“Yeah. Sorry. I keep getting tripped up by all the parenting talk. I end up saying the wrong thing, which reinforces Zoey’s doubts.” Finn splashed more whiskey into Mike’s glass as he walked by, and Mike drained it in one swallow. “I try to tell Zoey I think she’s a great mom, and I swear it comes out sounding like I’m saying kids are a pain in the ass. She keeps asking me to be patient...”

Joe lifted one eyebrow. “And you don’t love her enough to do that for her?”

“Of course I do!” He realized what he’d just admitted. “I do love her, Joe. I want to be part of her life, and not just as a friend. Her whole life—including Hazel. I want us to be together.”

He’d never in his wildest imagination expected to love another woman after Becca. Despite their disagreements about when to start a family, she’d held his whole heart. A heart that had not felt whole since her death. But now...he could feel a part of him, long dormant, coming to life again. And somehow, inexplicably, he knew that Becca would approve. She wouldn’t want him to be alone forever.

Father Joe sat back, his forehead deeply furrowed.

“That’s all well and good to say what you want. But what if she needs you to be her friend awhile longer?”

Mike no longer felt that restlessness he’d been battling for months. His life had a purpose. And that purpose was to love Zoey Hartford. Which meant doing whatever it took to make her happy, regardless of what that may do to him.

“If that’s what she needs, Joe, that’s what she’ll get. For as long as it takes.” He looked between the two men and smiled. “If it’s at all possible, considering where we live, I’d appreciate keeping this conversation between us. I haven’t told Zoey those three little words yet.”

Logan extended his hand. “You got it, man. The road may get bumpy, but I’m living proof that you can love your way through it. I’ll be rooting for you.”

Mike accepted the handshake, then shook Joe’s hand as well. He felt light as air now that he’d admitted his love out loud. They were going to figure this out. He wouldn’t—couldn’t—give up. He refused to think about losing Zoey.

He’d never let that happen.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR