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“This place has come a long way,” My father looks around the foyer, that separates the larger living room and the office tucked up in the front corner. “You’ve managed to really brighten it up in here.” He looks back to Jay. “Without taking away it’s charm.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jayson nods.
I observe the two of them wondering when we’ll get past the formalness and then before I have the chance to dwell on it my father surprises me.
“I’m thinking we can leave behind thissirbusiness. Thomas, Tom, Dad.” He shrugs. “But no more sir.”
Jay seems as shook up by my father’s words as I am, but he simply nods. My dad seems to notice, and steps forward, offering his hand before pulling him in for a hug. “I know now they are safe,” he tells Jay and I have to turn away. I allow them to have their moment and escape to the kitchen to put on a fresh pot of coffee.
“Kitchen is beautiful.” My father’s voice from behind me makes me jump in surprise. Turning around I find it is only him and when he notices me looking, he smiles. “He’s in his office, got a phone call from Georgia.”
“Coffee,” I ask and he takes a seat at the center island. Its then I notice he’s holding an envelope in his hand. Placing a steaming cup in front of him I point to the counter. “What’s that?”
“Just something for you and the girls,” with two fingers he pushes the envelope toward me. “Open it,” he directs and I pick it up noticing its from the bank.
“Dad—”
“Open it, Zoey,” he insists.
Carefully I tear the edge and pull the papers from inside. As I start to unfold them, I can see it’s a bank statement. Several deposits, but never any withdrawals.
“What is this?”
“Every penny you ever tried to give me.” Immediately, my stomach feels like it drops.
“No.” I try to hand him the paper as if that makes it all go away.
“Yes,” he insists. “I told you in the beginning I didn’t want you paying me rent. I argued, you argued, and damnit Zoey you wouldn’t budge, so I gave in. I accepted the money, but I never agreed to keep it. I never used it for anything, I just held onto it for the three of you.”
“Dad.” My eyes are so full of tears I can barely see a thing.
“You take that money and you put it up for the girls, buy them cars when they need it, help pay for college, whatever. But I said it before and I’ll say it again now. I am your father and it’s my duty to take care of you when you fall.”
Tears roll over my cheeks.
“You may be an adult, but that will never change. I know now you have the right man by your side. I know the chances of me needing to step in are thin, but if I have to, I will always be right here to save you.”
I round the counter and hug him, holding him tighter than I should but this man is my hero. Always has been and always will be.
“Thank you,” I whisper through my tears and look up to find Jay standing in the doorway, my mother and everyone else behind him.
“Momma, are you okay?”
I release my father and turn toward my daughters, bending down before them. “I’m good babies, I’m good.”
And that is when I notice what they are wearing.
“Are those leopard print?”
“Yup,” Jay says and I glance up to find him trying to hold it together. “Seems Aunt Sarah thought they’d look adorable.”
I try not to laugh at the displeased look on his face. He is already going all daddy bear.
“I wanna wear this to church, Gigi.” Riley spins in a circle and I hear my father cough through a laugh behind me.
“How about we save these outfits for dress up,” Gigi saves me. “I’m not sure the ladies at church are hip enough to handle your style ladies.”
She links her hands with them both and leads them to the kitchen table, helping them up into their chairs.
“We brought goodies from the bakery,” she announces before grabbing a box and taking it to the table.
When there is no one but Jay and I close enough to hear he leans in. “I’m burning those tonight after they fall asleep.”
It’s my turn to hide my laughter as I join my girls at the table where we share a huge cinnamon roll and an apple danish.
