“Let’s go out and talk.”
We take a seat on the chairs, reclining easily as we look out over the gorgeous view. The Pacific Ocean sparkles against the sunlight, revealing its vast beauty as the sun slowly makes its descent.
“Going to be a hot night for fireworks.”
“I’m hoping for it.”
He smiles and turns to me. “So, your mom said you’re proposing to your girlfriend tonight?”
I nod, “I've loved her for a long time. I can't imagine my life without her in it.”
He smiles, “I’m proud of you. You’ve always excelled at everything you put your mind to, and it’s been incredible to watch you grow. Your mother and I have cherished every moment of it. But one thing I’ve never had the pleasure of witnessing is the vulnerability that comes with giving your heart to someone and trusting them to protect it. I’m happy to see you’ve found that now. Love can be a scary thing, can't it?”
"In the past, I might have shared that sentiment, which is probably why I never pursued it out of fear that it might be the thing that I fail miserably at. But with Paloma, it’s never frightened me, not even for a moment since we've gotten together. I’m as confident in our relationship as I was when I signed up for the Marines. It’s a confidence that tells me embracing this will lead to transformation, and not pursuing it just isn’t in my nature.”
He smiles and retrieves a cigar from his pocket before lighting it. He inhales a few puffs before passing it my way.
“You’ve found a good one, then.”
I nod, feeling a surge of warmth from his approval, even though I know I don’t need it. I’d always admired the relationship he and my mom had—the quiet confidence they shared, each being their best selves individually and becoming even better when together. That’s what I knew Paloma and I already had built,and I couldn’t wait to see the way it matured as we grew closer together over the next several decades.
I hear the doorbell chiming through the open doorway and listen as my mom moves to open it. The quiet voices of Paloma and her chatting excitedly filter onto the terrace where I sit nervously waiting.
“Hi!” Paloma finally greets, rushing into my arms as I stand and squeeze her tightly to my chest. She fits perfectly there, just as she always had.
“Hi,” I kiss her long and hard before we finally break away, my arms still wrapped protectively around her waist.
“Dad, this is Paloma Hart, my girlfriend. Paloma, this is my dad, Jackson Roe.”
My dad stands, his eyes narrowing slightly as he moves to greet Paloma in a hug.
“It’s so wonderful to meet you both,” Paloma says her eyes shining brightly as she looks between my mom and dad with joy.
“We’re thrilled to have you here this weekend. I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to finally get together,” my mom says, settling into the seat next to my dad. I pull Paloma onto my lap, making room for us both in the chair so that we can be closer.
She giggles as she rests against my chest and looks out at the view. “The tour has been crazy...I haven’t had many breaks but I’m so glad my manager finally gave me this week off. Wow, this is an incredible view.” She sits forward, taking in the last rays of the west coast sunset.
“It is beautiful tonight,” My mom says as she pours Paloma a glass of the champagne and passes it across the table.
My dad nods wordlessly as he continues to stare at Paloma curiously, “You know, Dallas, you never told us how you two met?”
“Oh, that’s a funny story,” Paloma starts, “I wrote a letter tryingto find my birth mom and mailed it to your address. Dallas answered it instead.” She giggles and nuzzles into my neck. “I was bummed at the time, but I’d say it was a good mix up. It led us to writing to each other for years until Dallas enlisted.”
My dad’s eyes widen, and I notice a slight tremble ripple through his hand causing a few drops of brandy to spill over the rim of his glass and onto his impeccably pressed white shirt.
“Are you alright, dear?” my mom asks concerned as she presses a gentle hand on his arm.
My dad doesn’t meet her gaze as he continues to watch Paloma intently.
“Why did you mail it to this address?” he asks, without answering my mother.
“Apparently, my birth mom wrote it on the hospital admission paperwork." She shrugs, "I have no idea why. I figured she picked a random address in Los Angeles because she wanted to remain anonymous.”
I watch my dad closely, understanding covering me as I realize now what he knows. No amount of Marine training, predicting every possible scenario, or experience navigating the unknown could have ever prepared me for this moment.
I gaze at Paloma’s beautiful side profile, the final seconds where she’s blissfully unaware of such a life altering realization that will change everything for her.
For us.
