He also brought a box of the Queen Anne’s cordial cherries—the ones that only come out around the holidays. We shamelessly ate the whole box. I giggled a few times because he was funny. Seemed like he lived in the moment, and I don’t know many adults like that.
We talked about books, because true to his word, my dad read the first book of the Percy Jackson series. He loved it. Said Medusa was his favorite character. I laughed because she’s so creepy.
I made him promise to never, ever watch the movie. He laughed, held up his right hand, and crossed his heart.
I liked the sound of his laugh. It was deep, but quiet. Almost like he was laughing to himself. Some people try to make a big show out of their laugh, like they want the whole room to watch. His wasn’t like that. It’s like it was bubbling up from deep inside. Never sounded forced or showy.
I think it’s because I made him happy. The thought made me feel like I was floating a bit. I didn’t want to enjoy being with my dad, but this time was even better than the last.
We talked about my mom for a while. He brought more pictures and told me stories about her. My eyes teared up a few times. Wish I could’ve met her. She must’ve been special for someone like Pat to love her so many years later.
We talked about school, my friends, and movies we liked. He told me about his mechanic shop out in Pleasant Gap and an old man, Danny, who lived next door. He told me a few things about Danny that made me laugh really hard.
My laugh embarrasses me, so I cover my mouth with my hand. Pat said it sounded like my mom’s. His words were, “like music.” I didn’t know what to think about that.
We even took a couple selfies. Pat tried at first, but he dropped the phone then covered the camera with a finger on the next try. I giggled, and he let me take over. I took a few, and he set one as his Home Screen.
I glanced at the clock for the first time, and my shoulders dropped a bit. How was it almost over? I didn’t want to go yet.
“Ah, I was so busy chatting, I almost forgot your present.” He leaned down and retrieved the gift. Set it between us on the coffee table.
My heart raced. It was the first gift I’d ever received from one of my parents. The red and green bag had silver and gold sparkly ornaments on it. I pulled the white tissue out. There were a few items inside.
I pulled out a book. It wasThe Sea of Monsters, my favorite book in the Percy Jackson series. I had told Pat during our last visit I didn’t own any of the books, only checked them out from the school library.
“Flip open the cover.”
I did. It was a signed copy. I chewed my lip. The goldfish, cherries, the book, a Riordan signature. My dad must’ve been listening to every word I’d said.
Next in the bag was a sweater. Heather brown, beautiful, cozy looking. “The sweater”—he pointed—“is actually from my girlfriend, Jules. When I told her you look like Gracie, she knew this color would be nice on you. Guessed on size.”
I’d always liked wearing browns. I pulled it over my t-shirt. It was a perfect fit and deliciously soft against my skin. I never wanted to take it off. “I love it.”
“I haven’t asked Jules to marry me yet, but I plan to. Is it okay if she visits with us next time?”
I nodded. Scared if I talk I might cry.
“Okay, well, when you see her, don’t tell her about the marriage thing. She doesn’t know yet.”
I nodded again, feeling pretty special to be let in on such a secret.
Last thing in the bag was a small picture frame. It had a picture of Pat and Gracie in it. As my eyes studied their faces, he said words that about broke my heart. “I want you to know the kids there would’ve loved and cared for you together if things had been different.”
My lip was shaking. I bit it to keep it still.
“I know I can’t make up for all the years I’ve been gone, but I want you to live with me in Pleasant Gap, Sunny. Want to get parental rights. I’ve done all the paperwork, and I’m waiting for the home studies and stuff.”
The words took my breath away.
I knew he’d want me.
My heart went crazy in my chest. This is what I was afraid of.
He ran his hands through his hair, and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. His gaze was intense. I got a feeling my dad never did things halfway.
“You’re practically a young lady, so we can’t complete this process unless you are on board. We are a long way off from a decision being made by the court, so just be thinking about it.”
He stood to go. As if his words hadn’t just dropped a bombshell!
