Page 79 of Wild Nights

I nodded. "Yes, actually. But I don't know that we can move forward."

"Because of your trust issues?"

"I haven't told him how I feel." I couldn't believe I was talking to my father, of all people, about relationships.

Dad tipped his head. "Don't you think he deserves to know?"

"It wasn't the right time. He has a little boy. I didn't know when we started seeing each other. It wasn't supposed to be anything serious. I saw him whenever I was in town."

"He lives in?—"

"Colorado. But this last time, we got snowed in together, and I met his son. I think he was protecting him, and I didn't mind that he hadn't told me about Joey. But I loved getting to know them as a family. It made me want more out of life." More than a fling I saw a few times a year. I just wasn't sure if he felt the same way.

"How did you leave it?"

"We told each other to have a good Christmas. We didn't really talk about it."

Dad cringed. "That's not good."

"Right? And I don't know what to do about it now. He has family coming into town. He'll be busy. And I'm here."

"It's up to you, but I'd want to tell the person how I felt. I guess you have to figure out the best time to do that."

"Before Christmas? After?" Was there a right answer.

"Only you'll know the answer to that."

Our food arrived, and we dug in. I felt closer to my dad than I had my entire life. I wasn't a daddy's girl even before he left. He worked a lot, but he was a presence we counted on, and when he left, it destroyed us. But now I could see that was just a shock. That life moved on, and I would be fine.

"What are your plans for tonight?"

Dad chewed his pancake and sipped his coffee. "We're going to spend it with Juneau's family. They live in town too."

"That sounds nice." I was glad my dad had new traditions.

He buttered his toast. “What about you?"

"I'm not sure yet. Ginny and Mom both have boyfriends now."

Dad raised a brow. "Good for Sally."

I smiled. "I thought so too. I want her to be happy. I might see if I can volunteer somewhere tonight." I wanted to make a difference, and if my family didn't need me, then I wanted to do something.

"You have such a big heart."

"Thanks, Dad." It was nice hearing him say that.

"How's the business going? Ginny always talks about it."

"It's great. I think I can hire a few employees this year so I don't have to do all the work. I can organize things from wherever I live and then have someone else be physically present for the conference itself." That was going to take a lot of trust. Trust I didn't have only a few months ago. I'd carefully vet the person and then go with them a few times before I let them take over completely. It had to be a good fit, but I was confident I'd find the right person. One who'd support me.

"That's amazing."

It felt good to share my life with him. "This was nice. We should do it again sometime."

"Maybe I can see you and Ginny together," Dad suggested quietly.

I beamed. "I don't see why not."

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