Page 65 of Devlin

"That's who he is. He believes in you."

"And he wants tostand up to his father."

"That, too," she admitted. "But it's still a big gesture."

Her father gave her a tired smile. "You are sweet on him."

"He's a good person. I know you've always thought so, too. When do you have to decide, Dad?"

"Not for a few days. Do you want breakfast? I was going to make some pancakes."

"That sounds great."

They moved into thekitchen, and she slid onto a stool at the island while her dad pulled out a griddle and set it on the stove.

"What are you going to do today?" she asked.

"Work on theDaisy Mae. I picked up some parts I needed in Portland yesterday. I'd like to get her in the water tomorrow, Tuesday at the latest."

"That would be good. We need to start practicing. I'm not worried about you,but my skills could use some work."

"We have time." He paused, as he gave her a worried look. "I hope you're being careful, Hannah. With your heart," he added awkwardly. "I like Devlin, but I've never seen him in a relationship."

"I know what I'm doing. And if my heart gets broken, that's okay. Because it means I'm taking risks; I'm living life. It's better than never taking a chancebecause I'm afraid of getting hurt, right?"

"I suppose. I know your mother and I haven't been the best example for a long-term relationship."

"I think you could have fought harder to keep Mom," she said honestly. "But I wasn't in your marriage, so what do I know?"

"You're right. I could have fought harder, but I think in the end we still would have split up, because we didn'twork together. My biggest regret was hurting you and losing you."

"You haven't lost me. I'm here now."

He walked around the counter and gave her a hug. "I'm very glad you came home. Can I give you one small piece of wisdom?"

"You can," she said warily.

"It's love that matters, Hannah. In the end, that's all it's about. You can strive for fortune and fame, but at theend of the day, it's who you love and who loves you. Don't follow in my footsteps or even in your mother's. We both made a lot of mistakes. Learn from us whatnotto do."

She felt tears come to her eyes. He'd never spoken such deep and emotional words. She gave him a teary smile. "You did a lot of things right, too, Dad. I don't think I gave you enough credit."

"I'm sure your motherthinks you gave me too much."

"Probably."

He smiled. "I'll say one thing—you've always been very honest. You are the best thing your mother and I ever did together."

"And I love you both."

"Do you also love Devlin?"

"Oh, Dad…"

"I know. It's none of my business."

"We're having fun. It's not serious. It doesn't mean anything, and I'm sorry if thatmakes you uncomfortable, but you said you appreciated my candor."

"I just hope you're being honest with yourself. Sometimes we force ourselves to believe the lie, because the truth is too difficult."

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