Page 148 of Until I Have You

Dad reaches out and touches my arm.“They couldn’t get away, what with Alanna and Camilla.And Nate, Mason, and Laney have just started working on adoption applications.”

My stomach drops.“Adoption applications?”

“It’s a new development.”

I bite down on my lower lip.“I’ve missed so much.”

“Well, when you come home, you’ll get caught up fast.Isn’t that the way with our family?We always have to play catch up because everyone’s always doing god knows what.”

We both laugh, adding to the warm din of the pub.

Under our voices, I realize that Abba has started playing.Bonnie is dancing with my mom in the corner, Theo and Sonia leaned up against the jukebox talking with big smiles on their faces.

I smile too.

My family.Together.

I look back at my dad, finding him smiling back at me.“He’s a good guy.”

“Oh, I know.I know that.But he’s lucky to have you, Abigail.You know that, right?”

“He doesn’t let me forget it.”

Someone could say we’ve only had two weeks together.They could say we only had a month before that.But we’ve had months.Even before we crossed the line, Theo has been treating me like a queen.

The way he tried to get me a job at the aquarium, too, however misguided, came from a place of love.

“And I’m lucky to have you as my daughter.”

“Don’t get mushy, Dad.”

He leans his head back, trying to keep his tear-filled eyes from brimming.“I can’t help it, it’s who I am now.”

I get up, round the table, and throw my arms around him, hugging him close.

His hug in return is one of the best feelings in the world, so good, I almost break down into tears.

“Come on.Let’s go dance.”

“Oh god, I’m jetlagged.Can’t we dance later?”

I grab his hand and pull.“Nope!Now!”

I’ll always be his little girl which means I will always be a little demanding of him.

“Everything better now?”Mom calls out from her dance with Bonnie.

I wrap my arm around Dad’s waist.“Better now.”

Sonia and I share a smile.

Time will tell if I can heal my broken trust.For now, though, we dance.

Dad holds my hand out to Theo.“Be good to her.”

“Dad…” I admonish.

Theo smiles with pride.“Without question.”

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