leaned back and crossed his legs, studying the tree.

Ethan had known Tom long enough to know his uncle only spoke when he was ready, so he sat in the recliner next to the fireplace to wait.

“I met Dr. Handel at the café last night for coffee and to catch up on local news. While I was there I heard something that might interest you.”

Ethan couldn’t fathom what the local dentist—Tom’s hunting buddy—would have to say that would be of any interest to him. “No surprise there. This town is always full of gossip.” Ethan prompted, but Tom didn’t seem in a rush.

His uncle studied the tree intently, but Ethan got the impression he didn't see the tree at all.

“I’m thinking there’s more fact than fiction to what I heard,” Tom tapped his fingers on the armrest, then re-crossed his legs in the opposite direction. “I overheard Maggie tell Ted that Noelle was leaving on Saturday.”

Panic made Ethan sit up straighter. “Saturday? I thought she wasn't leaving until the new year.”

“I guess she decided to leave early.” Tom’s eyes narrowed, and his mouth flattened into a straight line. “Any idea why?”

“If you think I…”

Tom waved a hand like he was waving away a fart. “Don’t get your briefs in a bunch. I was just asking a question.”

Ethan eased back into the chair, his gaze fixed on Tom. “This isn’t just a social call, is it? There’s a reason you stopped by.”

Tom’s fingers tapped the armchair like he was playing one of his jazz pieces on the piano. “I've never been one to mess in your business.”

Ethan forced out a skeptical breath. “You messed in my business plenty when you decided to close the office without even talking to me first.”

“I did it for your own good.” Tom gave him the stern don’t-argue eye, then leaned forward and placed the coffee cup on the table. “You know Noelle’s in love with you, right?”

Love? Wow. “You don't know what you're talking about.”

“You’re in love too,” Tom pointed at him, “You’re just too focused on the wrong things to see what’s in front of your face.”

“She’s been in town only a few days.” Seven, to be exact.

“People can meet on a plane or at a conference and fall in love. It’s instant. You’ve been in each other’s company constantly for close to a week. You’ve had plenty of time to kick the tires and get rid of that new car smell.”

“How would you know about love? You've never been married.”

“Oh, I know plenty about love, and making sacrifices.”

Ethan paused and studied the hurt in Tom’s eyes. He’d seen that expression. It was similar to the one staring back at him in the bathroom mirror every day. “Looks to me like you’re still in love.”

How did I not know this? I’ve been too busy feeling sorry for myself, that’s why.

Tom dropped his head and folded his hands in his lap. “I think she'd be surprised at how much I still love her.”

“Still? As in the present tense?”

Tom's eyes flicked to him, then away. “Some loves can cage a man, trap him in a place and time, and won’t let him go. Consuming love is like going on a hunger strike that lasts for decades. It’s an excruciating way to die. I would never wish it on any man.”

“I've known you all these years, and I never suspected.”

“Why do you think I've been encouraging you to move on? Live your life?” Tom drew in a heavy breath. “Don’t get trapped the way I did, Ethan. Brigitte is no longer alive. You need to let her go.”

“Are you in love with Viola?”

“Viola?” Tom choked out a surprise. “Our office manager? Heavens, no. There was a time she wanted a relationship, but she’s happy raising her grandkids.”

“Who is this mystery woman?”

Tom grabbed his thighs like he was bracing for an impact. “Haven’t you ever wondered why your dad and I never speak to each other?”

“I assumed it was to do with grandpa cutting you out of the will.”

Tom laughed, but the sound lacked substance. “I guess you’re partially correct. My father, your grandfather, was an ambitious man. He wanted his sons to carry on the tradition. Your father was just like him. I couldn’t stomach the idea of building a bank account balance. I wanted to become a doctor, not to generate a good salary, but to give back rather than take.”

“Is that why grandpa cut you out of the will?”

“There was a stipulation that we were to earn our first million by age twenty-five. Your father was determined to make it happen, but he didn’t have the grades or smarts. He liked to take shortcuts.” Tom's expression saddened. “In college, I met a lovely girl. She was smart, funny, beautiful. In my eyes, she was my perfection. We became close after her father died.”

“But you never married.”

“No. As a pre-med student, I had an uncertain future—student loans, a residency to get through, years of building a practice—money would be tight. I had already made the decision not to accept a dime from my father, and I questioned what I could offer her.”

Tom braced his elbows on his knees, with hands wringing in time with the emotions crisscrossing his face. “She was raised with money, had a fancy education and a place in society. Her father left her a substantial amount of money, and a share in his company. We could have lived on the interest from the investments, except I couldn’t accept money I hadn’t earned. That was the whole point of refusing my father’s trust. Back then, I was an idealist,” Tom said with disgust, and ran a hand over the back of his head.

“I wanted to provide for my family myself. I was willing to make the sacrifice. She wasn’t. Halfway through the college semester, her mother became ill. Concerned she’d lose her mother so soon after her father died, she left for South Carolina. I was such a fool. I waited and waited, certain she’d come back, but she never did.”

“What happened?” Ethan scooted to the edge of his seat.

“She had gotten pregnant and decided to marry for protection. She chose a man who could give her the life she’d become accustomed to rather than marry for love.” Tom’s eyes met his. “She met a man who was to inherit his father’s fortune.”

Ethan sucked in air. His chest tightened. “You’re not… Are you? It’s Mom you’re talking about, isn’t it?”

Tom gazed at him for a long silent moment. “Your father was always jealous of Eve’s relationship with me. When she went home to help her mother, William discovered she was the necessary piece to execute his plan. She had money, and he needed money to fulfill the requirements of our father’s will. If he married well, he'd inherit.”

What an asswipe. The hurt in Tom’s eyes made Ethan’s anger quadruple.

“So my dad married your girlfriend.”

“Yes.”

If his dad had been standing in front of him, he just might have clobbered him. The fraud. He already knew his father had cheated to get at the trust money, and yet he had the balls to push Ethan to try harder, study more, get better grades in order to succeed—succeed when he himself cut corners. The sneaky bastard.

Oh, God. He studied Tom’s face as his mind latched onto a single question. “But you said she was pregnant.”

“Yes.”

No wonder my father didn’t love me. I wasn’t his to love.

The many conversations with his mom rewound and played. She’d always called his father William, never referred to him as “your dad.”

His parents were always formal. The first name practice was odd, but not too off-base. Then again, his father had always treated him differently. He figured it was the firstborn thing, since his brothers always got away with far more—poor grades, staying out late. His youngest brother had even been arrested for drunk driving. Then there was his mother’s wish for him to become a doctor. All these years, Ethan had thought she was just supporting his dad’s ultimatums.

His gut churned into a nauseous ball of puss.

Ethan’s gaze returned Tom’s intense stare. “You’re my dad, aren’t you?”

Tom reached out a hand to touch him, but Ethan recoiled.

“Answer my question. Are you my dad?”

Tom’s arm dropped to the armrest. “I don’t know.”

Ethan’s heart raced. “We need to do a DNA test.”

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?”

“As far as I'm concerned, William is your father. And I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention this conversation to your mother.”

That’s bull. “I have the right to know.”

“At what cost? Either way, it would destroy your mother.”

Yet she and my father destroyed me. “You’re just trying to protect the woman you love.” The accusation spewed across the room.

Tom’s face paled as if he’d been sliced with a knife. “Is that so difficult for you to understand? Aren’t you still in love with Brigitte? Haven't you spent the last three years mourning her loss? Stuck in a cage?”

“I was married to Brigitte. That was different.”

“Why? Just because you had a marriage license? I loved your mother with everything in me. She was my world. She was, and is, the love of my life. Nothing will change that. But my life has been lonely. And I know I've been a fool to wait. I hoped one day she would find her way back to me.” Tom stood and paced the length of the sofa, then sat back down. He leaned forward. His eyes were intense. Almost pleading. “I don't wish such an unfulfilling kind of life for you. Not when you have a choice. Noelle loves you. Unlock your cage. Live your life, Ethan.”

“Noelle may love me, but she has plans that don’t include me. She wants to be a songwriter, and I’m not going to stand in her way.”

“But—”

“No. No buts.” Ethan raked his fingers through his hair. “However, that’s not to say I can’t stop her from making a big mistake. I researched that band in LA. It’s backed by a rapper who’s spent most of his life in and out of jail. Noelle can do better.”

“So what are you going to do about it?”

“I’d hate to see her waste her talent, or get sucked into another scam. I have an idea, but it will mean pulling in a few favors.”

“You know someone in the music industry?” Tom’s brows flattened into a skeptical line.

“Maybe.”

“Then make the calls. It would be a damn shame if you let her go. Her friends miss her, and so does Maggie. And Noelle has such a big heart.”

Ethan brushed his palms down his jeans while releasing a long, slow breath. “You know you pissed me off the other day when you said I didn’t want to hear about Brigitte being pregnant.”

“I figured as much. It was the only way I knew how to get through to you.”

Great. The whole family’s manipulative—why not you, too? He forced the resentment to settle. Tom had tried to manipulate him, yes, but he was a fair and ethical man. Always had been.

Tom was right. “I loved Brigitte. I did, but I never really allowed her into my life. I hurt her. I never believed a woman like her could love a guy like me. I think you’re right. She didn't tell me she was pregnant because she wasn't sure I wanted another child. She had no idea she and Callie were my whole universe.”

“That conclusion must have been hard to accept.”

“I’ve been lying to myself. My marriage wasn't perfect, and I played a big part in that. My dad… William, always wanted more from me, and when I couldn’t give him more, I felt unworthy. Unlovable.”

“Ethan, you are loved. I love you.”

Ethan held out his hands, not quite ready to accept Tom’s declaration. “Please don’t. Not yet. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Okay,” Tom scratched at his head, then smoothed what hair he had remaining. “But are you just going to sit there? Noelle is leaving. If you’re going to do anything to stop her, you need to do it fast.”

Ethan sighed. “Did anyone ever tell you you're a pain?”

“Take two aspirins and get over it.” Tom grinned as he pushed up off the sofa. “Ethan. You’re a good man. When you’re ready, let’s talk more. In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll figure this out.”

Ethan slowly stood and held out his hand. Tom looked at his hand, then held his arms wide. Ethan took a step forward with no hesitation. “I’ve always thought I look like you,” he whispered.

“And I’ve always wondered,” Tom murmured, and squeezed him tighter.

“You’re right. There’s no need for a test. All these years, I thought I had to prove myself to my dad. Now I know I'm free. Free to make my own choices, knowing you and Mom will always be there to support me.”

Tom sniffed, his eyes turning red, and he stepped back. “I’ve always been proud of you.”

Son. Ethan heard the endearment, even if it was left unsaid.

“Now go do something about keeping your woman in town.”

“I’ll try, but you’re right, she’s a stubborn one.”

Tom walked toward the door, Ethan following.

“The best kind. The stubborn ones are ornery enough to stick.” Tom hesitated when he got to the entryway. “If you want, we can talk about opening the practice back up. You were right when you said I should have discussed closing the office with you first. I thought I was doing the right thing...for the staff, but mostly for you.”

Yeah, I see that now. “I’ll see you after New Year’s. I have a lot of thinking to do.”

A smile touched Tom’s eyes. “Don’t take too much time thinking. The clock’s ticking.”

The door closed quietly behind him.

Ethan leaned his forehead against the cold wood. “I won’t.”

His chest felt like he’d just survived a triple bypass. Then again, maybe Tom had given him a new heart. His future looked different. Changed. He felt free. Free to choose. He’d already chosen Tom, but he also wanted to choose Noelle.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled through his contacts. “Phil, hey, it’s Ethan.”

“Ethan, it’s been a long time. You aren’t calling to nag me again, are you?”

Ethan’s hand shook as he held the phone to his ear. “No. I’ve been following you on the internet. Seems you’re doing fine. Hey, you said if I ever needed a favor to call. I swore I’d never collect, but…”

A hearty laugh came through the phone. “What can I do for you, Doc?”

“A beer.”

“Excuse me? My doctor’s telling me to drink beer?”

“Not exactly. I was hoping one of your managers might be available tomorrow to listen to a friend sing at a bar here in Elkridge.”

“Is she any good?”

Ethan’s chest tightened. “How do you know it’s a woman?”

“My leg might be held together with rods and pins, but my head is still completely intact.”

“She’s better than what I hear on the radio.”

“I’ve heard that a time or two, but I’m willing to have a listen. You’re in luck. I'm in Aspen skiing with my family. How about I drive down tomorrow for that beer?”

A thrill of victory shot through his veins. “It’d be appreciated.”

“What time?”

“The doors open at 7:30 at Mad Jack’s Pub. How about I meet you there at eight? I’ll text you the address. I'll even buy.”

“You better add a burger and fries then, Doc, and I don’t want to hear a word about my cholesterol.”

Ethan released a satisfied chuckle. “You got it. Call if you can’t make it.”

“I’ll be there.”

“I’m counting on it.” Big time.

Because if he didn’t figure out how to get Noelle to stay, he might end up like Tom—a workaholic with no life who was pretending life was grand.