Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Another tear stains my cheek. There’s no hope of pretending now.
“No. But I will be.”
“I know we haven’t gotten to know each other—” He sighs. “I know things are complicated, but Josie, I’m your father. I want to be your father. If you need me—”
A sob breaks from my mouth, and the next thing I know, my father’s arms are wrapped around me.
Tears streak my cheeks as my body shakes.
He holds me tight, soft coos of comfort in my ear.
It’s too much.
My head is spinning.
I feel like I’m drowning, and right now, I hold my father like he’s the life raft keeping me afloat.
For the first time in my life, I have a dad; I have a safe haven, and I’m not alone.
I am not alone.
58
JOSIE
The last rays of sunlight cast a soft glow over my car as I pull down the long driveway.
I’ve been keeping a low profile since Dane ended things with me a few days ago. Right after the incident, I mentioned I wasn’t feeling too well to Laurie, so she approved my request not to travel with the team last night for this morning’s away game.
Are they back yet?
How awful would it be if my father invited Dane over tonight for one of their post-game meetings?
A shiver runs down my spine. No. That won’t happen. Dane wouldn’t do that to me.
I’m sure he knows I’m avoiding him since I wasn’t on the flight yesterday. The only saving grace of this whole mess is that I got to work from the main marketing office, which was fun.
There’s so much more to marketing than social media. These days, everyone thinks it’s all about views and likes, but building a solid brand is the most important thing. I was able to watch the marketing team come up with a strategy for how to get more fans in the stands and not just steamy pictures of the guys warming up.
I park in my normal spot at the back of the house and walk toward the guesthouse.
The familiar sight disperses all the tension in my shoulders. It might have started as a prison, but the longer I’m here, the more it feels like a second home.
From the corner of my eye, I can see the lights are on in the kitchen, and it looks like someone is in the room.
I squint. It’s Sherry, and by the way she’s cutting vegetables at the sink, I’d guess she’s preparing dinner.
My father must be home.
I halt my steps and continue to watch the main house. Just then, my father walks into the room and grabs a cup from the cabinet.
My lips tip up into a smile. Is he helping her set the table? Despite everything and the way I’ve acted, he held me and comforted me. I can’t stop thinking about it.
I cried, and he was there for me. His concern for me was evident in the gentle way he held me and made sure I was okay. It’s definitely a side to him I’ve never seen before, but to be honest, a part of me yearns for it now that I have.
For a second, my body freezes. I can’t seem to will it to move toward the guesthouse. I’m locked in place, staring at them through the large bay window.
What would it be like to be included?
You are included.
They invited me every opportunity they got. I’m the asshole who pushed them away and said no. Maybe it’s time to stop being afraid.
Taking a deep inhale, I make my decision, allowing my feet to carry me in the direction I want to go.
It’s time to try.
My heart pounds in my chest as I approach the back door. I don’t want to barge in, so I lift my hand and knock.
I can see them as they realize they aren’t alone. My father’s eyes go wide when he catches my gaze and dashes over to open the door.
“No need to knock.” He steps aside to let me in. “You’re always welcome.”
For the first time since I got to Redville, I believe him.
It’s as if a light switch went on the day he held me. I’m no longer dredged in darkness, trying to find my way. I’m able to see a light, and ironically enough, it’s the father I never knew existed who leads the way.
“Are you joining us for dinner?”
I glance over my shoulder to look at him, and the softness and hope in his eyes make my chest lurch.
“I’d like that,” I admit, realizing I would. This is not a lie.
“Fabulous. Sherry and I just finished setting the table in the dining room.” He ruffles my hair like I’m five, and the knot inside me begins to untangle. “Come on in before Sherry eats everything. Never come between that woman and a peach cobbler.”
From beyond the foyer, I catch someone shouting, “I heard that. Don’t be surprised if we conveniently run out of chicken when it’s your turn to be served.”