I finally got out of the car and walked up the front steps. The door suddenly pulled open, and my father stood there.
“Well, well, well. Look at who has finally come home.”
“I’m not here to stay, Daddy. I came to talk to you.”
“Well, come on in then.”
I walked into his office and sat in the chair across from my father’s chair. My insides were shaking with nerves. My father walked around and sat down across from me, resting his arms on the desk in front of him. “I take it you came to talk about the engagement announcement.”
“Yes. It’s not going to happen. I am extremely happy where I am right now. So, please, I am begging you...”
“Fine, you’re happy. That is fantastic, but have you ever thought how much happier you will be with Trent?” He sat back in his chair and looked at me.
“No, Dad, you don’t understand. I’m not happy with Trent, and he isn’t happy either. We don’t want to be married. Daddy, I beg you, please, don’t force me into this. It’s not what I want.”
“And you have spoken to Trent about this?” he questioned, tapping his pen against the edge of his desk.
“Yes.”
My father sat there looking me directly in the eyes. He didn’t say anything for a long while and then he cleared his throat.
“Fine. I will call and speak with the Kings and call the engagement off.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. You say you are happy where you are, then fine, but if I do this, you need to move back home.”
I felt lighter than ever after having Daddy agree to end this silliness. “I have already spoken to Trent,” I said, getting up to hug my father.
He wrapped his arms around me. “So we will see you on the weekend?”
“Yes, Daddy. It will still be a plus two; I am bringing Carter.” I smiled.
“Fine.”
“Where is Mom?”
“She is having lunch with one of the ladies from the country club. She will be upset she missed you, but I will tell her that you will be here this weekend. Afterwards we can discuss you moving back home.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Hope
The rest of the weekhad flown by, with the looming party hanging in the distance. After visiting my father, my parents had wanted me to come and stay at home for the weekend, but I had refused. It had been slow that week at the bar—tips had been minimal—but I still managed to have enough to pay for two nights at a little motel just on the outskirts of town. Carter had offered to pay, but I refused. He had, after all, just paid for my flight to the Dominican Republic.
“So, you did tell your parents I was your date, correct?” he asked, setting our bags on the bed.
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay. I just don’t want this to be an issue. We’ve been over this a million times this week; your father never liked me, Hope.”
“Relax. To be honest, it’s none of their business who I bring.”
“So, does this mean you are finally going to stand up to them about us?”
I stood and walked over to him, placing my hands on his face and pulling him in for a kiss. “No need to worry. I will handle my father.”
My hands slowly danced down to the top button of his dress shirt and started to undo the buttons, one by one. Once his shirt was completely open, I pushed it off his shoulders and ran my hands over his chest. I locked eyes with him. His were hungry with need as I rested my fingers in the belt loops of his jeans.