“You’re sleeping with her? She’s younger than me.”
I hadn’t yet thought out the script of perfect words I’d use to explain all of this to my daughter, but I know it wasn’t, “I love her. We weren’t planning it, but… I’m happy, Abby. I’m really, really happy.”
My daughter’s jaw drops as she stares at me moving to Marin’s side in comfort. She has to be scared out of her mind after everything that’s gone down today.
“So that’s it? That’s all you’ve got?”
My chest tightens as I stare at my world, my daughter, the one woman I’ve been trying not to disappoint all my life. “Yeah. That’s all I’ve got.”
She stares down at the ground and pinches her lips together, her long blonde hair falling into her vision before glancing up again. “I don’t want you ever saying a word about anyone I bring home ever again.”
“Not possible. I love you and I’ll protect you to the ends of the Earth. I’m not going to let some jackass date my daughter under any circumstance.”
Abigail drags in a deep breath and huffs out quickly. “Dad! You’ve gotta throw me something here. This is messed up. When I told you to start dating again, I thought it was implied that you’d date women your age.”
“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” I swallow hard and hold Marin tighter, “but now that it has, I’m not letting her go. Marin is a part of our lives now and I’m not apologizing for it.”
There’s a long pause, causing real concern that I’ve ruined my relationship with my daughter for good. She’s not talking at all until finally, she grins.
“Do you know what Marin has on that thumb drive?”
I shake my head.
“It’s a bunch of nudes her ex was trading with women in his office.” Abigail grins and glances up at Marin. “It’s pretty cool she took it from him. It sounds like she’s been through hell, like she could use a guy with a good head on his shoulders.”
My brows narrow. “So you’re not mad then?”
Abigail shakes her head and twists her hair to the side. “No. I think it’s great you met someone you like. In fact, I met a guy at the lake this weekend I’m excited for you to meet too.”
“Yeah?” I don’t like the way she’s said it. “What’s he like?”
“Kind, thoughtful, and a really talented businessman.” She’s grinning again like there’s something she’s not saying.
“Okay…what kind of business does he have?”
“Oh!” She brightens as she says, “He’s partial owner of the redneck bar on Main. He’s a little older than me, but now that you’re so understanding of age gap relationships, I figure you’ll be fine with it.”
My jaw stiffens and my teeth grind against one another as my chest tightens. “The redneck bar? Seriously?”
“No,” she grins wide, “but I got you!”
“Jesus Christ.” I exhale quickly and step toward my daughter, wrapping her up in my arms. “You’re a pain in the ass.”
“Yup, and you love me!”
“Sure do.” I kiss her forehead gently. “What are you doing back here, anyway? It’s Saturday night. Shouldn’t you still be at the lake?”
“Nah.” She pulls open the fridge door. “The lake was boring. Everyone was drinking and acting dumb. I’m just over it. You guys have dinner yet?”
Marin steps forward. “I could help. I think there’s some pancake mix up in the cupboard. We could do breakfast for dinner.”
“That’s Dad’s favorite. I guess we could treat him tonight,” Abigail shoots me a grin, “even if he is a total weirdo.”
“That’s fair,” I say, kissing Marin on the head before she heads into the kitchen with Abigail to make dinner.
I can’t say what’s happening right now. The whole moment feels surreal, like I’ve gotten away with the perfect crime. Maybe I have.
I have the girl I love, I’m surrounded by family, and for once I’m not apologizing for any of it.
