“I’m sorry,” he says again.
“I forgive you,” I say. “I’m done with it. All of it. I just need to make sure that Lachlan isn’t charged with anything.”
“He won’t be,” Dad says instantly. “If it comes to that, I’ll take care of it,” he says again, taking a sip of his drink and staring at the table. “Luke’s parents are still so fucking torn up about it,” he whispers. “Understandably so. I’m still torn up about your mother.”
I let out a laugh. “What happened to Marie? Wasn’t she helping with that?”
“She’s gone.” Dad’s eyes flash. “And yes, I caved and gave in to her advances. I was fucked up and Marie was always there. That doesn’t mean she took my pain away or replaced your mother. Nothing can do that.”
“Yet, she was there.” I purse my lips and look away. “Before, during, and after.”
“That’s fucking bullshit, Lyla,” Dad shouts, pounding the table with his fist.
“Careful,” Lach says, his voice low and menacing. I grip the bottom of his shirt so he doesn’t stand. His knees start to bounce. “Don’t fucking talk to her like that,” he seethes.
“I’m sorry, but that’s bullshit,” Dad says, his voice lower as his jaw ticks. “Your mother and I had our issues when we were much younger. I didn’t have an affair with Marie. She was always around helping with campaigns, but your mother was always there and she knew I wouldn’t.”
“Well, I guess if she was always there, her intuition was probably right,” I say.
“That doesn’t mean I cheated on her.”
“Whatever. It doesn’t even matter,” I mutter.
“Marie’s gone. When you left, I. . .” He shakes his head, eyes watering again. “I lost it. I couldn’t bear the fact that I lost you and your mother. I gave up my position as mayor. I told Marie to fuck off. For a year, I just sat here.” He stops speaking, anger flashing in his eyes. “David was the only one who could get through to me.”
He continues, “I was heartbroken when you didn’t say goodbye, and worse when I called you and your phone was disconnected. Prescott told me you were fine and I did everything to get him to talk, but he wouldn’t. I tried to have him followed to see if I could find you, but I was unsuccessful.” He scoffs. “Now I’m grateful for it, since it would have led David to you.” He bangs both fists over the table. “That motherfucker.”
“You wouldn’t have found me,” I say. “I changed my name and moved to Rhodes.”
Dad’s brows pull. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“Will you stay there now that. . .” He swallows. “Now that it’s safe?”
“I’m not sure. Probably.” I shrug.
“Really?” he asks, his voice dripping in disbelief.
“Really.” I laugh. “It’s an actual city, you know. It’s growing pretty quickly. It’s a city with a small-town feel. It’s cute. I love it.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard a lot of people are moving there,” he says and looks at Lachlan. “Will you move there?”
“I go wherever she goes,” he says, setting a bandaged hand over mine. “We haven’t decided where we’ll live yet.”
It occurs to me that we have a lot of important things to discuss. I’m not concerned about any of it, but they’re still decisions we need to make together.
“What are you up to now that you’re no longer mayor?” I ask.
“I’m just focused on the car dealerships. Some real estate,” he says. “Things that keep me busy but don’t rely on me making life-altering decisions.”
“That’s good,” I say and mean it. I take too big of a sip of my bourbon and try not to flinch as it burns my throat.
“So, you’re getting married,” Dad says.
“Yep.”
“That’s nice.” He smiles his genuine smile, not the smile he’s had on his face for nine years. “Congratulations.”
