Page 85 of Bad Boy Neighbor

I can’t help but be proud.

“I… I just want you to know that meeting you means a lot to me.” I stumble on my words, riddled by my emotions. In front of me sits my biological father, a man whose blood runs through my veins. He’s nothing like Edward Carmichael—they couldn’t be more worlds apart.

A waitress arrives at our table. Miles orders the chicken parmigiana while I choose the barramundi and salad. We both settle for a glass of chardonnay which is served moments later.

“I’ll admit I knew of your existence. But I was young at the time, and your father was… he made sure I was not to see Melinda ever again.”

“He’s n-not my father,” I stammer.

“Gabriella… I’m sorry. I should have fought to be in your life, but I had commitments back home. A family who needed me.”

“You were married?”

“At the time, no. My parents had a business here, and my grandparents were elderly. We had a lot of health complications in the family, then my career kind of whisked me away again.”

I have so many questions I want to ask him, my curiosity overwhelming me. The last thing I want to do is push him away, though.

Calm down. There will be a time and place for everything.

“Did you ever marry? I mean… after my mother?”

The corner of his eyes crinkled—his hazel eyes are the same shade as mine.

“I did, about five years later. Her name was Marjorie. We had twin boys. They’re eighteen now.”

“I have brothers?” I ask, shocked at the revelation. “Twins… wow.”

He nods, removing his phone from his pocket. After swiping through, he turns his phone around and shows me a photograph. They’re identical—tall, dark blond hair with athletic builds. They are handsome, indeed.

“I’m… I don’t know what to say.”

“I’m glad we’ve met, Gabriella.”

“Does your wife Marjorie know about me?”

“She’s no longer my wife. We divorced a few years ago, but she is a close friend, and yes, she does know. I’d love for you to meet her one day. I know she’d love to meet you.”

My heart almost bursts at the seams. Hope beads on my skin like dew on spring grass.

He wants to see me again.

Introduce me to his family.

This journey has been a long time coming, but at this moment, I have no regrets.

I’m quick to remember he’s just mentioned the dreaded D-word.

“Divorced? I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be…” he lingers on his words before continuing, “To burn with desire and live a life with someone else is the greatest punishment we can place upon ourselves.”

How true his words ring for me. I sense the pain that still lingers. I will never understand—he loved a woman who easily allowed a man to treat me like an outcast. I’ve witnessed only one side of Melinda Carmichael, and it’s far from beautiful.

But the heart wants what it wants.

“My mother is… she’s not the nicest of people.”

“I’m sorry to hear you feel that way. My memories of her are fond, but it was never meant to be.”