I huff a shaky breath. “Looks like it.”
His gaze doesn’t leave the photo for a long time, but the moment it does, I’m seventy-six percent sure his eyes are shinier than before.
“Well, kiddo, congratulations. I’m glad you and the baby are healthy. That’s the most important thing.” He scratches his chin. “And Ryan Monroe, huh? He’s quite a bit older than you.”
Something connects inside me, his comment strengthening something between Ryan and me that I didn’t know needed strengthening. But there it is. All earth-shattering, bold, and strong. My protectiveness over him.
“Just like you and Sharon, Dad.” My tone is light and playful, but my chin lifts just a little bit anyway.
“Fair enough, kid. You got me there.” My dad shakes his head and lets out a loud and hearty belly laugh.
I sigh. Not only am I relieved, but I also love seeing him happy.
“This isn’t going to be an issue, right?” A direct question to my dad, just to give my mind some peace.
He shrugs. “Not unless he doesn’t treat you right.”
And there he is. The man I’ve loved and admired my whole life. He could be angry that his only daughter is homeless—sort of—and now pregnant. But because he loves me, believes in me, he’ll accept this additional blip on my unconventional radar and continue being my champion.
No doubt Sharon’s quick acceptance has helped smooth this situation over, but regardless, this is so much better than I imagined it would go.
And I’m grateful to see more of him soon on a regular basis. Maybe it took this crazy shebang, and my mom being out of the country, to show me that I need some more father-daughter time.
I always thought it was enough to see him a few times a year, but then, I was always busy. First with my boyfriend, then husband. My friends. School and later a job.
Being not only alone but also lonely really did me a favor in the end. It allowed me to deepen my relationships with my dad and Sharon, to start a new job that I actually enjoy, and most of all, it has helped me learn that I’m stronger than I think. I found out who I was, which then allowed me to build a stronger foundation with Ryan than I ever had before.
I can see now that Ben and I slipped into marriage without the dedication to make it work. And that was our downfall, not me. Not Ben, although he’s still a jerk.
Ryan and I have fought to make us a priority, and I know we’re going to be all right.
Who knows if that would have happened if I’d had my mom and friends around and a job. I would have been busy continuing with my normal life, focused on that. I would have had a support system to lean on.
“Seems like you’ve got some groveling to do, huh?” My dad smirks like this is his idea of fun.
I groan. “Uh, yeah.”
No matter how embarrassing this is going to be, it will all be worth it.
Ryan is worth it.
Weare worth it.
All three of us.
The doorbell rings, and my dad tilts his head in the direction of the front door. “Why don’t you go get that? Sharon and I have some stuff we need to do in the backyard.”
Sharon jumps up as if on cue. “Yup, exactly. Lots of stuff, so take your time.”
Their voices turn into background murmurs because my feet are already carrying me to the door, knowing exactly who it is.
The instant I open the door, my galloping heartbeat has me feeling light-headed.
It’s been less than forty-eight hours since I saw him, but my heart aches as if it’s been years.
Please forgive me, Ryan.