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Rhett
Bella and Brendanhad been officially living with me for about two weeks. I loved every night we spent together. Most days involved me running The Dock, and her booking events for every weekend throughout the summer. I couldn’t believe how seamlessly she was turning us into a sought-after event spot.
As my truck inched closer to the city center, my palms started to sweat. Truthfully, my stomach didn’t feel that great either. When I’d left The Dock earlier and put the address into my GPS, I was confident with the speech I prepared. But after the hour’s drive, I convinced myself he would turn me away. I wouldn’t have blamed him. Occasionally, self-doubt nagged at me, but I’d be damned if I ever let it come between Bella and me again.
Parking my truck on the street, I walked up to the glass doors at the front of the building. Pressing the button that readBuchanan, I waited and prayed he would be here. I should have called or texted, but I didn’t want to give him the chance to tell me not to bother.
“Yes?” a familiar male voice said over the intercom.
“Hi, Mr. Buchanan? It’s Rhett Williams.”
The door buzzed. “Come on up.”
Once outside his condo, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for this conversation, but the door flew open before I even knocked.
“Is Bella okay? Brendan?”
“They’re fine. Sorry, didn’t mean to worry you. I was wondering if I could speak with you for a bit.”
His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “Yes. Of course. Come in.” He stepped back and motioned for me to enter. “Sorry, did you call? I’m not sure where I put my phone.” He glanced from the desk in the corner of what was probably supposed to act as a dining room to the breakfast counter that extended out from the kitchen.
“No, sir. I wanted to have this conversation in person.”
His eyes shot back to mine, and he gave a clipped nod. “Why do I feel like I’ll need a beer for this?” He laughed. “Want one too?”
Was I that obvious? I swallowed over the ball of nerves lodged in my throat.
“Sure.” I cleared my throat. “That would be great. Thanks.”
After he grabbed beers from the fridge and passed one to me, I followed him into his open concept living room. He took a seat on the sofa as I sat in one of the large chairs facing him.
He took a sip of the beer as he leaned back against the cushion. He crossed his legs at the ankles and waited. He didn’t make it easy on me, just continued to sit, eyeing me with amusement.
Fuck. Here goes nothing.
I set my beer down on the table and wiped my hands on my jeans before I cleared my throat.
“So, I know the last time Bella was here, you were concerned about my commitment. I wanted to assure you I’m in this for the long haul. She and Brendan mean everything to me.” I looked up, and Allen took a sip of his beer.
“Okay.” His mouth formed a tight line, and I swore his jaw was clenched.
“I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life walking away from her three years ago. Bella thinks it wasn’t our time, that we weren’t ready. Regardless, I still regret it every day. But for Bella, I have promised to put the past behind us and look toward the future.”
My words seemed to hit a nerve as his shoulders slumped and his mouth relaxed into a frown.
“Regrets are a difficult thing, and they will always haunt you.” The emotion in his voice caught me off guard. He cleared his throat. “But I agree with my daughter. She’s smart like her mama was.”
I nodded. “That’s why I’m here today. I want to make it official and marry your daughter before she realizes she could do better.” I smiled in hopes of lightening the mood.
He frowned.Shit.
“Son, Bella has not had it easy. When her mom died, I couldn’t reach her. But you know who helped her through that horrible time in her life?You.”
“I—”
“Wait a minute. Let me finish.” His gaze drifted to the windows that looked out onto the city street. He seemed to be searching for the right words, but when he looked back at me, he just shook his head slightly before continuing. “Three years ago, I thought my girl was finally going to find her happiness. After so many years of grieving her mom, she was going to let go and be happy. Then the shit hit the fan. Yes, you made a mistake. Or rather, to hear it from Bella, you both made mistakes. She was quick to tell me she was as much to blame as you were about how things ended between you last time.” He set his beer down on the coffee table. “Do you love her?”
I blinked at the topic shift as my heart thudded in my ears.
