Page 133 of Falling for the Grumpy Bad Boy

I knew what he was saying. I got it. Being afraid never got anyone anything. “Thanks, Dad. I’m going to take the leap. I just hope I don’t end up shattered.”

“If you do, we’ll be there to put you back together.”

I liked that he wasn’t making a bunch of promises that it wouldn’t happen. He was basically telling me if it did, that was okay. I would recover.

“You know,” Dad said. “Your mother is going to put us all to work tomorrow morning. She’s already planning the Christmas tree assault.”

I laughed, picturing Mom in full holiday preparation mode. “The day after Thanksgiving? Isn’t that a little early?”

“Try telling her that,” Dad said with a grin. “She’s been itching to start decorating since Halloween. I caught her humming Christmas carols while she was making the stuffing yesterday.”

“I can’t wait,” I said, and I meant it. There was something magical about our family’s Christmas traditions. Mom orchestrated the tree decorating like a military operation. Henry and I always bickered over ornament placement while Dad played referee. And the next day we would wake up and Mom would have already “fixed” the ornaments anyway.

But even as I looked forward to it, I felt a bittersweet pang in my chest.

“Dad,” I said, swirling the wine in my glass. “This might be my last Christmas at home. I mean, really at home, living here.”

He looked at me with interest rather than surprise. “Oh? What are you thinking?”

“Things are changing,” I said, trying to organize my thoughts. “I’ve loved having my own suite here. I love being close to you and Mom, but I think it’s time for me to start planting my roots somewhere else. Henry will be going to college next year. It’s time for us to leave you guys with an empty nest. You both deserve the peace and quiet and alone time. I’m considering applying to a culinary program in Vegas.”

Dad’s eyebrows rose. “Vegas? That’s quite a leap from Brooklyn.”

“I know it sounds crazy,” I said quickly. “But there are some incredible programs out there, and the restaurant scene is amazing.” I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “Plus, I was hoping Rhett might give me a referral, if he’s willing.”

A slow smile spread across Dad’s face. “I think that’s a fantastic idea, sweetheart. And I have no doubt Rhett will give you that referral.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” Dad leaned forward in his chair. “Actually, Rhett and I had a conversation tonight at the soup kitchen. He asked to speak with me privately.”

My heart started beating faster. “What did he say?”

“He told me his intentions toward you are completely honorable,” Dad said, his tone formal but his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Said he wants to cherish and love you until the end of his days.”

I nearly choked on my wine. “He said that? Those exact words?”

“Those exact words. Very old-fashioned of him, actually. I was impressed.”

“Oh my God,” I said, burying my face in my hands. “How mortifying. What did you tell him?”

“I told him he has my blessing,” Dad said simply. “And that you’re a grown woman who makes her own choices, but for what it’s worth, I approve.”

I peeked at him through my fingers. “Really?”

“Really. Clementine, I’ve watched you grow from a little girl who insisted on helping me in the kitchen even when you were too small to see over the counter, to a young woman with incredible talent and an even bigger heart. You deserve someone who sees all of that in you.”

“And you think Rhett does?”

“I think Rhett is terrified by how much he sees in you,” Dad said with a chuckle. “He also told me he thinks you’re going to leave him in your dust, career-wise.”

That made me laugh. “He said that?”

“He did. And honestly? I think he might be right. You have something special, sweetheart. A way of connecting with people through food that goes beyond just technical skill. What I saw tonight in that kitchen? That was leadership. That was artistry. That was you coming into your own.”

Tears pricked at my eyes. “Thank you, Dad. That means everything to me.”

“I’m just telling you what I see,” he said. “And what I see is a young woman who’s ready to take on the world.”