“He loves you,” she says, turning to look at me. “I have watched him over the last two years, and since you have been back, there is a light in his eyes I haven’t seen before. I hope one day someone’s eyes light up like that for me.”
I nod, smiling at her. “I know there will be someone out there for you who will look at you just like that.”
We go silent for a moment, staring into the darkness.
“I’m sorry for everything,” she says, her voice low. “I’m a real bitch, I know it and I don’t think it will ever change but that doesn’t mean I don’t want this family. I do. I hope you’ll give me that chance.”
“I think we can make that work, if you’re willing to give me a chance, too?”
She nods. “Yeah, I think so.”
The crackling of boots has us both turning to see Chief walking toward us, bottle of beer in his hand, that half-lazy smirk on his face that makes all the women who meet him go crazy. I can’t help but smile, grateful that the universe picked him as my dad.
“I never thought I’d see the day my two beautiful girls would be just sittin’ together, talking,” he says, voice all gruff affection, like he’s both proud and scared.
Jasmine rolls her eyes dramatically, but I can see now, for the first time, just how much she loves him. “Don’t push your luck, old man.”
Chief comes over, lowering himself to the bench edge with a dramatic “oof.” He takes us in. “You two sorted it out, then?”
Jasmine just nods. “We did. You can stop worrying about us causing drama.”
He grunts. “I doubt you two will stop causing drama, but I’m grateful just the same.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re still the luckiest man alive, you know that?”
Chief grins. “Damn right. Now get your butts back to the party before it gets too crazy. We’re celebrating the fact I’m still here, and, against all odds, so is this family.”
Jasmine stands first, less wobbly than I expect. She offers me a hand. I take it, surprised by how easy it is. The three of us head in, Chief’s arms slung heavy over our shoulders, like he’s collecting us and never willing to let go.
For the first time, it doesn’t feel like something we have to fight over.
It’s really nice.
