“Yep. And it scuppered all his plans. You’ve always been the daughter he can show off. You made him look like a winner. His daughter with a business degree and a successful marriage to a man who’s making waves in Manhattan real estate. Did you ever notice that your wedding photo was on his office wall next to all his certificates and commendations?”
“I never thought about it like that.”
“Of course you didn’t. He’s like one of those guys in those historical romances, giving his daughter’s hand to the man who’ll bring the most prestige to the family. No wonder he was devastated when you told him it was over.”
Autumn’s breath caught in her throat. Was Lydia right? She thought about the night she met Josh, at a garden party in the Hamptons. He’d walked over to her with a glass of champagne and told her she was the only beautiful woman at the party. And she’d fallen for him, hook, line, and sinker. But now she could also remember him telling her he’d been talking to her father, and asking about his business.
“When I told him Josh and I were divorcing, Dad begged me to give it another year,” Autumn admitted. “Said that I wasn’t a quitter, that I just needed more time to get used to things.”
“He doesn’t like not being in control.” Lydia walked over to the window that faced the bright blue ocean, pressing her nose against it. “I think this is the first time in your life you’ve done something that makes him angry.” She looked over her shoulder at Autumn. “And it looks good on you.”
“He wants me to sell the pier.”
Lydia sighed. “Of course he does. He wants you back home and dating a suitable guy. Imagine how pissed he’ll be when he meets Griff.”
Autumn’s stomach fell at the thought of it. Angel Sands felt like a million miles away from New York, not just the couple thousand that separated the East Coast from West. She liked it that way. Liked who she was here, and the people who took care of her. Sometimes it felt like they’d get eaten alive in Manhattan.
“Oh god, you’re in love with him!”
Autumn blinked. “What?”
“That expression on your face. All soft and faraway. You love the pants off Griff.” Lydia’s eyes widened. “What did he say when you told him?”
“I haven’t.” Autumn shook her head.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s too soon. And I’m not sure he believes in love.”
“Doesn’t matter whether he believes it or not, it exists.” Lydia turned until her back was against the window and folded her arms across her chest, the way she had when they were kids and she was being stubborn as hell. Not much had changed. “And he feels the same way about you. I know he does.”
“Do you think so?”
“Absolutely. You have to tell him. And before I leave town. I can’t get on a plane all worried that you’re going to mess things up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Autumn chuckled.
“So, you’re going to stay here in Angel Sands? Keep the pier? Settle down with the man mountain?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“But you’ve told dad you’re not selling the pier, right?”
“Kind of.” Autumn shrugged.
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s sending a guy over to meet with me and discuss the sale. I tried to say no, but he wouldn’t have any of it.” And she was so tired of fighting against him. “But I’m not going to sell. I’ll listen politely and explain that it’s not for sale, and then at least I can tell Dad I heard him out.”
“What a waste of time.” Lydia sighed. “One of these days you’ll learn to say no to Dad, the same way I have.”
“It was okay for you. I took the heat off you.”
Lydia’s eyes softened. “I know you did. And I’m grateful for it, I really am. But it pisses me off to see him try to make you do the things you don’t want to. He’s thousands of miles away, what’s so scary about him?”
“Nothing. I’m not scared. I just don’t want to let him down.”
Lydia walked toward her, taking Autumn’s hands in hers. “You haven’t let anybody down. Not ever. You’re the best big sister in the world. I know you used to cover for me when I snuck out at night. And I heard you stand up for me when I refused to go to college and wanted to travel the world.” She squeezed Autumn’s palms. “I just wish you could stand up for yourself, too.”