“I can accept that. Thank you for all the things you’ve done for me over the years. I appreciate everything you gave me.” While she didn’t much care for her father as a human being, she loved him anyway, but she was done with his abuse and if standing up to him meant losing any inheritance from him, so be it.
They stared at each other. The anger in his eyes faded to resignation and then something resembling sadness.
“Bye, Dad,” she whispered. “I hope you find happiness. Drive safe.”
She turned her back on him and slipped back inside the inn.
Arms wrapped around herself, she leaned against the door, listening as his footsteps slowly receded.
* * *
Zane waiteduntil Clara’s father had climbed into his battered car and driven off before hurrying back inside and rushing to find Clara. She was still in the entry, her back to the door.
“Are you okay?” he asked, drawing her into his arms. “I heard what happened.”
“I’m … a bit rattled. But I’m okay. Better than okay.”
Her smile trembled just a little and she shook in his embrace. “Liar,” he whispered. “You’re shaken. But, by God, I am proud of you. You stood up to him. He didn’t have a chance.”
“He wouldn’t have hurt me.”
“I wouldn’t have let him,” Zane vowed.
“I know it, but thank you for being there, and for letting me handle him on my own.”
“It took everything I had not to pitch him off the porch, you know that, right?”
She chuckled and kissed his cheek. “You exaggerate but thank you.” She rested her head on his shoulder. It meant the world to her that he’d been there to support her without interfering unnecessarily.
Zane stroked her hair. “Clara, you are one strong, intelligent, beautiful, talented woman. I admire you and your courage.”
“Thank you. I’m rather proud of myself.” She grinned up at him. “But I do wonder what he was after. He didn’t come all this way just to spar with me.”
“I wondered that myself.” God, he’d been so scared for her. But she’d stood up to her father. So bold. So beautiful. Damn, he loved her so much.
“I think that maybe, in a few months, I might go see him. See if I can put our relationship onto better ground. He wasn’t a great father, but he is my father. To honor my mom, I’m going to try and forge a new relationship with him.”
“Your heart is entirely too big and generous. He doesn’t deserve you, but I respect your attitude. When the time comes, if you need help, I’ll go with you.” He held up a hand. “Just to offer backup, not to interfere.”
“Only for backup.” She waggled a finger under his nose. “I can handle this alone.”
“Of course, you can.” He didn’t doubt it for a minute.
