Page 115 of Until I Find You

I take a deep breath before entering the kitchen.

Inside, Dad’s biting his thumbnail, staring into one of the ovens, so absorbed he doesn’t even realize we’re in the doorway.

We can still turn back, we can still change our minds. It’s not too late.

But this is my dad. And I don’t care what is happening between us, I love him, and he should get to know the woman I love. He should know he has a grandkid on the way. Firsthand. From me.

This is the right thing to do.

I clear my throat. “Dad.”

Dad turns to look at me and the worried expression fades to give way to a smile. Something like revelation. “Hey.”

It’s awkward. No denying that. Last time I saw him was late night at the hospital, my head spinning with a multitude of thoughts and feelings pulling me in various directions.

All the drama with my mother, the birth of the twins, my own feelings of not being enough, not being wanted, it all boiled down to an explosive cocktail of emotions that I was only able to tame due to the woman I love. The woman I’m bringing home to meet my dad. The woman who is carrying my baby.

Camilla takes the lead, putting on her best business tone. “Mr. Lyons, I’m so happy to meet you.”

Yes. That’s good. This is business. The business of introducing her to my dad. If I can think of it like that, I can make it through tonight.

“None of the mister stuff, that’s not…” Dad waves his hand and crosses to Camilla. Wraps her in a hug.

Ahug.

So much for the business.

“I’ve heard so much about you,” Dad says.

There’s that tinge of sadness again, except this time in his voice.

And that is my fault. Because he’s heard so much about her from everyonebutme. From Abigail and Nate and Seth and even my fucking mom. When he should have been hearing about the woman I love fromme.

Dad releases her and follows up quickly. “Great things, of course. Only great things. Everyone thinks you’re a good fit. Which you know, as Jack’s father, that takes a load off.”

Since when has Dad played the concerned father to me? These babies have really done a number on him.

“Well, I’m happy to hear I have a preliminary seal of approval.” Camilla smiles wider.

Dad reaches out and grabs my bicep. Squeezes. Doesn’t pull me into a hug and doesn’t look away from Camilla. “I mean, I have to tell you, I’m surprised Jack would be one to mix business with pleasure–”

Dammit. “Dad.”

“But that runs in the family, I’m sure he’s given you the lowdown.”

Camilla remains polite. “Bits and pieces, yes. But life just happens, doesn’t it?”

Setting groundwork for our announcement. Good girl.

Dad lets out a loud laugh. “Trust me. It does.”

Silence settles over us.

With a jerk of his thumb over his shoulder, Dad steps back. “Welp, I need to check on the food–”

Camilla nods. “Yes, don’t let us interrupt.”

“We’ll have more time, I’m sure.” Dad’s eyes flick to me. That surety looks more like hope. “Everyone’s in the dining room, dinner will be in ten.”

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