“Better than ever.”
He starts chuckling. “You’re right, that’s a stupid question. I spent the entire time on the airplane trying to decide what I wanted to say.”
“And that’s the best that you came up with? Asking me how I’m feeling days after I was nearly blown up?”
“Believe it or not, thatwasthe best out of all the opening lines I was considering...But I agree, it sucks. So why don’t I just say this?”
He pauses, composing himself.
“Maddie, I am so sorry,” he blurts out, tears pooling in his eyes. “Before you say anything, you need to know that. I am so sorry for the way I have treated you lately. I only ever wanted what was best for you and now I’ve caused us to spend the last several years at each other’s throats instead of connecting. And it was entirely my fault. I’m sorry, and I will never be able to tell you just how much.”
I open my mouth to speak, but I’m too shell-shocked to form words. I didn’t expect much from my dad, let alone an apology. Maybe my nearly dying had an effect on him as well.
“Dad, I—”
“No.” He holds up his hand, shaking his head. “Please don’t say anything. All of this is my fault. If I hadn’t sent you to work with Dr. Bauer…Maddie, you should know that the only reason I called and asked my friend to give you the spot in LA was because I wanted to get you away from Bauer. He called me, and he was frantic about getting you out of Las Vegas. He wouldn’t tell me why, but he told me it was for your safety. None of it made sense but, I wanted to get you away from him as fast as I could, so I called about the position. It had nothing to do with playing games with you, and I should have come right out and told you that. But when you were home, and you said those things to me…”
I press my lips together, the memory of the fight still fresh in my mind.
“I got defensive because it was true. I’ve never been a good father to you or your brothers. I pushed you too hard, and I set a terrible example of putting notoriety above all else. I wish I could go back and change things, but I can’t. I wish I had somethingmore to say to you besides I’m sorry, but that’s all that seems to matter to me right now. I’m sorry about everything. For not believing in you, or supporting your dreams, and for putting you in this position, and for not being the parent you deserved all these years. If you give me another chance, I swear, I will do whatever it takes to make things right with you. All I want is to fix our relationship.”
I’ve never seen my dad cry before, but a few errant tears drip down his cheeks, and I can see how genuine he is about all of this. It’s such a welcome change that I nearly burst into tears myself. It doesn’t change the past between us, but it’s a start and it gives me hope for our future relationship.
“I appreciate that, Dad, but it’s going to take some time. Maybe we could start with dinner? I’d like to come see everyone when I get out of here.”
He smiles widely. “I would love that. And you know, if you’d like to come back home to recover for a few weeks, your mom and I would love to have you.”
“I know you would. But I think I’m going to go back to Las Vegas with Roman as soon as they release me. I promise I’ll visit as soon as I’m feeling up to it, though.”
“Ah yes. Despite our rocky start, your fiancé seems like a wonderful guy. I’m looking forward to getting to know him. Why don’t you bring him with you when you come to visit?”
Fiancé? What? Did Roman tell him we’re engaged? Or did I seriously hit my head so hard that I don’t remember him proposing? Either way, I don’t correct my dad.
“Yes, he is. I think you guys will love him once you get to know him.”
My dad stands and kisses my cheek. “I won’t keep you much longer. Your mom and brothers will be here tomorrow. I asked them to wait until you and I had time to talk. We’ll be by tomorrow if that’s okay?”
“Sure, that would be great.”
“Good. We’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Bye Dad.”
After a few minutes, a nurse comes in and checks my vitals, making all kinds of notes in my file before rushing out. She lets me know that they’ll be in to take me for more testing in a few minutes. I start to get restless and am about to stand upright as Roman comes back into the room.
“Hey!” he scolds, rushing towards my side. “You’re not supposed to get up without someone to support you.”
“I just wanted to stand up,” I pout, hoping my frown would make him cave.
“No way. Your leg is broken. You’re not going anywhere until the doctor says it’s okay.”
“Does it matter that I’m a doctor andIsay it’s okay?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
He rolls his eyes. “How about a doctor that isn’t concussed? Now, climb back into bed like a good little girl and I’ll give you your ice cream.”
“I’m fine, Roman. It will probably do my body some good to get up and move around. I’m sure we can find some crutches.” I prop myself up, not willing to accept staying put just yet.
Roman shakes his head. “The doctor said to stay put. You better keep your cute little ass in this bed until I say otherwise, or there will be serious consequences.”
