Not just for putting me in this awkward situation, but for daring to step into something that wasn’t his to control. My dad had been mine to care for, always. We hadn’t needed anyone else. Sure, I’d struggled. Sure, I worked long hours. But I showed up. I gave him everything I had, and where I may have failed to be able to afford proper help, I excelled at being the one he could count on. And I took pride in that.
"Yeah, that’s right," I finally nodded. "Sorry, it’s just been a whirlwind."
I turned to my dad, expecting him to be annoyed, or confused by some random woman showing up. Instead, he looked happier than I’d seen him in weeks.
I needed to talk to him.
"Over the weekend," I started slowly, "West Brooks bought Fiddlers."
"I know," Dad said, nodding. "The whole town’s been buzzing about it."
By whole town, he probably meant the neighbors, or maybe the pastor from Pecan Grove Church. Even though we didn’t go, the pastor often called to keep him company.
"So... I spent last night at West’s place in Atlanta," I continued. His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he said nothing. Just waited. "And he asked me to marry him."
"Oh my," Lisa gasped, smiling brightly. "Well, that certainly explains the call we got from Brooks Investments. No wonder they were so urgent."
I shot Lisa a look, silently pleading for her to stop talking. This wasn’t about her. This was about me and my dad. I could have asked for privacy, but I didn’t. I just wanted her to read the room.
When I turned back, Dad’s smile had faded. He was trying, but the worry in his eyes gave him away. And it crushed me.
"I know it’s sudden, and not much is going to change," I rushed to say. "We just thought?—"
"I haven’t even met him," he interrupted. "I haven’t seen that look in your eyes, the one I always thought I’d see when you met the man you wanted to marry. I haven’t seen your quiet smiles or nervous giggles. I haven’t had the chance to give your hand to someone who truly asked for it."
My heart cracked open. He was right. All of it. There was so much more at stake than some deal to save a bar. I wanted to tell him the truth so I took a step closer, ready to say it all when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
West
I had my secretary arrange in-home care for your father. I didn’t realize she’d move that fast. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a heads up. I just knew you wouldn’t want him to be alone.
I sighed. Lisa had been a surprise all right.
Another text followed before I could respond.
West
You were supposed to be able to interview them first. If Lisa doesn’t work out, let me know.
I looked up and saw Dad and Lisa laughing about something. The strain in his eyes was still there, but something about her presence softened it.
A third message came through.
West
His care won’t end when we divorce. It’ll continue as long as you want it to.
I slid my phone back into my pocket without replying.
"Sorry," I said, turning back to Dad. I sat beside him and took his hand. As angry as I was at West for overstepping, and as much as I hated the lie I was living, I knew deep down that Dad would forgive me. One day.
West wasn’t my forever. He wasn’t going to be the man Dad gave me away to. But in the meantime, if this arrangement meant my dad was taken care of, maybe I could live with the rest of it.
"Just give me some time," I whispered. "Let me see where this goes with West. I promise it’ll work out because we both know we took a leap without giving it much thought. We both know we need to work out the finer details."
He nodded, his gaze steady and full of trust. I felt it, that he knew I wasn’t telling him everything. But he was choosing to trust me anyway, and that was all I needed for now.
"Thanks for folding the laundry." I stood up and turned to Lisa. “I’ll start dinner.”
