The cemetery was quiet.
Nick stood at the edge of the path, his hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on a headstone in the distance. He hadn't been here in years. Not since the funeral. Not since they had lowered his father into the ground and covered him with dirt.
Emma stood beside him, her hand on his arm.
"You don't have to do this alone," Emma said.
"I know."
"I can wait here."
Nick looked at her. The sun was behind her, lighting up her hair like a halo.
"No," he said. "Come with me."
---
The headstone was simple.
Edward Vance. Beloved Husband. Devoted Father.
Nick stared at the words. Devoted Father. He wasn't sure that was true. His father had been devoted to the company. To his reputation. To the empire he had built.
But devoted to his sons? Nick wasn't sure.
"Dad," Ni
