He wanted to argue, but his broken heart wouldn’t let him. He hadn’t wanted any strings or attachments from his secret affair, but that hadn’t stopped him from being wound up as tight as a ball of yarn.
He wasn’t falling in love with Jolene. He loved her.
That was why he’d gotten so mad at her. He was scared. Scared of being as hurt as he felt now. He only had himself to blame. He had tried so hard not to be like his daddy, but he’d turned out just like him. His daddy got ticked off if people hadn’t given him handouts and Cal got ticked off if they did. He’d gotten after Cheyenne for being too prideful, but he had the same problem. Why couldn’t he be more like Jolene? She accepted help from her friends graciously, knowing that it wasn’t out of pity but out of love.
Jolene was his friend. A friend he didn’t want to lose.
Miss Gertie placed Butler in his basket and gotup. “Well, I best be going. I don’t want Reba and Gray Dove leaving without me. You should see the cute little doll I got her for Christmas.” She looked down at him. “What did you get Cheyenne?”
“Books and a new toolbox.”
The old woman rolled her eyes and snorted. “It’s a good thing that God is watching out for you, Cal Daily. I’ve got a feeling that Cheyenne is going to get exactly what she wants regardless of her father’s horrible shopping ability.” She grabbed her walker and headed down the aisle, whistling as she went.
Not just any song, but Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
He was still staring at the old woman’s back in disbelief when Cheyenne spoke.
“Hey, Daddy.”
He turned to his daughter. She looked as beautiful and grown up as she had on stage. He realized it was time to accept that his little girl wasn’t little anymore.
“You were wonderful, sweetheart,” he said.
She shrugged. “I was okay. Nathan did a much better job of acting than I did. Every time I glanced over at him, he was looking at me like I really was Mary—like I was the most special woman in the world.”
Cal smiled. “I don’t think he was acting, honey.”
Cheyenne’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Nathan likes you. You’ve just been so wrapped up in Joey Mac, you haven’t noticed.”
She glanced back at the altar where Nathan was helping to take down the stage. “But he neversaid a word.”
“He thinks you’ve already given your heart.”
She stared at Nathan for a moment more before she flopped down in the pew and blew out her breath. “You’re right, Daddy. I’m too young for love. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for it. It just makes you feel confused and hurt.”
Miss Gertie was right. He’d taught his daughter well. And now it was time to correct his mistake. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
“Lovecanbe confusing and hurtful. But it’s also the most wonderful emotion in the world. There’s nothing better than falling in love.”
She tucked her face into his shoulder. “Even if the other person doesn’t love you back?”
“Even then. Your mama loved me. I think she still does. I just wasn’t quite the right fit for her. It hurts when someone you think is perfect for you doesn’t feel the same way. But that shouldn’t make you give up on love.” He paused. “It sure shouldn’t have made me give up on it.”
Cheyenne spoke in a quivery voice that just about broke Cal’s heart. “Joey Mac doesn’t like me. He likes Jen Jacobs.”
Cal knew there was nothing he could say to make her hurt less so he only pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. They sat there for a few minutes before she spoke.
“I’m so stupid. I bought a new sweater and lied to my daddy and went to a party I didn’t even really want to go to, all because I wanted Joey Mac to like me like I liked him.” She sighed. “I guess Nate and I both did things that weren’tright all because we wanted someone to like us. But I just now figured out that you shouldn’t have to do things that make you uncomfortable just to get someone to like you. They either like you for who you are or they don’t. And there’s nothing you can do to change that.”
He drew her back so he could look into her eyes that were identical to his. “How did I get such a smart kid? It took me my entire life to learn that and it only took you one night. I’m sorry Joey Mac chose someone else. I’m sorry your mama did too. But it’s their loss because we are two good catches.” She giggled, and he smiled. She would always be his giggling little girl . . . who he needed to let grow up. He hesitated for only a second before he said what needed to be said. Although it still wasn’t easy to get the words out. “You can date.”
She stared at him with wide eyes. “What? I thought I couldn’t date until I was sixteen.”
“I changed my mind.” He pointed a finger at her. “But I have to meet the boy first and curfew is nine thirty.”
“Nine thirty?”
