Page 113 of Beyond the Hate

“We had a barbeque on the beach to celebrate. The celebration was a week early because Dad had some business to attend to on the day of my birthday. It turns out the business was leaving his wife and six sons for another woman.”

“I’m sorry.” I offer him the picture.

“This is the only picture of my dad I kept,” he murmurs as he stares at the photograph. “Mom wanted no evidence of his existence in the house after he left.”

“Weren’t her six sons evidence of his existence?”

“Nah. We’re her sons. Not their sons.”

“Makes sense.”

“I never thought I’d see my dad again.”

My brow wrinkles. “You’ve seen him? He hasn’t returned to Smuggler’s Hideaway.” If he had, I’d know about it. The smuggler’s grapevine is efficient and thorough.

“He visited me in California. He couldn’t find my home address so he showed up at the corporate headquarters forApparoo.”

Despite myself, I’m curious. “Did he want to reconcile?”

Eli snorts. “Nah. He wanted money.”

“And now you think everyone wants money from you.”

He cringes. “I shouldn’t have called you a gold digger.”

“There are a lot of things you shouldn’t have done.” I don’t give him an out. If I give him an out now, he’ll run all over me in the future. I shake my head. What am I thinking? There is no future with Eli.

“You’re correct. And I apologize for all of them. Starting with I should have never told the woman I love that she meant nothing to me.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. I obviously—” I stop when my brain catches up. “Did you say woman you love?”

He smiles. “I love you, Lace. I’ve known since the day I met your evil stepsisters and your mom. I couldn’t believe how strong you are considering how they tried to beat you down. I knew then you were the woman for me.”

“And yet you pushed me away.”

“I was scared. I don’t trust anyone to stick around. My dad didn’t. He planned his departure for months. Unbeknownst to me. I was blindsided.”

“I understand your dad left and it sucks. But who else has left you? Your mom worked her fingers to the bone to provide for you and your brothers. Your brothers all stayed on Smuggler’s Hideaway. Not one of them left. Your best friend, Jeremy, has stuck by your side. According to you, he doesn’t complain about you wanting to live in Smuggler’s Hideaway instead of California.”

He runs a hand down his face. “You’re right.”

“Get used to it. I’m always right.”

“Does this mean you forgive me?”

How can I not forgive him? He was an idiot but he owned up to his mistakes. It’s not easy to admit you’re wrong. Plus, I love him.

“I have conditions.”

“Name them. Whatever you want.”

“One, you cash the check.”

He scowls. “You don’t owe me for helping you out.”

“It’s fromFive Fathoms Brewing,not me personally.”

He blows out a breath. “Fine. What else?”

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