Page 68 of Sinister Red
“Sofie told me you didn’t know until recently and she seemingly unloaded all kinds of things that have been burdening her for nearly seven years, that you two talked things out and have been spending more time together over the last few months. That’s when it clicked.” He nods, more to himself than me. “I didn’t have my Sofie back because she wasn’t herself, wasn’t wholly who she is because a huge part of her has been missing for a long time. That part of her is, and always has been, you, Sam, and I’m sitting here now, having this conversation in order to do four things.”
I just blink becausewhat the fuck is happening right now.
“First, I want to ask you for forgiveness for the way I’ve treated you the entire time I’ve known you. You are a good man who loved my daughter and made her happy, and that should have been enough for me to be less of a jerk. Secondly, I want to thank you for loving her and making her happy because no one has done either of those things the way you did and that’s exactly what I want for my baby girl.” Roland smiles a little. “Third, I want you to know that if things change and progress between the two of you, you have my blessing. Neither of you need it because you’re both adults perfectly capable of making your own choices, but you have it anyway.” His eyes wander across the yard to where Sofie is standing with Harlow’s mom, the two giggling about something. “And finally, I’d like to ask you, if your feelings about my daughter haven’t changed, that you find a way to get past all the negativity that’s transpired between you and accept the fact that the two of you were made for each other, because if a man like me can see it, it must be true.”
I am fucking speechless right now.
Totally dumbstruck.
Never in a million years did I think I’d have a conversation like that with this man, but as one-sided as it is, it’s happening and I have no idea what to do with it.
Until I look across the yard again, anyway, and find Sofie staring at us with a curious and slightly concerned expression on her gorgeous face.
That’s when I figure out exactly what I’m going to do. So, I get to my feet, extend my hand toward Roland Berk, and grin when he shakes it. “I appreciate the talk, Doc, and if you don’t mind the interruption, I have the urge to go ask a pretty girl for a dance.”
With a nod and another push of his glasses, Roland smiles and sinks back into his chair.
Fucking weddings, man.
I’ve heard people get a little nutty at them, but I didn’t expect this at all. I’m not mad at it though. Especially as I drop my cane and let my boots carry me toward the woman of my dreams, the intent to make her mine once again rolling through my veins.
“Hi…” Sofie smiles as I stop in front of her, a perfect brow arched in curiosity.
“Sofie, Lydia.” I nod to the mother of the bride just as Patsy Cline’sCrazystarts to play. “I hate to interrupt, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow Ms. Berk for a few minutes.”
They both giggle as I hold out my hand, Sofie slipping hers into mine without hesitation.
“Sam.” She laughs as I lead her to the dance floor. “What are you doing?”
I tug her to me, placing her hand over my heart and holding it as I lift her other to my shoulder. Sofie wraps her arm around my neck as I pull her closer, sliding my free hand around her waist and splaying it against the small of her back. She looks up at me with a soft smile as I start to sway, our bodies moving together perfectly.
“Dancing.”
“Dancing?”
I nod as I press my forehead to hers. “Dancing with you.”
“Still a fan of Patsy, I see.”
“You know me, Sof, the only kind of music that’s worth a damn is classic country.”
She smiles and closes her eyes. “What are we doing, Sam?”
“I told you already. We’re dancing.”
“That’s not what I mean.” Those dark eyes flip open and connect with mine as she pulls back, making my heart flip inside my chest. “What are we doing, me and you?”
I search Sofie’s face, trace each beautiful feature before I take a deep breath and answer her the only way I can. My lips brush hers in the softest caress and when my girl only sighs, I go in and do it again a little more firmly.
“I can’t keep doing this with you anymore,” I mumble against her lips.
“Doing what?” Her eyes flutter closed as I kiss her softly.
“Pretending that you don’t own my fucking heart.”
“Sammy…”
“It’s true, Sofie. There hasn’t been one second since I met you that it wasn’t and I can’t keep pretending like it isn’t true now. I don’t need professions or promises of love, I’m just laying it all out there so you know what I’m doing in hopes that maybe… we can give us another try.”
