“You have a dad.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious.” I roll my eyes.
“How do you feel about it?” She nudges me with her shoulder.
It’s my turn to take a deep breath, forcing the air out through my lips. “There’s a lot of feelings but I feel like they’re all fighting for the spotlight. I’m shocked. Angry at my mom, for taking me away from him. I’m scared and worried because what if the memory I have of him is just another lie?”
Maeve chews on her lower lip.
“I understand, but we can’t go down the ‘what if’ path because it’s just going to lead us in circles. So, feel all your feelings, and just take it a step at a time.”
Isobel Grace Ashthorne.
Grace is delicate, soft, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been either.
The nurse peeks in.“Isobel, your father is here to see you.”
The nurse lingers in the doorway. “He’s just outside,” she lowers her voice. “Should I let him in?”
The sheets suddenly feel too heavy. Like they’re trying to pin me down. I glance at Maeve, then back to the nurse.
“Can I just… have a minute?”
The nurse nods, and the door clicks shut. Maeve keeps one hand still wrapped tightly in mine. I’m not sure what I’m feeling. Hope? Dread?
“I’m scared,” I admit.
“You have every right to be.” Maeve squeezes my hand. “You got this. I’ll be here with you. “
“What if he’s like him?” I murmur. “What if he’s worse?”
“From what you told me, I don’t think he will be. Either way, you don’thave to trust him, just meet him and feel out the situation. No matter what, I’ve got your back.”
The knock comes again. I flinch.
Maeve gives me a look. I know if I shake my head, she’ll run up against that door and barricade it until I give her the okay.
I dip my chin. There’s no use in avoiding the inevitable. The door creaks open.
Lucian Ashthorne steps into the room.
I sit up a little straighter, my heart pounding so loud I wonder if he can hear it from across the room. He’s tall, wearing a sharp suit, and a long black coat. His black hair is neat and styled back, with streaks of silver at the temples and through the sides. His eyes match the storm blue in mine. Or I guess, mine are like his. He stands there staring in disbelief.
“Gracie.” His voice silences every thought.
My eyes fill with tears. “Dad,” I whisper.
His face breaks open. Pain, loss, and love. He takes a careful step closer, then another. He stops a foot away from the bed, pulling off his black gloves slowly.
“I—I can’t believe it’s you,” he breathes out. “I’ve imagined this moment so many times, but… never like this.”
Maeve shifts on the edge of the bed, protective. Her eyes flicker from him to me. Lucian notices, nods to her.
“Can I hug you? It’s alright if you’re not comfortable.”
Another memory flashes across my mind. My scraped knee, he kissed my tears away, cleaned my cut, and held me until I felt better.
“Yes.” My voice is small.
