“We will try to make her understand that you had her best interests at heart,” Lauren says, fighting a smile. “But you know our daughter.”
“I do.” I stand. “Thanks for listening. I can see myself out.”
“Don’t go just yet, Dillon.” Lauren lifts her brows, pointing at the seat I’ve just vacated. “I have something I’d like to say.”
“Wehave,” Jonathon corrects her, as I sit back down.
She pats his hand, and they share an intimate look that only comes from years of loving and understanding one another. Her expression is more somber when she turns it on me again. “I’m not happy about certain things you have done, and it will take a lot more convincing for me to fully trust you, but I’ve had a lot of time to think in recent months. We both have, and the only way to truly let the past go is to wipe the slate clean. We believe you are sincere when you say you love our daughter and grandson, and everything Vivien has told us about how you have behaved these past couple of months confirms that.”
“We also know you were responsible for her happiness in Ireland,” Jonathon adds. “She was glowing when we visited her, and we know she was deeply in love with you. Vivien is a good judge of character, and you are Easton’s father, so we are giving you the benefit of the doubt.”
“We loved Reeve. He was our son, and we miss him a lot,” Lauren says, her eyes growing glassy. Jonathon slides his arm around her shoulders. “For him to include you in his will tells us a lot about his intentions. Reeve wasn’t perfect. None of us are, but he loved Vivien, and he loved Easton with his whole heart. I know, without a shadow of doubt, that he would want them to be happy. If their happiness lies with you, we want you to know we won’t stand in your way.”
“Provided you always put them first,” Jonathan supplies, drilling me with a look that his wife usually reserves for me.
“That’s a given.” I run my hands through my hair. “Even if Vivien and I never reunite as a couple, I will always be there for both of them. I give you my solemn promise. There is nothing or no one who could tear me away from them now.”