Page 97 of Unwrapping Romance

Walking over, I removed my coat and sat down across from him.

“I was surprised when I got your text,” my father spoke.

“What was my grandfather like? You rarely spoke of him.”

“My father? Why are you suddenly interested in him?”

“Dad, just tell me.” I sighed.

The server walked over and poured some coffee into the cup beside me. We ordered our breakfast and continued our conversation.

“He was barely around. He and your grandmother traveled often, leaving me home with the staff. We weren’t close if that’s what you’re asking. I resented him for never being around.”

“Did he like the holidays?”

“Yeah. It was the only time of year he was a decent man. He would go on and on about the magic of it all. Why are you asking me all of this?”

“Because he visited me yesterday.”

My father chuckled. “You have gone and lost your mind, son.”

“Perhaps. After you left my office yesterday, I went for a walk, grabbed a coffee, and sat on a bench to think. This man wearing a long black coat and black fedora sat next to me.”

“A long black coat?” His brows furrowed.

“Yes. I noticed the top button was missing.”

His face went pale as he stared at me.

“He told me he wasn’t the best father he could have been and went on and on about the magic of the holiday season and how it brings families together. He knew my name, Dad. When I looked over, he was gone. I remember you showing me pictures of him when I was a child. When I returned to the office, I Googled him, and his picture popped up. It was definitely the man who sat beside me on that bench.”

“He always loved that black coat, and when the top button went missing, my mother was supposed to sew a new one on, but she had trouble finding the exact button. He died in that coat on the street of a massive heart attack. His fedora was found a few feet away from him. Jack, I’m having a hard time believing any of this.”

“Well, it happened. I thought I was having a mental breakdown, but then I went and spoke to Everly Remington. You know she sees things.”

“I’m aware of her gifts.”

“She confirmed it was him. Listen, Dad. I’m here to tell you that you were a shit father. But I guess your father wasn’t much better, and they say we learn from our parents. But today, I’m breaking the cycle. I want to be the best father I can to my little girl.”

“From what I can see, you already are, son.”

“I’ve spent too many holidays on the hate train, and it stops now. I won’t do that to my child. The holidays are about forgiveness, and a part of me wants to forgive you, but it’s going to take time. It won’t happen overnight.”

“That’s all I ask, Jack. I am truly sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you over the years.”

“And a part of me believes you. You weren’t the only one in a bad place after Mom died.”

“I know, son, and I’m so sorry.”

“I will be your best man at your wedding if you still want me to be.”

“Of course I do. Nothing would make me happier.”

“Then consider it done. You can be a part of Ellie’s life. She already lost her mother, and we’re all she has left.”

“Thank you, Jack. I want nothing more. What about Sierra? Have you told her that you love her?”

“Not yet. I’m waiting for the right time. The problem is, after what she experienced, she hates the holidays as much as I do, and I need to find a way to change that for her.”

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