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I wasn’t sure what to do. “K-Kace,” I stammered.
Everyone paused and looked at me, except for the kids who were oblivious to what was happening. Their concerned and curious gazes locked with mine, but then they all did their best to go back to what they were doing and let me have the private moment.
“Honey, I’m right here,” Kace said. “You said you felt this was what you needed and I thought it was your special day so maybe it was a good time. You missed a lot. This is just a start.”
With my husband's strength standing by my side, I turned around and stared into a pair of eyes so similar to mine.
“Hi, Daddy.” As the words left my mouth, I saw tears tumble down his aged cheeks. I never thought I’d say that again, but when I looked at him it had just come out. He looked good. Older yes, but like his old self before the drinking. Like the dad I knew.
He stepped forward and I met him halfway. “You look just like your mother,” he said softly.
I couldn’t hold back the waterworks any longer and tears poured down my face. Not only did I miss her so much, but he would never talk about her after she died and here he was, sober, right in front of me, and mentioning her.
Again, I wasn’t prepared and it was so much more than I had expected to find when Kace looked for him for me.
My husband pulled me closer to his side. “Why don’t you guys take some time and then I can introduce everyone?”
As much as I wanted Kace with me the whole time I knew I needed some time alone with my dad. But I was nervous as heck and I picked up the ring around my neck and started playing with it. My father's gaze landed on the motion and he sucked in a breath when he saw what I had on around my throat. And although I took it when I left without asking, he didn’t look mad.
“My mother would have wanted this,” I said, turning to Kace. “Don’t go far, I might need you. You’re not only the love of my life, but my best friend.”
I heard my dad make a sound but I didn’t look at him. Kace’s eyes were shining with tears when he said, “You are the strongest, most beautiful, kindest woman I know. You’re my best friend too. Baby, I will cherish you always. You go do what you need to and I will be waiting.” Then, right in front of my father he kissed me passionately.
Then I went to talk to my dad alone, something I never thought I’d be doing again in my lifetime. It was another gift Kace had given me.
* * *
The conversation was tough.
My dad and I had both cried all the way through it. And although it was just the start of a long process in forgiving and rebuilding, we made it through the beginning.
We sat out on the front porch, and afterwards we came back to join everyone else. Kace and my father talked for a little bit and then he introduced him to everyone there. Denver was still in his new grandma’s arms, while my dad and Kace’s dad talked.
My husband wrapped his arms back around me from behind and I leaned back against him as I talked with Alley, Summer, Jurnee, and Gemma.
“I love you, Mrs. Anderson,” Kace whispered in my ear.
Turning my head so I could reach his lips, I gave him a kiss.
“I love you more,” I told him.
“Don’t think you two are sneaking off early,” Alley sassed. “You get her all the time,” she added, looking at Kace.
Lyric walked up just as he was about to say something back to Alley so he didn’t get a chance. “I have to head out, I am on shift tonight but wanted to congratulate the two of you again.”
Kace let go of me and shook Lyric’s hand and then Lyric pulled me in for a hug. Everyone laughed when my husband growled. When Lyric moved back and let me go, I couldn’t help but tease him.
“You know, you could be as happy as us if you found yourself a nice woman. Maybe a red headed nurse?” I threw the last part in because that day at the hospital it looked like there were some sparks flying.
“Oh my God, do tell!” Alley screeched.
“I’d run now,” Kace told Lyric.
Lyric shook his head and pointed at me. “You used to be quiet and sweet, but I think this group is rubbing off on you.” He pointed at all the ladies, then he was gone.
“My wife, the matchmaker,” Kace said, wrapping me up in him once again.
His mom walked over then and handed Denver to me, so she could go in the house to use the bathroom. I cuddled him close and the three of us stood together.
