“Why?” he asks me, all shocked. “You want him to remember that his grandfather was in prison?”
“I want him to remember that his grandfather was a victim in a system that has preferential treatment, a system that is deeply flawed and needs good people to change it,” I correct him. “I want him to remember that, no matter how unfair life may seem sometimes, especially when the good guy gets the short end of the stick, justice will eventually prevail, no matter what, even if it happens after many years. I want him to remember that one should never lose hope, no matter how bleak the situation is, because hope is what keeps us going, it is the light in the deepest, darkest tunnel, the light that will eventually take us back home, if we are persistent enough.”
I say all these things so quickly that it all makes me breathless. I stop talking, swallowing heavily, as if I’ve been running. I expect him to say something, but he is stunned into silence. So, I continue.
“So, yes, dad,” I smile. “I want him to remember you being in prison, because that is what your time in prison means to me. Hope and never giving up.”
“Lilly, I…” my dad starts, but the emotions overwhelm him.
I fall into his embrace, closing my eyes. We would probably have remained like that for a long time, if it weren’t for an occasionally annoying little voice that never lets you be.
“Pappa!” Will shouts. “Come here!”
My dad pulls away, his eyes slightly reddened. He quickly wipes them with his sleeve.
“I guess I’d better be going,” he smiles at me, getting up, and joining the game.
In return, I see Dominic walk over to me and sit down on the blanket.
“Is it my turn for a hug?” he asks.
“Always,” I smile back, leaning my head on his shoulder, as we both watch yet another game start. These games can be endless.
“A tender moment?” Dominic wonders, regarding the hug me and my dad just shared.
“Yeah,” I nod.
“Everything good?” he asks, lowering his head to plant a soft kiss on my forehead.
“Everything perfect…” I murmur softly, closing my eyes, and allowing the soft summer breeze to caress my cheeks, as I’m lying in the arms of the man I love.
Everything is indeed perfect…
*****
THE END
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Fake relationships never turn real, right?
Getting engaged let alone married to a giant jerk wasn’t the plan.
But destiny has other plans, throwing me into his strong arms.
I do my best not to fall for his charm.
Yet the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to continue hating him.
My body is electrified by him.
His kisses make me dizzy with need.
I do my best to resist this shark.