Page 122 of The Sea Witch's Son

“In a heartbeat.” Erik meets my gaze with a sad smile, “I got to spend six years with the love of my life and an incredible daughter I get to call my own. I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

Tears slink down my cheeks, “I’m not incredible, Erik. I barely meet the standard for a decent human being.”

“I know a young man who would beg to differ.”

He gives me a knowing look, and a watery laugh escapes me.

“I really am sorry about the note.”

“Out of all the guys you could have chosen, it had to be Marlin Seaborn.” Erik shakes his head with a sigh, “It’s on brand for our particular shit show.”

I rub my nose, “God. I hate our show.”

“It’s about time we got a refund.”

Wiping my cheeks with a smile, I can’t help but lean over and grab my stepfather’s hand.

“Thank you for always being there for me.”

“You’re my daughter, Melody. Nothing is ever going to change that.” He squeezes my hand gently, “Plans are allowed tochange. Especially once that special someone comes barrelling into your life.”

“Marlin wasn’t supposed to be that someone.”

Erik smiles knowingly, “If we got to choose who we end up with, I never would have fallen for the redhead who lived across the street. These things just happen.”

“I wish they didn’t.”

“No, you don’t. Because you’ve finally found someone who sees you for the strong, capable woman you are. It might be ugly and messy, but at least you know it's real.”

When I don’t say anything, Erik leans over and nudges me gently.

“Sometimes it’s not the person who brings the light. Sometimes it’s the person who sees the darkness and doesn’t run and hide.”

I swallow hard, staring down at the unsung notes on the keyboard.

“Mom always stood in the light.”

“Your mother was the brightest light of them all, but there is something to be said for a flower that blooms in the darkness.” Erik shakes his head with a sigh, “There was always a sliver of doubt, you know. Whether Arielle would have stayed with me if she found out.”

“She never did.”

“No, but that meant I was never truly honest with her.” He gives me a sad smile, “She only got to see the good parts of me. She never got the chance to love the bad.”

Guilt clogs my throat, “There was nothing you wouldn’t have done for her. She loved that about you.”

“And yet, I will never know if what we had was strong enough to withstand the darkness.” His lips pinch together, “Don’t run from the shadows, Melody. Not when there’s somebody already there, waiting for you.”

“I won’t.” I whisper, feeling the truth coat my tongue.

“Good.” He clears his throat, “Now, can you tell your boyfriend to stop leaving inappropriate notes in my bedroom? It’s seriously disturbing.”

Laughter slips out, “I’ll pass along the message, but I don’t think it will make any difference.”

“Figures.”

Erik goes to slide off the bench, but I grab his arm.

“Before you leave, do you think you could play me a song?”

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