Holding You

Nodding his head, he stared straight ahead. “I figured as much, son.”



Letting out a long exhale, I decided the best thing to do was to just come out with it. “I’m not going back to A&M.”



I held my breath while I waited for him to lay into me about how irresponsible I was being. Nodding his head, he kept riding as he stared straight ahead.



Clearing his throat, my father began to speak. “This morning I was thinking about when Alex left for college a few years back. The mistake I made by pushing my plans on her and what happened in the end.”



Stopping my horse, my father turned to face me. “Dad, what happened to Alex was not your fault or Alex’s fault.”



Giving me a weak smile, my father let out a deep breath. “I know, Colt. But I vowed I would never step in and interfere with my kids’ lives again. I’m not going to lie, I’m disappointed you’re not going back, but at the same time I’ve never been more proud of you.”



Pulling my head back in shock, my mouth dropped open. “Why?”



Letting out a gruff laugh, he continued to talk. “Why? Well for one, you knew what meant the most to you and that was Lauren. When your coach told you to either be at the game or lose your starting spot, and you picked staying with Lauren . . . well . . .” Shaking his head and smiling slightly, he said, “It showed how much you love Lauren and would do anything for her. Don’t think Scott and Jessie don’t know that, Colt. They know what you walked away from and they couldn’t be more proud of you as well.”



“I love her, Dad. The thought of losing her did something to me. It . . . I don’t know . . . it changed the way I think about everything, not just football and college. Lauren getting sick and almost dying showed me that each day is a gift and I don’t want to take it for granted. I don’t want to miss a minute of anything.”



Giving me a smile, he looked away as if he was thinking about what he was going to say next. Before looking back at me he asked, “Your plans?”



This was it. I’d already had this conversation with Scott and Jessie this morning with Lauren. Now it was time for my father. “This morning I spoke with Scott and Jessie.” He nodded as if he knew this bit of information. “Lauren had already decided she was not returning to school. Scott and Jessie didn’t argue with her at all. I think they’re just happy she’s here, ya know?”



“I can’t even begin to imagine what that was like for them, so yes, I totally understand their thinking.”



Fidgeting in the saddle, I ran my hand over my head and let out a sigh. Holy hell. I was going to tell my father I wanted to quit school and work for Scott full time. What would he do? Laugh? Shout? Tell me I was out of my damn mind? Taking in a deep breath, I slowly blew it out. “I’m going to work for Scott full time, Dad. I’m not going back to A&M. I’ve asked Lauren to marry me, and I honestly don’t want to waste anymore time. I know what you’re going to say, and well, I just hope that you and Mom will be able to—”



Holding up his hands to get me to stop talking, he laughed. “Colt, my gosh, will you give me a chance to respond before you go into full-blown defensive mode.”



Shaking my head, I looked down to clear the thoughts running rampant in my head. “Right, of course. Sorry, Dad.”



“May I talk now?”



Giving him a weak smile, I motioned for him to talk. “Your mother and I already saw this coming, Colt. Neither one of us can fault you for wanting to embrace each day as it comes. Would we like to see you finish school? Of course we would, but this is your life. The path you choose to go down is your own. I want you to know, your mother and I support Lauren and yours decision one hundred percent.”



My eyes widened and I was at a loss for words. I’d never in a million years expected my father to be so understanding. “W-what about football, Dad?”



Tilting his head and looking at me like I’d grown another head he whispered, “Football?”



“Yeah, I know it was always your dream to have me play, and if I don’t go back to A&M, that dream is over.”



My father’s eyes filled with tears as he quickly looked away and shook his head. “Colt, it’s not about my dreams; this is about your life.” Turning back to look at me, I saw the love in his eyes. My heart felt as if it would burst knowing just how supportive my mother and father were. “No matter if you go back and play football for A&M or stay on and work full time with Scott, I need you to know I’m so proud of the young man you’ve become. You inspire me each and every day, son.”