Page 92 of Second Chances

“Josh, don’t fight any battles on my behalf. Your mom and I both made mistakes; some were worse than others, but I’m ready to move past it. Especially for Sophie. I can’t be bitter about her mother—your mother—and have a healthy relationship with my daughter.” Effie approached them, handing them each an iced tea. “You need to do what’s best for you. Now, I’m no doctor, but letting go of your hurt and anger for your mom,” Henry placed his hand on Josh’s heart, “may be what’s best for this.”

“Wow—I haven’t heard one of your ‘I’m no doctor’ jokes since I quit working with you at the shop.”

“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had to make a dad joke to get you to smile.” Something that had been a rarity back in those dark days.

“Henry, I hope Charlotte is okay? Everything that happened last night must have been a shock for her, too. I messaged her, but never heard back.” Was that a good sign that Effie hadn’t gotten a reply either?

“Actually, Charlotte helped me see things more clearly with Melanie. Made me consider how things were from her point of view.”

Josh pulled him in for another hug. “You always amaze me, Dad. If you can make peace with Mom, I guess I can give her a chance…eventually. All I’ve ever wanted is to be like you, you know.” His son shrugged. “It’ll be hard to stay angry, anyway, with Sophie in the picture. She’s the one we may need to keep an eye on, because I don’t think she’s really registered what Mom kept her from all her life.” Josh took his wife’s hand, and the newlyweds greeted Tess and Sam, who had just arrived.

Sophie was in conversation with Liam and Lana when Henry walked up to them. “How are you today, Sophie?” He opened his arms to her, and, without missing a beat, she stepped into them as if she’d been doing so her entire life. “I hear you’re making quite the impression.”

In his ear, she said, “I’m so lucky that you’re my dad, and this is my family.”

Holding her tightly, Henry corrected her. “I’m the lucky one. I’ve always wanted a daughter. Now I have two of them.” He turned to his nephew and embraced him. “Congratulations again on your engagement. And you, too, Lana.”

“Thanks, Mr. Livingston,” Lana replied with a smile.

Henry shook his head. “No, Lana, please—it’s Henry.” Her dark blue eyes shimmered with what Henry believed could only be joy.

“Excuse me,” boomed a voice. “Lana, we need to have a conversation.” Lana’s eyes widened, cheeks flushed.

“Montgomery, please. We’ve already talked about this-” Lana began.

He interrupted. “About what? You suddenly uprooting your life to move to a place where you don’t know anyone? Where you don’t have a job?”

“Why are you sticking your nose in, anyway?” Cait appeared behind Liam. “I told you last night—stay out of people’s business.”

Monty reared his head back. “I only tried to help⁠—”

“And I told you that your help is not needed!” Cait’s cheeks were red.

“Outside, both of you!” Liam pointed toward the back entrance. “Now!” With his fiancée’s hand in his, Liam led her, along with their siblings, to the door.

“Well, that was interesting,” Henry observed.

Sophie commented, “Cait’s intense,” making Henry laugh. “So I have some news of my own,” she announced. “Liam’s offered me a job at his dealership.”

“Really?” he held his breath hopefully. “So, does that mean you’re sticking around Beverley for a while?”

“If that’s okay with you? I don’t want to—” Sophie started.

He hugged her again. “I want nothing more than to get to know my daughter and make up for lost time. I’m thrilled.” Releasing her, he said, “You’re welcome to stay with me, of course.”

“Thank you. Cait said she’s moving into a new house, and I can stay with her as soon as she does. Said she’s finally glad there’s another female in the family. Until then, I think I’ll stay in the hotel. It’ll be nice to be on my own for a while. My mom can be, like, really high maintenance…but I’m sure you already know that, right, Dad?” Henry’s heart swelled at her words. Dad. The one word he had never tired of hearing from Josh now sounded even better from Sophie. “Besides, I saw you with your girlfriend last night. I wouldn’t want to cramp your style.” Sophie waved at Hamilton, then squeezed Henry’s hand before grabbing a drink at the bar.

Unable to cope with his mixed feelings—joy from seeing Sophie with Josh, and sorrow without Charlotte’s reassuring, loving presence beside him, Henry ducked out the same door he’d used last night, unable to wait another second without speaking with Charlotte. Unfortunately, his phone had finally died, all the life drained from it.

Charlotte rubbed her thumb over Henry’s text again, as if her phone was a magic lamp that would produce the man she loved. If only.

Dear Charlotte,

I am so sorry for what I said last night.

Or this morning, depending on perspective.

A simple apology isn’t good enough, but I am deeply sorry for everything.