Page 95 of The Valentine's Bet

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I almost don’t answer but can’t bring myself to ignore it. So, I swing the door open, my father’s face greeting mine. “Hey, Pops.”

“Hey, son. Happy Valentine’s Day,” he says and steps inside. I can count on one hand the times he’s been to my place, and the fact he’s here makes me wonder if he needs something.

“You, too,” I say, hoping he doesn’t notice the bouquet of roses on the table. It’s not only Valentine’s Day, but it’s Amy’s birthday, too. And assuming she doesn’t already have a date for tonight, I didn’t want to go empty-handed. “So, what’s up?”

“Well, I was in the neighborhood, so I figured I’d stop by and see what you’re up to today. Being single on Valentine’s is never fun, so I thought maybe we could...” His voice trails off as his gaze shifts to the kitchen, seeing the flowers and cards—yes, cards plural because I had to covertwosignificant events. “You got plans tonight?”

I bite my lip. “Yeah, I do.”

“Really?” He raises his brows. “You got someone special?”

“Uh...” I rub the back of my neck. “More like Iwantto have someone special. I messed it all up, but I’m hoping I can somehow make it up to her.”

He nods, giving me a sympathetic smile. “You know, I know how that goes.”

Oh no...

I don’t want to hear another one of his failed relationship stories. It might scare me right out of reaching out to Amy. Professing my love isnotsomething I’ve ever done.

“After your mom left me—for good reason—I met someone.”

Okay, this is new.

“You met someone?” I force myself to engage.

“Yeah, her name was Susie. She was really something special, but I was so scared that it would fail—thatIwould fail—just like what happened with your mom, that I sabotaged the relationship and quickly fell into my old patterns.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t one of my brightest moments. I’ve made a whole lot of mistakes in my life, some with more impact than others. Andlook, I know that the divorce between your mom and I was really hard on you kids, but we had our share of problems. We only ever got married because we got pregnant—don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for you and your sister, but we were just doing what we thought was right at the time. It was never gonna work between us. We know that now.”

I shift uncomfortably. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He nods. “Your mom and I are just not compatible. Our relationship wasn’t good, but ... my relationship with the woman I met after your momwas.I regret not chasing her. Istillthink about Susie now, all these years later.”

“Why don’t you reach out to her?” I reason, my palms starting to sweat. “I mean, I know it’s been a long time...”

“Well, I think about it every once in a while, but then again, I’ve leta lotof time pass, and I always come up with excuses not to.”

“I’m pretty good at coming up with excuses,” I confess, shrugging my shoulders.Like trying to ensure Amy’s not already going to the concert with someone else before even reaching out to her.“And until now, I didn’t even really realize I was making them.”

Dad laughs. “Yeah, I know. You got that from me, but I’m pretty sure that’s aboutallyou got from me. You’re cut from a much different cloth. You’re a great man, Parker. And I don’t want to see you let my mistakes—or your mother’s—keep you from finding happiness.” I nod slowly, absorbing my father’s words as he continues. “I know that I haven’t set the best example for you. I let way too many women come in and out of your life over the years while simultaneously harping on how bad love is and how nothing good ever comes from it. But I shouldn’t have done that. Because the truth is, I’d go through all the heartbreak over again for you and your sister. Love and family are worth it, son.” He claps a hand on my shoulder, his expression sincere.

“I’m starting to realize that now,” I admit.

“Good.” He smiles. “And I’m sorry that I wasn’t a better father to you. I’m sorry that I turned my relationship with you into a competition with your mom. But I hope you know that I amsoproud of you. Because, despite all the chaos, you somehow managed to rise above it. Our family may be dysfunctional, but I have a good feelingyouwon’t be.”

“Thanks, Pops. I love you. And I appreciate you coming by today.” I give him a tight hug, feeling a rush of emotions.

What’s happening to me?

I’m becoming a ball of mush.

He pats me on the back before pulling away. “I love you, son. And hey, don’t let this Valentine’s Day slip away without at least trying to make things right with this girl. Life’s too short for regrets, trust me.”

A lump grows in my throat, and it only confirms that my crazy idea for tonightisthe right thing to do.

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