As sure as I am about Kade's place in my life, I'm completely clueless on what to do now.

My dad ends up being of no help to me while we eat. I tell him about my dilemma, and he only smiles and says he'll support any decision I make. The conversation ends up being reminiscent of the talks I used to have with Nonna; there are hints of an answer hidden in his roundabout statements, but nothing is clear.

The next day and the day after, things still don't fall into place. I'm not any closer to finding the answer. In fact, I'm going from bad to worse. I don't change clothes and showers sound like an exhausting task. Ramen noodles and the takeout food my dad brings me are my only source of nutrition, but I barely touch them.

Dad barges into the cottage and rushes to open all the windows in my house.

"Get up, Ariella James. This has gone on long enough."

I squint as sunlight floods the living room and hide my head under the blanket wrapped around me. "I'm good, Dad. Just go away."

With a quick tug, he pulls my covers away. "Come on, baby girl."

I stare at him as the cool air of the house meets my exposed legs. He stands in front of me, looking down with his hands on his hips. We're in a fierce staring contest until he ends it by picking me up like a child. I wiggle in his arms, fighting to get my feet on the ground.

"Please, put me down!"

Dad shakes his head and forges on.

I pound my fist on his shoulder; he drops my legs from his hold, and cold water washes over me.

"What the hell?" I say, scrambling to get out of the shower, but he holds me tight.

I sink to the bottom of the tub, water spraying down on me, and Dad asks, "What are you doing?"

I reply through chattering teeth, "Sitting in a freezing cold shower?"

He shakes his head. "No, baby girl. What are you doing? Why are you hiding in this house? What do you want?"

Dad's words hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been asked this question before, and the last time I didn't know the answer. Now I do. "Kade. I want to be with Kade. I want to go back on the road with him. I want to help you run the business, but I don't want to be in the office. I want to work with the clients on tour."

Reaching around me, he shuts off the water. He grabs a towel from the rack, wraps it around me and pulls me into his arms.

"Okay," he says, kissing my wet hair.

"Okay?" I reply in a small voice.

Is my selfish request that easily granted? I mean, he wants me to be a part of the business by working in his office not on the road with the acts. And then there is Kade; doesn't Dad question my ability to be a functioning part of the team when he's nearby? I can't believe he's not disappointed.

He holds me at arm's length and looks into my eyes. "A.J., I didn't understand why you didn't go after Kade when he left. I thought when we talked the night after spreading Nonna's ashes you knew I was giving you my blessing. When you left the house that night to come here with him, I thought you were making it official. When he said goodbye the next day, it shocked me. At dinner the other night, you told me it was him that you wanted. I could see you were hesitant to make a move, but I didn't think you'd be so afraid to go after him."

My dad knew this entire time that all I need is Kade, and I've been blind to it for weeks. For him, it was clear that all my little adventures would be fruitless without the man I love.

"What do I do now?" I ask, really needing his guidance.

"Go get him."

This may be the most precise words of advice I've ever received. Nonna always gave me cryptic answers, yet here is my dad so blunt and to the point. I want to double over laughing. Why had I never asked him all my life questions before?