Interesting.
“Traveling alone?”
He drew in a breath. “Yes.”
“Hmm …” she hummed and tapped her nails on the counter. “Where are you going? Somewhere fun, I hope. Like the coast, a little beach trip. Or an island? Sipping fruity drinks with colorful straws sounds amazing. Or maybe …” she paused and held up her hand, “while it may not be the most exotic location, I’ve heard Nebraska is beautiful this time of year.”
“Roxanne.” He narrowed his gaze.
“What, Dad?” She chuckled, feigning innocence and failing miserably. “I don’t know why you continue to try to hide this from us. In the last six months, you’ve gone on a weekendgetaway ten times. You go, you come back, and you mention nothing about it.” She smirked and called him out. “Or Pearl.”
He placed his hands on the counter, staring back at her. “I would never try to replace your mother.”
Ah, this man.Her suspicions were confirmed. Her dad was keeping his secret for the sake of his children. She understood his hesitation. Until now, he hadn’t so much as spoken about another woman. But a lot of time had passed, and the thought of her father growing old alone gnawed at her heart. He had so much life and love left in him. It would be a shame not to share it with someone he liked. Possibly loved.
She reached out, placing her hand over his, caressing his knuckles. “I know you wouldn’t. And you know who else knows that? Stone, T, Ethan, and Bogs.” She squeezed his hand. “And Mom knows it too.”
A sad smile played on his lips. Roxanne couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like for him, losing the love of his life. Growing up, they’d been amazing role models, not only as parents but as a couple. They weren’t perfect, each having their own flaws, but together they were an ideal match. But her mom was gone now, and her dad was still here.
“I like Pearl.” He nodded, and she instantly smiled.
Finally!
“Me too.” Roxanne tapped his hand, and he glanced up. “I got the chance to talk with her at the wedding. She was friendly, warm and funny. Not to mention very pretty with an amazing body. I hope I look that good when I’m her age.”
His stare hardened. “I’m not discussing Pearl’s body with my daughter.”
Roxanne burst out laughing.Fair enough.But at least he was opening up. It was a start.
“Will you at least talk about her with us? Tell us when you’re going to visit so we can send our regards? And maybe, whenyou’re both ready, have her come here for a visit? I know she’s still tight with Sadie, but let us all get to know her better, Dad. Because if you’re happy,” Roxanne smiled, “we’re happy for you.”
Her dad released a heavy sigh and snorted. “Well, then I’ll extend an invitation.”
Perfect!
*
Roxanne stayed at her dad’s until he headed to the airport. She offered him a ride, but as he pointed out, “Aren’t you already late for dinner?”
By the time she finally got there, after a guac-stop at the restaurant, she was almost an hour late. Not surprisingly, she was the last to arrive at T and Cassie’s house.
She pulled behind Stone’s truck in the tight driveway. She thought for sure that after the birth of their daughter, they’d opt to move to a larger house. Apparently, T and Cassie didn’t mind the close quarters. She grabbed her bag from the passenger seat along with the queso, guacamole, salsa and enough chips to feed a small army. By the end of the night, it’d be gone.
She adjusted her bag over her shoulder as she made her way to the front porch. At the same time, she noticed headlights from a large truck as the vehicle got closer to the house. It must’ve been a neighbor.Good luck finding a spot, buddy. T’s street was short, and not everybody had a driveway. Street parking was an absolute nightmare. On a Friday night, it was especially difficult to get a spot.
She knocked twice and then flung open the door. “I’m here.”
Cassie rushed forward, taking the food from her hands. “Thanks for picking this up. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”
Roxanne closed the door behind her, waving to Sadie on the couch. “Not as much trouble as our newest client.”
Cassie’s face paled. “Melody Rollins?”
Roxanne forced a smile and raised her brows. “She wants pink doves at the wedding.”
Cassie’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. “What?”
“Yeah, and at the last dress fitting? I overheard one of the bridesmaids talking about jumping off the boat and swimming to shore if Melody didn’t rein in her bullshit by the wedding. Another one said they should have a charter boat on standby to rescue them after the dinner. Personally, I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”
