Page 36 of When Love Comes Home

"You're right," I concede. "And for that reason, he's decided to move out."

"What?!" they exclaim in unison, their eyes widening.

"He's moving out?" Loren asks, quickly followed by Laila's, "Why?"

"You just said it," I reply, my voice low, a little defeated. "Dad. But the thing is... I don’t remember what it’s like coming home to an empty house anymore. Or going to bed without knowing he’s right next door." I let out a shaky breath. "Last week was torture without him here."

When I glance back at my sisters, they're looking at me like I've been speaking a foreign language, not comprehending a word I've said.

"I can't believe this is the same Katherine who just weeks ago would glare at me for even mentioning Adam's name," Loren says, shaking her head.

"You have it bad," Laila muses, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Don't laugh!" I beg. "You're right. I do have it bad."

"But you like it, don't you?" Laila says, lifting an eyebrow, and flashing me a perfectly white smile.

"I love it," I admit, flashing my own smile right back at them.

Chapter 17

Adam

I’mnursingmysecondcup of coffee while I wait for Jon to arrive. The moment I see him walk in, I wave him over to our table.

Once we place our order, Jon leans back in his seat, studying me closely like only he can.

“What’s on your mind, Son?” he asks, his gaze steady.

I exhale, searching for the right words. “I don’t even know where to start, Coach,” I admit, stumbling over my words and my thoughts.

"I know you, Adam," Jon begins. I nod because it's true—no one knows me better than Jon Linder.

"And I know my daughter," he continues. "I've seen the way you two act around each other. Now just relax and talk to me."

I take a breath and decide to start with the punchline instead of working my way toward it. "I'm in love with Katie," I say.

The moment I say the words, the weight lifts from my shoulders. No matter how Jon reacts, I’m relieved the truth is finally out. I love Katie Linder. Maybe I’ve loved her for years.

Jon nods slowly, as if dissecting each word, searching for its deeper meaning. "Okay," he says after what feels like an eternity. "Have you told her?"

"I have, sir," I reply. "I told her last night, right after I got home from Cortland. I was gone for a week, and I missed her. I love her."

His expression remains unreadable as he asks, "And how does she feel about you?"

"This might be hard to believe," I say, meeting his gaze, "but she loves me too."

"It's not hard to believe at all," he says. "Like I told you, I know my daughter."

"How do you feel about it?" I ask, my breath caught in my throat.

"Are you asking for my opinion, or my blessing?" Jon asks, his gaze steady on me.

"Both," I say, my voice softening. "I want your opinion because you're my best friend—actually, more like a father to me. You've been there for me in ways no one else has. And I want your blessing because, without it, I can't be with Katie."

"In that case," Jon begins, his tone steady. "I believe you’re both adults, capable of making your own decisions, especially when it comes to finding the right person to love—and possibly commit to for the rest of your life. Katherine is my little girl, and I want her to be happy. She deserves a man who will support her goals and help her fulfill her dreams. I know you, like any father knows his son. You are a good man, Adam Morgan, and I couldn't be more proud of you. You would make any woman happy, and if that woman happens to be my daughter, you have my full support and blessing to pursue a relationship with her."

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