“How are things with your father?” I ventured, trying to keep our conversation going though knowing from his book that things had always been strained.
“A little better, but not great.”
My eyes stayed on his. “Are you learning to forgive him?” In her farewell letter, Allee had urged Ryan to make up with his estranged father.
He took a long sip of his wine. “I’m learning to forgive, but it’s hard to forget. I can never erase the memories of how he ignored me as a child, cheated on my mother, disowned my gay sister, and most of all, used and abused Allee.”
“I’m sorry,” I said again as he inhaled a fortifying breath.
“But, I’m trying. I owe it to Allee. My father suffered a major stroke last year and he’s softened a bit. In his own way, he’s trying to be a better husband to my mother and a better father to me. I think the stroke put a lot of things in perspective for him. That he isn’t immortal. That he doesn’t have a long time to live his life right.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” I caught myself. “I mean, about the two of you reconciling.”
Ryan picked at the chicken. “It’s not been easy. I still harbor a lot of anger toward him. But Dr. Goodman has helped a lot. I’m trying to let go of the past. Make up with him.”
Memories of my mother flooded me. “You’re lucky, Ryan. I wish I had the chance to make up with my mother. To tell her I loved her before she left us.” The tears that had been building up behind my eyes broke loose. I could feel a couple trickle down my cheeks.
Ryan tenderly brushed them away and then clasped my hands. “Yeah, Willow Rosenthal, I’m lucky. Lucky that I met you.”
I quirked a little smile. “I feel the same way, Ryan.”
He smiled back at me. “C’mon, let’s get the check. And I’ll take you home.”