But her parents had been married a long time. She knew how much they’d loved each other. Perhaps Dad had some insight that could help her through this crazy puzzle that was love.
After they’d eaten and she’d caught him up with everything at the site, she tucked some hair behind her ear and ventured into the tough topic. “Dad? Could I perhaps ... talk to you about ... love?”
His soft chuckle put her at ease. “I would hope that you would feel comfortable talking to me about anything after all we’ve been through.”
It was good to hear his speech almost back to normal and he was building strength every day. “It’s about Joshua.”
“I could have guessed that.” He released an exaggerated sigh.
She sent him a teasing glare.
“Well, go on then. Don’t leave me in suspense. I’ve been waiting three long years for you to come out of that shell you’ve built around yourself.”
She grimaced. “I know. Why didn’t you just tell me what to do?”
“Daughter ... you’ve never been one who enjoyed being pushed into anything. In fact, pushing normally makes you dig in your heels and put up every defense you have.”
His words hit closer to home than she would have liked. Which made her want to argue. She opened her mouth—and then snapped it closed. “Point taken.”
“Your mother was the same way, God rest her soul. Time was the best thing I could give you. So I did. And kept you busy in the process.” He chuckled and then folded his hands together.
“You’re a smart man.” She took a sip of water and then opened up. She told him about the letters, her argument with Joshua that afternoon, and even told him all about their argument years ago. Once it was off her chest, she felt a lot better. “Well? What do you think?” She reached for his hand.
He patted the top of hers and then squeezed. “You’re in love. That’s what I think. Joshua has been in love with you since hewas five years old. I think you two are simply going to have to work through these things.”
“You don’t believe that he was wrong in what he said before he left?” Why wasn’t her dad taking her side—
Good heavens, she was going right back to her old habits.
Her father laughed again.
“I don’t think this is a laughing matter, Dad.” She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.
“I’m not sure why you got your knickers into such a knot over his questions. I’m sure there’s a fine explanation for what he asked, and you just didn’t give him the chance to explain.”
“He questioned everything we do. Everythingyoudo.” Her temper was roaring back to life.
Dad shook his head. “No. Sounds to me like he was being protective of the woman he loved and was trying to understand something, but without all the information. Have you two discussed this since he’s been back?”
“Well ... no.” She deflated a bit. She needed to calm down, and this wasn’t helping.
“Maybe that’s where you should start, rather than getting all riled up at me for speaking truth.” He stared at her. His eyes conveyed his love, wisdom, and grace toward his only daughter.
Oh, why she was so good at jumping to conclusions? That was exactly how she’d gotten upset at Joshua. What a hypocrite. “Fine. I’ll talk to him.”Lord, You’re going to have to do a mighty work in mebecause I’m failing at this over and over.
“Good.” He patted the bed. “Was there any mail?”
Thank heaven for a change of subject. She stood. “I left it on the table. Let me go get it. I know there was a wire from Mr. Oppenheim.”
She went to the kitchen to fetch it and took several deep, calming breaths. If she wanted to conquer this problem ofhers, she needed to face it head-on and eradicate it once and for all.
She picked up the wire. Hopefully it wasn’t anything too important. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to bring it to her father.
Opening the envelope as she walked back to Dad’s room, she pulled out the paper and then handed it to him. “Here you go. I’m so sorry. I should have brought this to you first thing.”
Dad read the wire and she watched for his reaction.
His brow furrowed. “It appears we will be having a visit from Mr. Oppenheim, his daughter, and his son.”
