Page 76 of The Last Love Story
“He is very bossy.”
My dad’s already walking toward the living room when I say that, and Justin spins around from his spot at the sink, lifting a brow and staring at me, gaze heated.
So soft it’s barely a whisper, he says, “You like it.”
I slowly shake my head, but I can’t stop the smile that creeps up my lips.
After doing everything for myself for years—for the most part, at least—it’s nice to have someone tell me to sit down instead of doing all the things.
“Are you sure you don’t need help?” Because I will never, ever take him for granted.
“No. Go rest. Consider that an order.”
I laugh a little. “Yes, sir.”
I walk through the swinging door out to the living room and take a seat on the couch opposite my dad’s favorite chair, where he’s already sitting.
“You really are happy. I swear I could see your smile shining even in the dark.”
My cheeks heat a bit, but I can’t deny it. I’ve been smiling a lot more often lately.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Does that mean all this is official between you two now? More official than the piece of paper you signed?”
I sigh at that. “I’m… working on it.”
Dad’s brow furrows. “Well, stopworkingand do what you need to do.”
“You sound like a more crass version of Yoda.” Justin’s love ofStar Warsis rubbing off on me.
“No, I just don’t want to see this kind of joy and love pass you by.”
“Love? Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
I care for Justin. I have feelings for him. But love…
Love forms in a second, but grows over a lifetime.
Has that love already formed? Is it a seed we’ve planted?
That’s a little too overwhelming to think about right now.
“Don’t deny that whatever this is has or could grow into love.”
Could.
It probablywill.
“Is that crazy? Or fast? Too much too soon?”
Dad shakes his head. “Too soon is an excuse people use when they’re afraid. Before you even knew him in person, he made you smile like no one ever had. Not the high school boys you were giddy over, not the boyfriends you hesitantly introduced me to, not the non-serious guys you never wanted me to see. With Justin, you light up. I know you’re afraid because it happened fast or notthe way you intended. I also know when you’re in the middle of it, sometimes it’s hard to see objectively. Here’s some objectivity. That man cares for you the way I could only dream someone would care for my daughter. It’s obvious in everything he does. There’s no stamp of approval harder to earn than mine, and he’s got it. Stop overthinking things. Don’t let your fears or uncertainties get in the way. You’re stronger and smarter than that. Besides, you wouldn’t be who or where you are today if you let fear hold you back. Live the life you deserve. Don’t ever hold yourself back.”
I glance toward the kitchen.
Justin needs to wash the dishes faster because I’m ready to get him home so we can talk.
Home.
