Page 54 of Waiting to Love You

“But he always loved the military more,” I argue.

I know she means well, but there’s a part of me that resents my father’s service to the country. Choosing to serve your country is a noble decision, one that no one should take lightly. A part of me knows that, but there’s another part of me that resents all the important dates my father missed and promises he made and knew he’d never be able to keep. I don’t know how to rectify those two parts of my father.

She sighs and places a soft hand on my shoulder. “Okay. I understand what you’re saying, but Seth’s retired now. And from what I hear, he’s not planning on going anywhere. You should at least give him a chance to get to know his daughter.”

“That’s the plan, Mom, but I’m scared.”

“If you weren’t afraid, I would call you a liar. This is a big secret that you’ve kept from him, but if everything you told me about this young man is true, he’ll forgive you for it.”

“And how long might that take?” I ask her as I bend down and shut off the water.

“That depends on how much longer you wait, sweetie.”

I hate to admit it, but my mother is right. The longer I wait to tell Seth about Rebekah, the more hurt and confused he will be. I need to put on my big girl panties and get it over with, but that’s easier said than done.

After a few moments of silence, I sigh and turn around. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, Bristol. Go enjoy your bath. I’ll make sure Rebekah gets her bottle, and I’ll heat up some dinner for us.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I smile, reaching over and giving her hand a squeeze. “For everything.”

“You’re welcome.” My mom smiles at me before placing my cell phone on the edge of the sink. I wait for her to close the door behind her before I strip out of my clothes and climb into the tub. I sink down into the warm water and groan as I let it loosen the muscles in my body.

I know everyone is right. I need to come clean with Seth before it’s too late. Things between us have seemed like they’re moving at warp speed, which to the outsider would seem impossible, but after spending all this time pining for each other, now is finally our time. The last thing I want to do is ruin everything by continuing to keep secrets from him. If this relationship, or whatever this is between us, is going to last long term, I can’t let it all start on a lie.

“First, apologize,” I say, giving myself a mini pep talk as I lift slightly out of the water and lean over toward the counter.

It takes me a few tries, but I knock my cell phone onto the floor without breaking it and slide it closer to the tub. I quickly unlock it and dial Seth’s number, stopping before I hit call. A text would probably be better. Less confrontational.

Bristol

Sorry I was such a mess earlier. I’ve been dealing with some stuff the last few days and haven’t been sleeping much. Forgive me.

I hit send, but then remember I forgot something.

Bristol

P.S. Thanks for the sandwich. It was delicious. Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice some of my fries to Selina. Apparently, the baby was hungry. Lol.

My phone immediately chimes with an incoming text.

Seth

No problem. Everyone is allowed to have a bad day occasionally. I’m glad you enjoyed your sandwich, but I’m sorry about your fries. We can’t let Selina get too hungry. I’ve heard Vance’s stories. It’s not a good thing.

I laugh slightly at memories of a very hangry Selina ordering Vance to get her Chick-fil-A on a Sunday. It was not a good day to be Vance. I set the phone on the floor beside the tub, feeling better for apologizing, and sink back down into the water.

After a few minutes, my phone vibrates across the floor, and I freeze. I reach over and grab my phone, turning it over to see Seth’s name flashing across my screen.

“Shit,” I whisper as I unlock it. “Hello?”

I phrase that more like a question than a statement, but I’m nervous. I figured after I sent that text, that would be the end of it, but it looks like I was wrong.

“Hello, beautiful.”

I can’t help but smile at being able to hear his voice.

“I didn’t disturb you, did I?”

---