Page 112 of Impending Consent

"When Sailor first told us about this impulsive marriage I assumed you were after her money, connections, or both. When that appeared not to be the case, I thought perhaps you were simply infatuated with the idea of her. Infatuation wouldn’t have you challenging me directly. That takes conviction."

"I have plenty of that where your daughter is concerned.”

"I see." He studied me thoughtfully. "Let’s start over."

The abrupt change caught me off guard. “Start over?”

“Yes, please have a seat. I owe you an apology. I should not have gotten in the middle of you and my daughter’s relationship. I was wrong and would like to start over and do this the right way.”

I stared at him for a minute then nodded, taking the seat next to him.

"Your intentions toward my daughter are long-term?"

"My intention is to build a life with her, for as long as she'll have me. To support her career, her ambitions, her independence, while creating something together that's greater than either of us separately."

"And children?"

I raised an eyebrow at the personal question but answered anyway. "That's between Sailor and me, but yes, I'd like a family eventually, if she does. I believe she would be an incredible mother if and when she decides that's what she wants."

"My daughter has always been headstrong. Determined to chart her own course, even when it wasn't in her best interest with everything except her career. She followed my lead with that and I fear it might have disrupted her ability to find her place. I assumed thismarriagewas one of many erratic decisions I would have to help clean up when it ended disastrously."

"It’s not and she doesn’t need you to do anything with our marriage."

"There's a steadiness to her that wasn't there before. A contentment."

"It’s not just Sail. She makes me better too.”

Torrance nodded, as if coming to a decision. "Very well, Mr. Hassan. You have my blessing for whatever that's worth to you." He smiled smugly, knowing I didn’t give a shit.

"It holds weight because I know it matters to Sailor, whether she admits it or not."

"Just understand this. If you hurt my daughter there is no place you could hide from me."

"I understand completely but just know we feel exactly the same. Your daughter but my wife."

"Good." He stood and extended his hand. "Then perhaps we can move forward more productively."

I stood and accepted his hand.

“I can rock with that, for Sailor's sake."

He walked me to the door and paused.

“Sailor deserves to be happy. Regardless of my actions and what you might think, I want that for all my children."

“I don’t doubt that but I do believe you have a hard time trusting they can decide what they need to be happy.”

He nodded and grinned. "I can’t argue with that. Take care of my girl, Rival."

"I got her. Believe that."

Chapter 29

Sailor

"Auntie Sailor! Look at me!"

I shaded my eyes against the sun and watched as Skylynn twirled in the backyard with her arms outstretched like she was trying to take flight. Her laughter was sweet and uninhibited.

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