Page 80 of More Than a Blind Date

Gaze fixed on the floor, he blows out a breath. “It’s her birthday, and I came to give her this.” He holds out a fancifully wrapped box.

I take it. “When she gets home, I’ll give it to her.”

“Thank you. And I owe Rose a giant apology. She deserved better. I should’ve stood up for her, but I didn’t. That was wrong, and it took some major life changes and therapy for me to understand that.” He holds out an envelope. “She may not even want to read it, and if not, I get it. It might be too little too late.”

I keep a tight handle on my emotions. “I’ll relay the message.”

Mr. Potts nods. “And I owe you an apology. I was so angry with you for stealing away my little girl. I blamed you. But I was wrong. You didn’t pull her away. Her mom and I pushed her away.”

“I appreciate you saying that.”

It’s clear the man has had a change of heart. And I’m curious about Mrs. Potts, but it’s hard to imagine that she underwent a drastic change.

He stands in the doorway, showing no signs of leaving. And there’s an unmistakable sadness wrapped around him.

Floofy jumps off the couch, flicks his tail, and wanders down the hall. He typically does that when Lucy starts making noises, but it’s too early for her to be waking up, I think. Although, I have no clue what time it is or how long I slept. Maybe Floofy remembers that the Potts didn’t want him around.

There has been no mention of our little bundle, and I don’t want to rob Rose of telling her dad that he’s a grandfather. And I’m hoping Lucy cooperates.

Standing here with the door open means I’ll be chasing flies the rest of the day, but I’m not sure I should invite him in, and I don’t want to close the door in his face.

I’m trying to think of what to say when Daphne pulls up.

Rose launches out of the car as soon as it stops. “Dad?”

“Happy birthday, sweetheart. I gave Dallas your gift. And a letter.” He steps aside and gives Rose room to walk in.

She eases up beside me and hugs me.

“You’re back early.” I kiss the top of her head.

She gives me a look that’s part scolding, part adoring. Something I never knew was possible until being married. “When I texted, asking how things were going, you didn’t answer.”

I feel around my pockets for my phone. “I was asleep. And I have no clue where I left my phone.”

She turns her attention back to her dad. “Seeing you is a surprise. But a happy one.” She steps closer.

He opens his arms. “I was wrong, and I miss you.”

“You aren’t here because of Lucy?” Her voice cracks.

Mr. Potts looks from Rose to me. “Who’s Lucy?”

Now Rose is crying because she realizes her dad is there only because he misses his only daughter. She hugs her dad, then rushes down the hall.

“She’ll be back in a second,” I say to her very confused dad.

Daphne is still in her car, making hand motions that make it clear she doesn’t trust this surprise visit. But she hasn’t talked to the man. I wave. She shakes her head, then pulls away. I’ll make sure that Rose calls her later.

“What changed?” The question slips out, but I don’t regret asking it.

Mr. Potts shoves his hands into his pockets. “It’s been a series of dominoes toppling, but the biggest change was a few months ago. The business is struggling, and because of that I said no to one of my wife’s requests. Well, I thought it was a request, but turns out it was a demand. And when I didn’t give her what she wanted, she left. Then I was all alone. I got myself into therapy. And after one of my first sessions, I called Sage. He met me for lunch. And I vented to him about my ex and you. And my son slapped me with the hard reality that I was the one who was wrong. I mean slapped metaphorically. Sage isn’t a violent person.”

“I understand.”

“I’ve been trying to find the words to apologize, but I couldn’t put it off any longer.”

His eyes widen. And I know Rose and Lucy have stepped into view.

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