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I whisper to Brian, "Later, we'll have a serious talk about this, my friend." I walk past him to Charlotte, who places a cake box on the wooden dining table. Alisha gives Liam back to Nick and walks my way. I wrap my arm around her waist, and together we glance into the box. Alisha burst into laughter when she sees the creation.
"Oh, it’s the best cake ever."
I chuckle. The heart-shaped cake is decorated with fondant boxing gloves and small lipstick figures.
"You two are wizards in the kitchen," she says with a giggle.
Everyone chuckles, and after Charlotte gives every person a piece, we toast and take a bite. God, I'm a lucky man to call these people my friends or, better, my second family. When, after a while, I catch Alisha yawning, I take action by walking over to her and lifting my girl into my arms.
"Cole, what are you doing?"
"Attention, guys! It’s time to leave. Someone needs rest."
I place her on the couch, and everyone nods their head in understanding while saying their goodbyes. When I close the door after everyone leaves, I turn to find Alisha curled up, asleep.
Samantha grabs my hand as she stops next to me. "I'm glad your two are back."
"Me too." I wrap my arms around her and pull her against me. "No better place than at home with my favorite girls. I talked to your grandmother and told her she is welcome here."
"Oh, Dad!" Sam bursts into tears and tightens her hug. "You're the best father ever!"
My heart explodes with love. "Thank you, sweetheart. I learned in these turbulent months that it’s important to hear all sides of a story. And that holding on to negative emotions will bring you nothing but more. We need to leave the past behind us and focus on creating a better future."
Sam lifts her head and smiles at me. "Mom wrote a similar message in my notebook. Can I share it with you?"
I nod.
Samantha recites from memory. "Life isn't a merry-go-round; it's a roller coaster. It won't always be smooth, it may not always be pretty, but it will be an adventure, one not to be missed. And more important to remember, my Sweet Sam, is that people make mistakes in their life. I'm no different; I've made mistakes. But when people mess up, try to forgive them. Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who is understanding and has a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Because when you forgive, you in no way change the past—but you surely will change the future. Decide that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive. You will thrive despite it."
I grab her face, and with tear-stained eyes, I plant a kiss on her forehead. "How did I become so lucky to have a daughter like you?"
She sends me a radiant smile.
"How about we visit your mom tomorrow? Together?"
"I'd like that." After another heartfelt hug, something else pops into my mind.
"Sam, I need to tell you something. It’s about Leo."
Her bright blues investigate me.
"Come on. Let's talk in the kitchen."
I grind my teeth,seeing the shaky hands and teary eyes of my daughter.
"Leo didn't betray me? He didn't use me?"
"No. It seems he was as much of a victim as Alisha and I were. David threatened him, and it caused him to take our telephone numbers from your phone. But when he heard we disappeared, he went to the police. He explained what happened, and together with a composition artist, they made that sketch of David's face."
Samantha stares into space as she takes in the information. As much as I disliked Leo hanging out with her, for him to go to the station shows he cared, and it isn't right to let her believe he betrayed her.
Her eyes search mine. "Where is he now? Do they have his address or his phone number?"
I place my hand on hers. "Honey, they won't give you that without Leo's permission."
My heart aches, seeing her trembling bottom lip as she connects the dots. "H-he doesn't want to speak to me?" I pull her against me and let her cry when the waterworks come out. "We had a click, Dad," she whispers. "He understood me, and he made me laugh. I understand you disagree because he's five years older, but we never did inappropriate things. The only thing I did was show him my piano talent and tell him about my life in Los Angeles. He listened to me and gave me advice on how to deal with living in a new city."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart."
