Despite how Zahra might feel about me, I trust her. I trust her with my whole damn heart and my future. There’s not a pros or cons list in the world that could keep me away from her anymore.
I know what I have to do. The decision comes easy, relieving some of the tension pressing against my chest like an anvil.
I nod. “That’s all I needed to know.” I turn and leave my father gaping at my back, finally ditching the final weight holding me back from moving on with my life.
Now I need to break the news to my brothers.
Declan scoops up another forkful of mashed potatoes like I didn’t tell him I’m not coming back to Chicago after the vote. “No.”
My fists remain hidden below his dining room table. “I didn’t ask for your permission.”
Cal’s head bounces between us. “Are we seriously going to fight on Christmas?”
I ignore him. “I’m not coming back.”
“Okay. I guess we are.” Cal grabs his drink and raises it toward me in solidarity. “Finally, it’s your turn to be the problem child for once. Welcome to the club.” He takes a deep swig.
Declan scowls at Cal before turning his glare at me. “We already discussed this in-depth.”
“It doesn’t matter what we decided before. Things change, and I’m not giving up my position as the Director, so find a new CFO.”
The muscle in Declan’s jaw ticks. “How could you possibly prefer being the Director of a theme park over becoming the CFO of one of the top companies in the world?”
“Because I met someone special and I’m not going to give her up for some goddamn desk job thousands of miles away where I would be miserable without her.”
Declan looks at a loss for words.
“Holy shit,” Cal whispers under his breath. “Are you serious?”
I nod.
Cal blinks twice before speaking again. “What have you been hiding?”
“Nothing I want you poking your limp dick around.”
“Now I definitely need to visit Dreamland. Our baby brother has been keeping some big secrets from us.” Cal elbows Declan with a smile.
Declan shoves Cal away. “It’s only considered a secret if I had no idea.”
Cal stares at Declan. “You knew this whole time and you didn’t tell me?!”
“He took a vacation. That in itself was a cause for alarm. Try to use some of the few brain cells you have left, Callahan.”
“Fuck you.” He glares at Declan before turning his head in my direction. “I hate feeling left out.”
Declan refocuses his irritation on me. “You’re doing all of this because of a girl?”
“No. I’m doing this because I like who I strive to be when I’m with that girl.”
“Damn. Rowan might not speak much but when he does—” Cal does a chef’s kiss. “Poetry.”
Declan shakes his head, clearly not sharing Cal’s sentiment. “You’ve completely lost your goddamn mind.”
I shrug. “Maybe. But at least it’s fun.”
Cal laughs.
“You’ll be begging me for the CFO position in six months.” Declan crosses his arms.
I shake my head. “I won’t.”
Cal claps a hand on Declan’s shoulder with a smile. “Cheer up, buttercup. I can lend a hand and help you with your duties until you find a new replacement.”