Page 87 of Wanna Bet?

His chin rested atop her head. "I love you."

"I love you too." The words came so naturally from her now. No fear or hesitation.

Jace squeezed her gently. The silence that followed felt comfortable. The kind of silence only existed between people who knew each other completely.

Eventually, Myah leaned back enough to look up at him.

His green eyes immediately found hers. Attentive and present. There was something she wanted to tell him. Something she'd been thinking about all morning. Maybe longer.

"Hey."

"Hey." Jace smiled, still holding her.

"My dad called."

Jace blinked, immediately concerned. "Oh?"

She nodded. A strange mix of emotions twisting through her chest. "He wants to meet."

Jace remained quiet. Listening and giving her space. The way he'd learned to do.

"The real kind of meet."

His brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

Myah exhaled slowly. "He wants to apologize."

The words felt strange. Even now. Like she wasn't entirely sure they belonged in the same sentence as her father. Because apologies hadn't exactly been a thing in their relationship. Not growing up. Not afterward. Her father had always been busy. The kind of businessman who was constantly flying somewhere, meeting someone, building something. Everything always seemed to come first. Everything except her.

It wasn't that he hadn't loved her. At least she didn't think so. It was worse and more complicated. He'd loved her while neglecting her. Loved her while never showing up. Loved her while making her feel invisible. And those wounds lasted long after childhood ended.

Jace's thumb brushed across her hip. A grounding touch mixed with his silent support. "What did he say?"

Myah swallowed. "He said he's been in therapy."

Jace's eyebrows rose.

That surprised both of them.

"He said he's spent years pretending everything was fine." A shaky laugh escaped her. "Apparently that's genetic."

The corner of Jace's mouth twitched.

"He said he knows he failed me." The words hit harder spoken aloud. "He said he doesn't expect forgiveness." Her throat tightened. "But he wants to try."

Thoughtful silence followed as Jace considered her carefully. Then smiled. "How do you feel about it?"

The question mattered. Because six months ago she would've answered automatically. Emotion and reaction first. Now she paused and actually thought about it. Actually checked in with herself.

"I'm excited." The answer surprised her. But it was true. "I think..." She hesitated. "I think I want a relationship with him."

Jace nodded with no judgment or pressure. "Then I think you should see what happens."

Her chest warmed with trust. A year ago that would've felt impossible. Now it felt natural.

Jace kissed her forehead tenderly, "I can come with you."

The offer immediately made her smile. Because of course he would. Of course he'd volunteer. Of course he'd stand beside her if she needed him.