The porch had an open railing around it. No walls. It barely protected me from the storm. I felt my body sway.
I knocked hard, tears still falling from my eyes.
Nothing.
I knocked again. Harder. Three sharp raps.
Daddy opened the door, took one look at me and reached out to lift me up.
What the hell?
I took a step back. He looked good. Great, in fact. All perfect and clean-lined and so much a daddy. Who was he dressed up for?
I glanced past him and thought I saw a candle’s glow. I almost panicked. Did he have a guest?
More tears raced down my cheeks. I took a deep breath that sounded more like a sob. It was a given I couldn’t control myself for shit. Speak now or never, I thought.
Preston looked sad, his eyes glinting with something like pain.
Okay, then. I’d do this and be gone.
“Daddy, just tell me to my face. Why don’t you want to see me anymore? I can’t take another night without you, but if you tell me to go away, I will. And I’ll never bother you again.”
“Oh, Sage baby.” He held out his arms again. His eyes flashed with tears to match my own. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t talk to you. I’ll tell you everything now. Come in. Please.”
I glanced once more over his shoulder. There was a dim light. No sign of anyone else.
“You’re inviting me in?”
“Of course. I was just going to text you. I want you here. I want to explain everything to you. Please. If you’ll let me. I’m so sorry, Sage.”
Could it be true? He still wanted me? My heart hammered. I wasn’t losing him. He truly had something bad happen to him and I was about to find out.
I walked straight into his arms. They came around me and lifted me up. My legs automatically went around his waist. Yes, this was my wish. This was home. Daddy Preston was everything.
I buried my still wet face in his neck.
“Oh sweetheart. You’re so cold. How long have you been out there?”
I didn’t reply.
He shut the door and took me to the couch, then held me as I sobbed. I sucked my thumb to try to quiet myself but it didn’t work. I’d immediately fallen between baby boy and big boy. But I could still reason.
“Daddy. Talk. Talk to me.”
“Yes, sweetheart.” His hand made those familiar circles over my back.
“What’s happening?”
“It started the day of your deposition.”
“Daddy, it’s your job, isn’t it?” I interrupted. “Is that why? Because I’m part of a case at your office?”
“Yes. You’re very smart, aren’t you? That’s exactly it.”
“What happened?”
He began to tell me about his boss and HR and everything that he had gone through. All his guilt about a conflict of interest. All his worry that he’d lose his job. Greater worry that he’d lose me. Daddy had suffered like I had been suffering. It didn’t make things better. I didn’t want him to hurt. Not ever.
