“Dad, I’m not fourteen anymore,” she spoke seriously. “I will always remember the love that you shared with Mom because those are memories I cherish and carry with me, but I won’t hold it against you if you choose to find love again because you deserve it. I know Mom would have wanted you to be happy too. You can’t shut yourself off from being truly happy just because you’re scared it’ll hurt me. Your happiness is solely yours and no one else's.”
Paul stretched over to push back a curl from her face affectionately. “When did you get so wise?” he asked in awe.
Sarah laughed. “Life has a way of teaching you a lot of lessons that you never thought you’d need. From a rebellious teenager to this, I can’t say I’m disappointed.”
“Neither am I,” Paul said proudly.
Sarah smiled affectionately back at him after, and the two settled into a comfortable silence for a few minutes.
“After your heart attack, I was so scared that I had lost you. But then it occurred to me that I ran the chance of still losing you if you didn’t get to live the rest of your life in a fulfilling way. I realized that you could possibly find love again. When I saw how much you cared for Nikki, there was no way I could deny you that.”
Sarah looked over at him, her eyes brimming with affection. “You look at her the way you used to look at Mom, and that’s not a bad thing. I’ve also witnessed how easy it is for you to do anything for her without hesitation or question, and before you say that’s how you are with everyone, I’ve seen you interact with others. This is way different, and you know it.”
Paul closed his mouth, unable to refute her statement.
“I’m pretty sure she has feelings for you too so that makes it even better. And I like her too, so that’s a big plus.”
Paul chuckled at this, and Sarah joined in with him.
The LED bulbs came on, brightening the porch and making it easier for Paul to see his daughter’s face as the sky darkened even further.
Sarah gave him a serious look. “You need to tell her how you feel,” she advised.
Paul smiled at his daughter, his eyes twinkling in admiration.
“Come here,” he instructed. Sarah left her own chair and went to curl up against her father as he held her, and they looked out at the first set of stars peppering the darkened sky.
“I love you, sweetie.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Sarah responded.
Paul smiled as his thoughts switched to Nikki. He had a lot to think about and some decisions to make.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
“Knock, knock,” Nikki said as she entered her sister’s room with a wide grin on her lips.
“Hey.” Trish smiled as she sat up in bed.
“Hey,” Nikki returned.“How was therapy?” she asked, setting down the bag of personal items she’d brought on the table.
Trish didn’t reply.
It had been two weeks since Trish opened her eyes, and she’d only started therapy four days ago. She could tell she was frustrated by the progress, but it was to be expected. Plus, the doctor had already prepped them on what to expect.
Nikki turned to stare at her expectantly.
“How is Amy?” Trish asked, attempting to change the subject.
“Amy’s fine. She’s over at Lot 28,” Nikki answered. “Now, back to your therapy. How was it?”
Trish released a heavy sigh. “Tedious,” she responded, looking away from Nikki.
“It’ll get better. Just hang in there. You’re making great progress,” Nikki said with an encouraging smile. “I brought you something, but I had to sneak it past the nurses,” she said, pulling a Hershey bar from her pocket. Trish’s eyes lit up as a bright smile lifted her lips.
“I remember this was your favorite candy back when we were kids.”
“It still is,” Trish replied, holding her hand out for the chocolate.
