Page 111 of Changing Tides

“I can’t. I can’t let someone else hurt her,” she cries.

“Her or you?”

“Either of us,” she says as she pushes away from the island and stands.

I grasp her hand before she can run.

“Hey, I love you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she says.

“Why not?”

“Because we were told that before and it didn’t matter.”

“Conrad. This is about Conrad,” I say, anger flaring again.

“Yes, it is. He said those words, and then he took them back. I can take that blow again, but not Leia. She can’t lose another …”

The words die on her lips as she looks away from me.

“Father. Say it.”

Her eyes snap back to me. “She can’t lose another father. That’s not fair to her. I can’t let her love you.”

I stand, step into her, and lean down so we’re eye to eye. “Too late. She already does love me, and I love her.”

A whimper bubbles in her throat. “How do I trust that?”

“Do something for me. Separate how you felt about Conrad and what he said he felt about you, and tell me how Conrad made you feel.”

Her chest heaves as she chokes back a sob.

“You loved him, right? He said he loved you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, but did you feel loved? Did he make you laugh? Did he tell you how fucking beautiful you were every day? What an incredible mother you were? Did he run home as fast as he could so he could eat dinner with you? Even when the long day had kicked his ass. Did he want to rest in between the two of you? Did he read Leia to sleep and tuck her in so she felt safe and secure at night? Did he hold you when you drifted off to sleep?Did he do even the bare minimum to show you that he loved you?”

“No.”

“Any man can say the words, Avie. Doesn’t mean that he feels them. I’m sorry he lied to you, but that’s on him, not me. I love you, both of you, Avie. You and Leia. I love you both. You’re my family. Can’t you feel it?” I ask as I reach over and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. My hand slides down to cradle her cheek.

Tears begin to stream down her face as she leans into my palm and the words penetrate.

“Please. Stay.”

She shakes her head. “I turned in my notice. I don’t have a job anymore or anywhere to live. I …”

“Do you love me?”

“Sebastian.”

“Just answer the fucking question. Do you love me?”

“Yes,” she whispers.

“That’s all that matters. The rest is just details. We’ll figure everything else out. Together. Stay.”

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