“Good. I just got a large order from one of our vendors. I didn’t think we’d be able to fulfill it, but your ox of a boyfriend has been dominating that warehouse…so we have extra wine that’s ready to ship out.”
Bones was always sweaty by the end of the day. His clothes were soaked, and his muscles were thick with blood. Despite his exhaustion, I thought he looked sexy. I’d hopped into the shower with him a few times and happily got on my knees to suck him off. “He’s working very hard to impress you.”
“As much as it benefits me, I don’t care about that. Productivity and efficiency aren’t qualities I look for in my daughter’s boyfriend.” His eyes weren’t aggressive like they usually were, so I knew he wasn’t in a bad mood.
“But I think he’s proven how dedicated he is. You can’t disagree with that.”
After a long pause, he gave a slight nod. “No, I suppose not.”
Bones had told me that my father had a drink with him, tried to have a normal conversation with him. My mother did the same. It wasn’t a huge step, but coming from my stubborn parents, it was a big deal. Before, all they did was tell him off. But now they were actually trying…even if they were struggling in the process. “That’s why I’m here, actually. I wanted to thank you. I know how hard this is for you…for Mama too. But you’re really putting in the effort and trying to get to know him…and it means a lot to me.”
Father’s eyes darted away, like he couldn’t handle the words I’d just said to him. He looked out the window instead, his left hand tightening into a fist. He didn’t seem angry, but my words obviously struck a chord with him.
I waited for a reply, but the longer the silence continued, the less likely I believed one was coming.
“I believe he loves you. But other than that, I fail to see the qualities you find so desirable. I never want you to forget your own worth, Vanessa. Not only are you smart, beautiful, and talented, but you come from a strong family. You could have any man you want. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I’m not settling, if that’s what you think.”
“I’m not sure what I think.” He tapped his knuckles lightly against the table. “It’s hard for me to understand your relationship, especially when it seems so deep. But I remind myself that your mother loves me with all her heart…and I’ve never understood why.”
My father was the greatest man I’d ever known. Silent and strong, he showed his softer qualities only to those who deserved them. “I do.”
His eyes shifted back to me, slightly soft.
“I don’t think it matters who you used to be before Mama came around. All I’ve ever seen is two happy parents who would do anything for each other. I see the way you love her every day, the way you look after her when she’s not watching. I see the way you fall more in love with her as you age. Bones reminds me of you in that regard. He may not have been the best man when we met, but he’s come a long way. He loves me very much…the way you love Mama.”
My father kept staring at me, speechless for one of the first times in his life.
I knew the conversation was over and my point had been made. A seed had been planted, and now I just needed to let it grow. I walked out and entered the hallway. When I reached the end, I came across Sapphire. “Hey, what are you doing here?”
She hugged me, turning her stomach slightly because it was starting to get in the way. “Conway is helping your mom with a few things. We’ve kinda made this trip into a family vacation. He’s finished his new line of lingerie, so he has some free time.”
Knowing my brother designed sex clothes for women was a little awkward, but I never teased him for it. He was talented at what he did, and I was mature enough to accept it. My parents never blinked an eye over his choice of profession. “I’m sure it’ll be great.”
“He’s going in a new direction this time.” Her hand moved across her stomach. “A whole maternity section…”
Now it was really getting awkward. “Let’s have lunch and talk about the baby.”
“The baby?” she asked. “I think we have something bigger to talk about besides the baby…” She grinned at me before we headed to the restaurant.
I knew she was referring to Bones.
We grabbed a seat on the terrace, away from the other tables that had guests. I had an iced tea and she had water, and after we ordered our entrees, the bread was served.