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“I hate business school.”
He chuckles. “I know.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“Well, good. Because I’m staying home from BU forever and have zero intention of ever leaving Autumn Ridge again.”
“I didn’t want you to leave in the first place. Your mom and I wanted big things for you. That’s why I encouraged you to go. But who’s to say you can’t dream big in a small town?”
Another weight lifts from my chest.
Dad shifts in his seat and averts his gaze. “What if...what if I told you I found a dream of my own I want to pursue?”
I wait with bated breath as he stares down at our hands.
“I am dating someone, Jules.”
I don’t respond, allowing him time to release everything he’s clearly bottled up for weeks—if not months.
“It’s new,” he goes on. “I’ve been on a few dates, but we’ve really hit it off, and I like her. A lot. I know this must be strange for you, and it’s going to change things, but I just...”
He trails off when our eyes connect, tears flooding my own. “Dad, I’m so happy for you.”
His lips pull in, and he frowns—a sign he’s trying to hide his own emotion. “You’re sure?”
“More than sure. You’ve been alone long enough. I know it’ll be different and change will come, but...change is gonna come no matter what. We may as well both be happy with it.”
“How did I end up with a daughter as special as you?”
“You’re just blessed I guess.” He chuckles before I continue. “So...Do I get to know who it is?”
He hesitates. Pictures of Sharon, Genevieve, and Lisa flash by me from the bulletin board in the library, the measuring bars beneath them raising and lowering in my mind’s eye. I hold my breath with anticipation, praying I’ll respond happily, even if it’s not the woman I want for my dad.
“I...don’t know,” he says.
I roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. I’m gonna find out eventually. It can be only one of three. There’s a whole board at the library for people to vote who it is.”
He looks confused, then his eyes widen. “That’s what all those pink I Voted stickers were for?” He looks away with an unimpressed look. “I’ve a mind to put a higher tax on the library.”
I laugh. “It’s all in good fun.”
His eyes take on a look of intrigue as he thinks for longer. “Who’s on the list?”
“Genevieve Hazelton, Lisa Ellis, and Sharon Price.”
He makes no response, but my knowledge itches. “I can take it. Tell me.”
Still, he hesitates. “I will. Soon. I need to talk to her first. Make sure she’s ready.”
While I’m filled with insurmountable impatience, I nod all the same. Whichever woman it is, she deserves that respect, and I admire Dad all the more for showing it.
“Just don’t make it too long, okay?” I ask, closing my eyes for a minute as I yawn. “I’ve been dying over here.”
He pauses. “Did you vote?”
I smile. “Not yet. But you can bet your bottom dollar I’m going to.”
