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My defenses went up. “Just because your relationship with him didn’t work out doesn’t mean ours won’t. He’s been with his other family for three decades.” I winced at how accusatory that sounded. I hadn’t pointed that out to make my mom feel inadequate. “What I meant to say?—”
“Well, it sounds like you have everything all figured out then.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. That was mean. I’m tired and hungover and yesterday, well, it was a lot to process. I just wish I would have been more prepared.”
“You’re right. That was mean. But it’s also true. People change. For your sake, I hope he has.”
“Please don’t be mad at me for wanting this.”
“Ray, the only thing I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy.”
“Thank you.”
“Just…be careful and don’t put too much stock in any promises he makes.”
Nothing like ending on an ominous note. “I just wanted you to be prepared to see him at the wedding.”
More silence. “I should go.”
This entire conversation needed to end. “I’ll call you when I get home.”
The following day, I waited for my Dad at an upscale steakhouse while staring at a large photo on the wall of a woman who resembled Marilyn Monroe. My nerves were a wreck this time, so I ordered a glass of white wine to calm myself down.
My dad arrived five minutes late, but he made it.
“Parking’s a nightmare,” he said, dropping into the seat across from me. “I thought I gave myself enough time, but…” Realizing that he hardly said hello, he sighed. “How are you, kiddo?”
“I’m…okay.” I smiled tightly. Did he call all his kids kiddo?
He frowned. “About the other day, Rayne… I thought about how that must have come off and all I can say is I’m sorry. There are a lot of things I wish I’d done differently in my life, but I can’t undo what’s been done. All I can do is move forward.”
“I was just a little shocked.”
He nodded. “I know it doesn’t erase the last thirty years, but I’d love to have a chance to start over with you. I want you in my life.”
I wanted that too. So much so I couldn’t understand why I was allowing this barrier between us. “You’re right. We can’t rewrite history.”
“But we can work on a better future. If that’s what you want.”
I looked down at the table and nodded. Then I looked up at him. “I do. I really do.”
He smiled. “I do too.” His hand reached across the distance and patted my fingers. “I won’t let you down.”
We ordered lunch and by the time the appetizers arrived we were back to chatting easily and even laughing at random traits we had in common. Not only did we both possess a sweet tooth, we could also roll our tongues and we both sneezed whenever we looked at the sun.
“So, I had to Google white tie,” he confessed. “This wedding of yours is going to be pretty fancy, huh?”
I sensed the idea of a formal wedding made him anxious. I could relate. “The ceremony’s private—just close friends and family. The reception’s going to be a circus.”
“Big guest list?”
“It’s over three hundred.”
His eyes bulged. “Dear Lord.”
I laughed nervously. “The Davenports have a lot of friends. I think my side accounts for eleven people. You make twelve.”
He looked as if he had something to say, but hesitated. I thought about Elle asking to bring Paul and realized he’d probably want his wife there. I wasn’t sure if I could handle that. It was my wedding day. Couldn’t he just be there for me and we could do the whole awkward meet and greet another time?
