Page 80 of Wild Nights

Ginny had begged me over the years to go with her to see Dad. That he wasn't the bad person I thought he was, and I finally saw that. He had made a decision, and the way we’d handled it made everything worse.

I reached across to hold his hand. "Thanks for meeting with me. I'm so glad we did this."

"Me too," Dad said gruffly.

He'd been in pain this whole time too. It was time for both of us to let go and be happy. "Thanks for listening to me ramble on about my love life, or lack thereof."

"Hey, if he doesn't see how amazing you are, then he doesn't deserve you."

It felt good to hear my father say that, to believe that it was true. "I have to tell him how I feel first."

"That's my girl."

I hadn't heard him say that in a long time. I was sorry for so many things. But I could live my life with regret or move on and do better from here on out. I was consciously choosing the second option.

We finished eating, and I let Dad get the check. We had a lot of missed visits to make up for, and I wanted him to feel like he was my dad again. If that meant getting my meals when we met up, then so be it.

Outside the restaurant, I bundled up in my jacket.

Dad blew out a breath, his eyes suspiciously shiny. "This is the best Christmas I've had in forever."

I hugged him tight, enjoying the feeling of being close to him again. "To many more."

"Merry Christmas, Carolina."

"Merry Christmas, Dad." With a smile, we went our separate ways, and I felt lighter than I had in a long time.

I couldn't wait to share the news with Oliver. When I signed into my phone, I saw a message from him.

Oliver: How did it go with your dad?

Carolina: Great! I wished I'd done it sooner.

But would I have been ready to hear what he had to say? Probably not.

My phone rang as I got into my freezing car. I turned it on before hitting Accept.

"I’m so happy for you." Oliver's voice filled my car.

"Thank you. I'm proud of myself for letting the past go. We're going to do it again, and I told him to bring his wife, Juneau, next time."

"Amazing. This is the best news."

I watched people rush by on the sidewalk, holding bags. "Thank you, Oliver. I don't know if I would have done it if I hadn't met you."

"I don't think I had anything to do with it. It was all you."

"I realized that my past was holding me back, and I don't want that anymore. Ginny and my mom are moving forward, and I want to as well."

"I'm proud of you."

"Daddy! Are you coming?" I heard Joey's muffled voice.

It sounded like Oliver covered the speaker on his phone. "We're going to the airport to pick up my parents."

I sighed. "I'll let you go. Have a great time with your family."

“Merry Christmas Eve, Caro."

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