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Aurora
Iwasn’t supposed to visit my father until next week, but after what happened earlier, I had to see him. For strength, for support, for answers.
I’ve just arrived at the home where I spent my happiest years. It still holds that scent of love and warmth, and Mom’s cinnamon spice she’d use for baking in the fall.
The scent means home and memories of what used to be.
I’ve retreated to the living room, where I’m slumped against the armchair with a fluffy cushion in my arms. Dad is in the kitchen making me chamomile tea. He took one look at me when I walked in, saw the lost look in my eyes and probably my soul, then headed off to make me tea.
Mom used to say chamomile could relax the mind and comfort your soul, putting you in a better position to think.
Right now, I would take any of those.
From the disheveled look of the photo albums and documents scattered on the coffee table before me, I can see I’ve interrupted whatever plans my father had for them. I just hope he hasn’t sunken into that despair again, where he’d spend hours looking through the photo albums of him and Mom. That’s all he did in the weeks that followed her death.
Today is his half day at work. These days used to be reserved for date nights. It never changed even after Mom died.
Dad walks in carrying a tray. On it is the cup of chamomile tea and a plate with all my favorite pastries and what I know is sliced pumpkin pie. That explains the cinnamon smell.
He makes a space on the coffee table and sets the tray down.
“You baked?” I look from him to the pie.
The corners of his eyes crinkle with a touch of pride when he smiles. “I did my best. I was going to drop it off at Knight’s house later, but as you’re here, you can have a slice now and take the rest home.”
I want to tell him that this is home and nowhere else has felt like it since I left and started adulting, but I hold back the words.
“Thank you.”
He pulls in a slow breath and sits in the chair opposite me.
I glance at the albums on the table, then back at him. “What were you doing, Dad?”
“Don’t worry, it’s not like before.” He nods, giving me added assurance. “But as I took the whole day off and it is still date day, I thought I’d sort out some pictures and other things. Things to do with Conrad and Nathan.”
My heart shies away. Dad never takes unplanned days off. Never. “What things?”
“It’s not anything for you to worry about.” The way he says that makes me believe otherwise.
I think of the feeling I got when the truth was unearthed. That there was more to what had happened with his debts than he explained, and he’s keeping the full truth from me.
“I heard Nathan has been released?” I ask the question hoping he’ll be open with me.
“Yes. He came by to see me. He’s hoping I’ll take him under my wings. And he still wants to marry you.”
Asshole.
“Clearly, that’s not going to happen now. What did you tell him?”
“I explained the situation with Knight. Of course, Nathan wasn’t too happy about that, but he still wants to work with me. I know he needs a job, but I’m no fool. I’m aware he has hopes of maintaining connections with you, so after we’re done with Knight, you might consider him.” He nods when I frown. “You are myheir. I don’t have as much as his father had, but I have something, which means it’s not just Sunset Cove you own. With my debts cleared, you will still get the assets I have lined up for you when you turn twenty-five. And of course, you will inherit everything I own. Nathan knows that.”
Great. Just great.Is there any point wondering if I’ll ever be with a guy who will just want me because they actually want me?
“I’m not interested in that.”
“Well, don’t be surprised if you see him at some point. He was an asshole, but he had some feelings for you. The worst thing for a man, no matter the situation, is to lose a woman to another. Particularly if he wants something from her.”
“It’s best he stays away from me.” That is one problem I really don’t need.
