He grins beneath my palm, his other hand rises to cup one side of my face. “Don’t even think about gettin’ off that couch.”
I huff. He’s had me holed up here at his place, on the couch, surfing Netflix, but apparently there’s only so much chilling you can do. “You’re so bossy.”
“I have to be. If you had your way, you’d be back at work in two seconds flat, injuries and all.”
Well, there is that. My knee needed reconstructive surgery, and my collarbone is still healing, but the bruises are fading every day. And I have Haze by my side.
I smile. “Did I tell you how much I love you today?”
“Uh oh. You been internet shoppin’ again?”
I snort. I hate shopping, but he likes to wind me up.
He leans in to kiss me, but Crunch blocks him, shifting from my belly to sit on my neck. He’s needy like that.
“Cock-blocked by my own son,” Haze murmurs. “Shoulda left you in your cage so Mommy and Daddy can make out.”
I snort because he’s kidding. I still have my knee plastered up, and my arm in a sling, so I’m not exactly the sexiest woman on the planet. “Right, I know you really mean making me cups of tea and bringing me food.” He’s a wonderful maid.
Being with Haze at home has been nice, though. He’s very attentive and fusses over me a lot — something I’m told I have to get used to.
“A man can dream.”
In actual fact, Haze has been the one avoiding even kissing me at first. He didn’t want to hurt me, not that he ever could, but it’s hard to get intimate when you have broken bones.
“Yes, he can. Since my mom, Mitch and Bongo are staying at my place, I thought we could at least?—”
“Don’t even think about it, not till you’re healed. I know I joke, but that’s all it is. Don’t want you havin’ to go back to the hospital.”
My mom flew in the day after I was taken to the hospital with Mitch and Bongo. It’s been wonderful catching up with them and meeting their gorgeous Puppy. I know it’s gonna take some time, but I have realized a lot about myself these last few weeks. I had always blamed her for leaving, but now I get why. Do I hate my dad? Sometimes I wish I could, but we’re taking things one day at a time.
Haze reminded me I can cut toxic people out of my life, and he’s right. I know I can. But seeing my dad so choked up at the hospital changed something in both of us…
“I’m gonna make things right from now on. I promise,” he says, his eyes watering. “I’m so sorry. For all of this.”
“You need to make amends with Mom. Say you’re sorry and mean it. She left us because of the trauma you put her through.” Even though my mom had some mental issues she was dealing with at the time, Dad certainly didn’t help.
He nods slowly. “I never meant to be an asshole. It’s how I was raised, and I know that’s no excuse. I will speak to her, not that it’ll do any good because I don’t deserve forgiveness.”
At least he’s sorry. I’m not a fool to believe a leopard can change its spots, but there is always hope.
If I have to cut him out for good, then that’s what I’ll do. I’ve been so busy trying to fit into my father’s mold of what I should be, I’ve lost sight of what I truly want.
I never thought I’d have kids, but when my life almost got taken away from me, it changes you. I can see little monsters running around the house, chasing each other as I scream at them to stop and Haze laughing because there is no way he could discipline them. I kinda love that about him. How playful he is. I’m not saying we’re gonna do that, but maybe.
“You don’t, but at least you’re not running away this time,” I say. “I know we’re never gonna be the Brady Bunch, but surely we can put the past behind us?”
He nods.
“And that means Haze,” I go on. “We’re together, Dad, and I’m not going to put up with you berating him and saying things about him. I know he punched you, but frankly, you deserved it because of what you said to Max, and that’s another thing?—”
He holds up a hand. “You really are your father’s daughter,” he says, a small smile on his lips. “Me and Max will work on things. I promise.”
“Dad, your promises don’t mean much until we see some actual action.”
“I know that.” He pulls me into a hug. “I never want to see anything happen to you, or to Max. I wanted you to be the best you could be, and in doing that, I pushed both of you away.”
“You did,” I whisper. “I only ever wanted to make you proud.”
