Page 115 of Winning Bid

“Really?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

I shrug. “I don’t … I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just … I got married. After your marriages, I figured you’d be kind of sour on the whole thing.”

“All I want is for you to be happy. If marrying Anderson makes you happy, then I’m all for it.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

He nods away from the crowd, and we end up near the outside of one of the tents. “I have to say, I was a little surprised I wasn’t invited to this shindig.”

“Like I said, I never expected you to be okay with this kind of thing, so I didn’t want you to feel awkward.”

He sighs, still smiling, but it’s sad now. “Then, going forward, please know that I’m happy if you’re happy. My life, as complicated as it’s been, is not the standard by which I judge everyone else’s life. So, for important events like this one, I’d like to be invited. If you’ll have me, that is.”

It’s strange to want to believe my father. Every instinct tells me he’s lying. History tells me he’s up to something. But the little girl in me wants to believe her father. I want to think he’s being genuine, even with all the odds against it.

“Yeah, Dad. We can make that happen.”

“Glad to hear it. Once I knew about this event, it made me realize just how much I want to be a part of your life. I would have hated to miss this. You’re important to me, Junebug. I want you to know that.”

It’s no wonder he’s always had a string of women after him and people to rip off. He’s slick. I hate that I’m being taken in by it, but I am. Or maybe he’s being real with me right now. I’ll probably never know.

“You’re important to me, too, Dad. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Really?”

“Well, yeah.” I nod and smile. “You finally get to meet my husband.”

“I’ve already met his parents. They’re characters.”

I chuckle. “Oh, you have no idea.”

“Thankfully, they had the good grace not to bring up the fact they didn’t invite me, and I showed up at their home.”

“I think special exceptions are made for parents at these things.”

“Speaking of, is your mom coming?”

I shake my head. “Kitty invited her, but apparently, she’s on a business trip in Des Moines and couldn’t leave it.”

Dad’s lips tighten. “That … that must be some important trip for her to miss this.” Translation, “I am judging your mother for being absent on such an important day, but I am trying not to talk shit about her to you.”

“I’m sure it is. And it’s fine. Hell, I got married without either of you. I’m pretty sure she’s pissed about that, and that’s why she’s not here.”

The truth is, I had cried for an hour when I found out she wasn’t coming. She told me in no uncertain terms she was hurt that we got married without her, and so she wasn’t going to celebrate a marriage she had nothing to do with. Then, she hung up on me. I was glad Anderson was at work for all of that, but when he came home, it took him one look at me to know I’d been crying, and when he brought it up, I lost my shit and cried all over again. But he held me until I calmed down and then ordered me a pizza because he’s the best man ever.

I’m not about to tell Dad any of that. When it comes to all things Mom, I’ve decided I’m not giving him any fuel against her. And vice versa. Neither of them needs to know a thing about the other. If they want to patch things up, that’s between them. I refuse to be any kind of a go-between.

He tsks, shaking his head. “I’m no expert on weddings or marriages, Lord knows, but a wedding should be for the couple. Whatever they want. I hope you had the wedding you wanted, Junebug.”

“I did. Thanks for not giving me shit about eloping?—"

His laugh carries. “I could stand here and pretend to be the bigger man about it, but I can admit when something bothers me. There was a tiny part of me that was upset I didn’t get to give my daughter away at her wedding, but I’m pretty sure that kind of honor needs to be earned, and I haven’t done that yet. Maybe in ten years’ time, you and Anderson can do a vow renewal, and I’ll get to do it then.”

“Ten years is an awful long time for you to be on your best behavior,” I tease.

He chuckles. “You’ve got a point there. We’ll play it by ear.”

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