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Contrite. Vulnerable. Almost tearful.
He’s a man who doesn’t believe in exhibiting weakness no matter what. A man who cynically turns every setback into opportunity. He’s always taught me to mask my feelings behind a hard shell of self-control. But today his shoulders are hunched and his bleary-eyed gaze is almost fearful as it darts from me to Uncle Josh and back again, like he’s afraid of what we might say or do next.
Uncle Josh is the first one to step forward. He offers a boyish fist bump but doesn’t smile. “You know I’ve got your back forever, Stu. And no, I don’t think you should drop out of the race. We’re almost at the finish line. I’m here for whatever you need.”
My father meets his brother’s fist with a sober nod. “We’ll finish this together, same as always.”
The brothers face off with their eyes locked for longer than a few seconds. The ominous tickle up my spine is inexplicable.
Abruptly, they both turn their attention to me.
“Tessie Belle?” My dad speaks my name with the kind of gentleness that I craved so badly when I was a lonely child petrified of displeasing him. “Whatever it takes to get us right again, I’ll do it. None of this is worth a damn thing if I lose my little girl.”
How can I possibly turn him down?
He’s spread himself so thin that his health is suffering and he’s asking for my help.
“I can’t win this without you,” he adds. “Even though there are so many things I want to do to help the people of Emerald City.”
Win or lose, I was planning to quit his political team right after the election. No one except Micah and Dani is aware of this.
I wanted to take a break. Recalibrate. I’ve been looking forward to being in Vegas with Micah through the holidays, intending to use the time to work on a business plan for opening up my own real estate office.
The two of them await my response. Seconds of silence seem to stretch on for hours.
My father turns his head away and examines a framed photo on his nightstand. It’s me as a newborn infant, in the arms of my beautiful mother. Her smile reminds me of the one I see in the mirror.
I can’t remember the last time I was in this room but that I know that photo didn’t used to occupy such a place of honor. I suppose it couldn’t, back when Olivia was in the picture.
Despite his tendency to brush off matters of the heart, my father has been through a lot. And I’d never forgive myself if I abandoned him when he’s finally reached out with an emotional plea.
He’s right. He can’t do this without my help. No one else except Uncle Josh will care enough to make sure he doesn’t work himself into an early grave.
Again, there’s a shiver of panic as the worst case scenario zips through my head.
“Dad, of course I don’t think you should quit a few days before the election. I’m still here. I’m still committed to helping you in any way I can.”
I never thought I would see the day when my father’s eyes would fill with grateful tears. He takes a deep breath and carefully touches my hand before pulling back, struggling to get control of his feelings.
“Tess, your mother would be so proud of you.”
Now there are tears in my eyes too. My dad is not the type of parent who freely offers hugs but I take a chance and put my arms around him. He squeezes me back, both of us sniffing with emotion, while Uncle Josh retreats from the doorway to give us a moment of privacy.
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too.” He pats my back and pulls away, perhaps embarrassed that he’s close to sobbing.
But there’s one more thing to talk about. “Dad, I need to tell you something and it’s a big deal.”
He’s wary now. “What’s that?”
“Micah’s part of my life. A big part. He’s extremely important to me and you need to accept him.”
He answers with a sigh and a raised eyebrow. But then he grins. “You must know that it’s tough for a dad to watch his baby girl grow up. But of course I won’t stand in your way. Micah is always welcome in this house. I can even see about getting him a job on the security team if he’s interested.”
I’m certain Micah wouldnotbe interested, but I’m grateful for the gesture.
Uncle Josh pops his head back in the room. “I can take a few hours off from work. How about we order some food?”
