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“Um, thanks?” Kate looked at me and frowned.
“Sounds more like you’re trying to cover your tail.”Figures.I shouldn’t have been surprised.
“I admit I’m not the best when it comes to letting things go,” my dad said.
“But?”Stop dragging this out!I kept the last bit to myself as it honestly wouldn’t have helped.
“I thought I could change the tide,” my father began, “but it seems as though your feelings toward Kate are as stubborn as the phases of the moon. If I can’t sway you, at least let me explain.”
“I’ve already heard your explanation.” There was no hiding the growl in my voice so I didn’t even try.
Beside me, Kate stiffened, then squeezed my hand. “Liv, please,” she pleaded. “Hear him out.”
“Fine,” I said, “but only because we’re in a public space.” If we were anywhere else, I would’ve turned by now.
“I’ve seen relationships like this before when I was your age,” my father explained. “The ones I experienced didn’t end very well. I’d hoped that by keeping you apart, it would sever the bond you made so long ago. Turns out, I was wrong.
I know I can’t change what I did, but I hope you’ll believe me when I say I had your best interests at heart. The world has changed so much these last few years, so perhaps a union between a human and a wolf can happen as well.”
“I don’t need your blessing,” I told him, my body tense.
My dad managed a slight nod. “I never should’ve questioned your feelings, no matter who they were for, but as your father, I thought it was my job to… no. That doesn’t matter now. I won’t ask you to go back with us. That choice is yours and yours alone. However, if you ever decide to come back, I want you to know you’ll always have a place at home.”
“And Kate?” I swallowed hard.
“Of course.”
As soon as the words passed his lips, my knees buckled, sending me right into his arms. His were the arms I went to when I fell and skinned my knee. He was the one who taught me how to pick myself up whenever I got knocked down. My father was the one who challenged me most of all, and yet, without his teachings, I never would’ve lasted this long.
“Thank you,” I said once we separated.
“For?” my father asked as the three of us headed back toward the diner.
“For pushing me.”
“Pushing you?” He opened the door, then gestured for me and Kate to go in front of him. “I’ve never pushed.”
“You have. You just didn’t realize it.”
“There you are,” my mother said as soon as we entered the diner. “I thought you’d all run off without me.”
“And go where?” my dad asked as he joined her on their side of the table.
My mother stood and handed me a pile of clothes she’d left on her seat. “I thought you might need these.”
Leave it to my mom to think of everything else.
“Thanks,” I said as I hugged the clothing to my chest. “And I’m sorry for taking off. I didn’t realize it at first.”
“That’s what I figured. There isn’t much you can do when love’s involved.” She glanced at my father and smiled. “Your father’s heart might be divided at times, but he always makes time for me, which is all that matters. Sometimes, things get in the way. Other times, you adapt. This is just another one of those times. I know we might not understand, but we’ll do our best.”
“Does she make you happy?” my dad asked as we sat down to eat.
“Yes,” I said while offering Kate my hand. “More than anyone else I’ve ever known.” Though Dustin was a close second.
“And your wolf?” my dad urged.
“She’s the reason I did this.”
