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“But—”
“But nothing! You defiled my daughter and exposed her to the eyes of perverts all over the internet.”
Her father turned and looked her in the eye, realization and shame in his expression. “This is all my fault. I’ve played the two of you off each other for the last four years, thinking it was healthy rivalry. Thinking that maybe this could give you that competitive thrill you craved without you risking your life to get it. After losing your mother, I couldn’t bear to lose you, too.” His shoulders slumped forward and he let out a heavy sigh. “But I set this all in motion. And I’m disgusted with myself.”
Her father had been trying to keep her from racing?
If that was true, it meant she had been completely wrong about… everything. Every ill feeling she had about herself at his hand had been his way of keeping her from racing. In his own twisted way, it was his version of keeping her safe. Showing his love for her. “Daddy, it’s all right.”
“No.” He cupped her cheek. “You are an exceptional architect. An exceptional person but I can’t take credit for that part. That was all your mother.”
For the first time, in a very long time, she saw her father. The man he was, the man he used to be when he was a husband instead of a widower.
It was weird, listening to her father give her a compliment. Surreal. But it was actually happening.
“You know, this is the first time you’ve ever given me a compliment.”
Her father pointed his finger at her. “Compliments are for the weak. A reassurance of actions not executed with confidence.”
Oh, well. She couldn’t expect all of him to change in one night.
She shrugged. “Thank you, anyway.”
“What about me?” Martin asked, his expression hopeful. He still hadn’t moved from his spot on the floor.
Carson patted her father on the arm. “I got this one, Dad.” She looked over at Martin and glared. “Like my father said earlier, you’re fired. Now get lost you weasel before we have security throw you out on your ass.”
Satisfaction filled her chest. Damn it felt good to say that. It felt good to be vindicated. To prove to her father once and for all that she was the one he should have trusted, the one who wouldn’t let him down.
“We should start discussing the lead designer position. First thing Monday morning I want you in the office and—”
She placed her hand on his chest. “I’ve been waiting all my life to hear you say that. But…” For the first time she believed she could do it on her own. Neil believed in her. And despite their tense relationship, she wouldn’t let him down. “I think I want to try things on my own.”
Was it completely wrong to feel a mild excitement at the fact that her father was finally giving her what she wanted…and that she had the courage to turn it down?
“Carson, don’t be silly.” Her father shook his head and laid his hand at the small of her back, ushering her out of the utility room. “Let’s not be hasty. I didn’t start my own firm until I was much older and established.”
She stopped just outside the door and pinned him with her stare. “I’m not you.”
“Carson.” For the first time he was actually at a loss for words, his only communication, an annoyed expression at the fact that he’d lost the battle. He no longer controlled her life. She’d no longer let him.
As he stared into her eyes, her father said, “He’s changed you.”
They both knew who he was.
He looked on with confusion, as if he was looking for something, a physical manifestation of her new confidence.
Neil Harrison had changed her. On the inside. And she would forever be thankful.
She placed a kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight, Daddy.” And walked away.
She sidled up to the rented bar, resting her hand on the cherry wood. She surveyed the party and all of the happy faces. Lively conversations and clinking glasses told her people were having a good time.
The barn was serving its purpose. It was the perfect event space. Tonight had certainly proven that. And for that she deserved a pat on the back.
Penn flitted from table to table flirting and touching every man between the age of eighteen and thirty-five. Cole and Finn were huddled off to the side with a man and woman she’d never seen before. And Sterling and Jack were attached at the hip as he introduced her to some of the guests.
But despite the joy happening around her, she still felt empty. Like something was missing. And it wasn’t the weight of disappointment and judgment that usually sat on her shoulders.
