“I wanted that as well. I have only one daughter, and it’s important to me that I approve of her husband and see her properly wed.”
“And do you?” she asked as they followed Micah and her mother.
“Do I what?”
“Approve of Micah.” She glanced up to see her father’s expression sober. Did he not like Micah? Was he only pretending to have enjoyed their conversation? “Father?”
He stopped her once they were inside the depot. “I have something I must say, Kenzie. Something that cannot wait, although a busy train station is hardly the venue.”
Nerves raced through her stomach. “By all means, tell me.”
He pulled her off to the side, out of the flow of traffic. He looked perplexed for a moment, almost confused, and then a peace seemed to settle over him.
“This past year has been difficult. No. Let me start again. I have never been an easy father for you.” He released her and looked at his hands. “I know I didn’t offer you the comfort and reassurance you needed after Morgan left you at the altar. I’ve never offered you the comfort of a father to his daughter. I have wronged you, and for that I beg your forgiveness.”
Kenzie wasn’t sure what to say, so she remained silent. To see her father in such a state was difficult, but at the same time, her heart yearned for any explanation and apology he might offer.
All around them, people went about their business, mindless of the importance of this moment in Kenzie’s life. She had longed to hear her father speak to her about his aloof and often cold behavior toward her, his only child.
Joseph Gifford straightened and stared out across the large open room. “I set in my mind aspirations for a life that I could never make happen. I saw a future with sons and the empire we would forge. My father had sons, his father had sons, and as far back as anyone can recall, there were sons.”
“But not for you. Not that lived.” Kenzie’s voice was barely a whisper. The old empty feeling of inadequacy began to smother her.
“No. Not for me.” He was silent for a moment and then turned to face her. “And for the life of me, I could never see it for a blessing rather than a curse.”
Her heart sank a little further as she forced herself to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry, Father.”
He shook his head. “No. I’m the one who’s sorry, Kenzie. I couldn’t see how my behavior destroyed the happiness of my child. I couldn’t see beyond my own plans and aspirations long enough to take note of the little girl who tried so hard to win my affection and approval. I was a blind fool. The lacking was never yours, Kenzie. It was mine.”
She startled at his declaration. “Father ... I don’t ... I...” She fell silent. What could she possibly say?
He patted her arm. “This apology comes too late perhaps, but I want you to know that I am ashamed of how I treated you. When I looked back over the years and realized the truth of my failings ... it was condemning.”
“I forgive you.” The words were simple, but they poured out from Kenzie’s heart without regret.
Their eyes met, and she saw for the first time that her father’s were full of tears. “I intend to take that forgiveness like the cherished gift it is,” he said in a whisper. “I will endeavor to be a better man.” He pulled her close and held her tight. “You’ll see, Kenzie. I’ll endeavor to win you back.”
She pulled away and shook her head. “You needn’t do that. You never lost me. All my life I’ve longed for this day—just to have a chance to win your approval, your love. I’ve just been waiting.”
He shook his head. “Then wait no longer. I love you very much, Kenzie. More than I ever even knew was possible. Seeing you endangered by the Morgans made me realize that. Knowing how easily you could have been truly damaged by them makes me all the more determined to see you safely married to a man who will love you as you deserve to be loved. I believe Dr. Fisher is that man.”
She squeezed his arm and nodded. “He is that man, and I think you are going to love him as the son you always wanted. Who knows, perhaps the two of you will build your empire.”
Her father’s words of apology and love were still ringing in Kenzie’s ears two days later when she and Micah joined her parents, along with the others, for dinner. The wedding would be held the next day, and it was a time of celebration that included Caleb and Camri’s mother and father as well as Micah’s.
Kenzie liked the elderly Coulter couple. They were both college-educated, socially active, and yet amazingly enough, simple Christian people. They looked down on no one, even extending great affection to Camri’s Irishman.
“It seems so right to have everyone here together.” Camri’s enthusiasm was contagious. “I’m just so happy.” She clapped her hands together twice. “What a perfect gift: all of you here under one roof.”
Kenzie felt the same way. The last few days had been a mad rush to make certain preparations for the wedding come together. For all their effort to keep their nuptials simple, the plans had gotten rather out of control. The ladies who had lived at Solid Rock after the earthquake had insisted on being allowed to decorate and set up the rooms for the reception. In turn, the women of the church insisted not only on creating a cake for each bride, but also on overseeing the preparation of a large wedding brunch that would hopefully be held outdoors, since the weather had been so agreeable.
Caleb offered grace, and soon the dining room was filled with a cacophony of voices and clattering plates and silver. The girls had put their best efforts together for the gathering and done what any sensible brides would do—they’d ordered the meal brought in from a local restaurant. It had cost them plenty, but in Judith’s words, “What is money for, if not spending?” They had even hired two of the staff to serve and clean up afterward. Kenzie felt more than a little decadent, but she was having the time of her life.
“We’re having an architect put the finishing details on the plans for the new additions,” Caleb explained to the fathers. “We’ll have quite the complex of buildings and grounds once we manage to complete it.”
Pastor Fisher paused with a forkful of lasagna halfway to his lips. “Many people are going to benefit from this act of love. You’re going to be amazed at how God returns your giving.”
Micah’s mother nodded and squeezed Kenzie’s hand. “Already the poor who come for aid at the church are talking about the future. They’re anxious to find a way to better themselves.”
