AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why’d you assume that?”
Dad chuckles. “Your brother was upset, and I know you hate upsetting people. I said to myself, now, wait a second, Jen’s going to be a little heady about this. She’s gonna want to think on it. What better place to think than the beach?”
My eyes burn. “We really should’ve asked for your blessing, Dad. I’m sorry. But with your diagnosis and then the baby coming...”
“Do I wish Abel would’ve asked me for your hand? ’Course I do. But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m thrilled for y’all.”
My heart rises. “You really do mean that.”
Dad lifts a shoulder. The gesture makes him look so much like Tuck for a second that my stomach contracts. “When you know, you know. And you’ve known Abel for a long time.”
“He’s . . . really wonderful, Dad.”
“I know. I helped raise him.”
My turn to laugh. “You sound so cool about all this.”
“That’s because I am cool. What could I do if I weren’t? Y’all are grown. What you do with your lives is up to you. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t really happy and so damn proud of you for choosing a man who treats you with the respect and devotion you deserve.”
The tears won’t stop coming. The dogs are yapping atDad’s feet, splashing our legs with cold water. “You genuinely think he’s good for me?”
“Why do you ask?” He ducks his head to meet my eyes. “Do you not think he’s right for you? Because that’s not how you sounded last night.”
I don’t know.
Looking away, I say, “Tuck just had such a strong reaction to the whole thing. It scared me.”
Dad frowns. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I think y’all took him off guard. He’s also exhausted.”
“I know. And, yeah, I married Abel. So ultimately, I think he’s great for me.”
“Good. That’s all that matters. As long as he makes you happy, I’m happy. He’s a good man, Jen. Has his faults. Who among us doesn’t? But deep down, I know he’d work his fingers to the bone to see you smile.”
My heart squeezes. Dad sees it, too—what an excellent human being Abel is.
Curling an arm around Dad’s waist, I scoot to his side so we can walk together. “I’ve had a crush on him for a while. Abel. I never said anything?—”
“Oh, I knew.”
I blink. “You did?”
“Sweetheart, I’d have to be blind not to see the way y’all look at each other. I’m frankly shocked it took you this long to get together.”
I laugh, only because I don’t know what else to do. Is this good news? Bad? What does it say about me that my own father recognized what I couldn’t?
Is Abel as into me as everyone says he is?
And is Dad really not worried Abel will break my heart?
So many questions. I’m hit by the acute need for sleep.
“He’s always been such a good friend to me. Since... well, forever.” I hesitate. “Back then—what happened with Abel’s parents?”
Dad scrunches his forehead. “He not tell you?”
“I mean, yeah, he’s given me the broad strokes. But I’m wondering if there’s any insight you have that might explain?—”
“Why Abel never wanted to be beholden to anyone? Until you, of course.”
