Istarted to follow Cassius to the dining room. It was odd to be in my own home and feel like a stranger in it.
Dad stood in the center of the living room, unmoving. Then I heard his voice. “Malin. Hold up.”
I froze. After a few seconds, I turned.
Dad took a step toward me. “I’m really glad you came.”
Feeling my throat close up, I could only nod.
“He’s pregnant, isn’t he?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you okay with it?”
“Yeah.”
“Congratulations. It’s wonderful news.” He took another step forward. “He’s why you needed the money for Brimstone.”
A pang of regret stabbed my gut. “I want to pay you back. I can. I just need to liquidate some of my trust’s assets.”
Dad held up his hand. “I don’t want that. Don’t insult me. What I gave you, I gave you free and clear.”
I gulped. “Brimstone’s an awful place.”
“Well, he’s yours now.”
“That’s just it. I only rented him.”
“What?”
“For fifty years. It was the only deal they offered. Technically, he still belongs to Brimstone.”
Dad’s eyes took on an edge I’d seen in him my whole life when he was dealing with big business. “For that amount of money? They’re crooks.”
“They are. But I had to get him out.”
“I can help. Will you let me?”
Dad had done everything for me financially. I understood that was how he showed his love. Now, this. But the subject was not something to be taken lightly. It was Cassius’s fate this time, not mine. I swallowed what little pride I had.
“I would appreciate all the help I can get.”
“You’ve got it. He shouldn’t be a rental for the rest of his life.”
We stared at each other, the silence between us speaking volumes. Dad swung his hands in front of him, looking down, then back up at me. “I’ve missed you.”
I didn’t want to believe him. But something in his expression showed me he meant it. His eyes took on an uncomfortable shine. I heard myself say it. Words I never thought I’d utter.
“I missed you, too.”
“I have so many regrets,” Dad began.
I held up my hand. “Don’t?—”
“Let me say my piece. Please.” He looked so regal and formal in his black suit. He was always dressed for business, although business casual when he gardened.
He continued. “I regret spending so much time away from here, from you. I wasn’t around enough and I’m sorry. It was so hard for a few years but I should have put more attention on you. For that, I am sorry. You needed more than I could provide.”
