Page 46 of Beach Bum Billion-Heiress
Her face softened as I talked, the wariness leaving her face entirely.
"You did that for me?"
I pulled her in closer. "Of course. You told me to trust you and I did. But I also wanted you to know that I'd stand up and fight for you. Even against your own father."
She smiled, her eyes tearing up. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Any time," I whispered back before I kissed her.
* * *
"I think the sauce makes all the difference, don't you?"
The head chef was standing with Mr. Vanderman in front of a huge stove, a spoon up to his mouth, extolling the merits of a wine reduction over vinegar. We'd finally tracked Mr. Vanderman down.
Sage took a deep breath and then marched forward.
"Father? You have a minute?"
Mr. Vanderman turned, a smile on his face, making him look years younger. "Sure. Your office?"
Sage nodded and led the way. I followed Mr. Vanderman into the office, having asked her ahead of time if she wanted me with her while she had this conversation.
We all sat down and Sage got right to the point. "Time will tell if my restaurant thrives, but I think we can both agree that I opened ahead of time and on budget. Exactly what you asked me to do. Have I passed your test?" She sat tall and proud in her chair, her gaze unwavering from her father's face.
God, I loved that woman. She didn't back down, just got right to the heart of the matter with the courage of a lion.
Mr. Vanderman cleared his throat and took an agonizing moment before he spoke. "When I gave you this assignment, I honestly didn't think you could do it. I was disappointed that you weren't using your education to do something with your life. But leave it to you to move across the country, tackle a difficult situation, and come out of it a winner. And with a new life. You've impressed me. The trust fund is yours."
I exhaled, knowing Sage had just won. She'd set out to get that trust fund and then cut ties, knowing she could do anything she wanted with that financial security. I looked at Sage, seeing that she hadn't moved, hadn't blinked.
"But I think it's more important to tell you something else," Mr. Vanderman continued. He fidgeted in his chair, his usual air of confidence gone, sucked out of the room by his honesty. "I don't say it enough, but I love you. When you were born, I promised you I'd make a good life for you. That I'd provide for you in ways my father never did. You see, I couldn't imagine anyone more precious than you, Sage Vanderman. I've messed up as a father more ways than I can count. But I have always loved you."
Sage sniffled back a sob, her eyes brimming with tears.
He pointed a thumb at me. "And if this guy makes you happy and he treats you right, then you have my blessing."
Turning to me, he reached his hand out. "I listened when you came to visit me the last time I was in Huntington Beach. I respect the courage it took for you to stick up for my daughter to her own father. You're a good man."
I took his hand in mine, shaking it, swallowing the lump in my throat. I nodded and he nodded back. The man equivalent of hugging it out.
Sage let out that sob she had been trying to hold back and we both turned to look at her. Tears flowed over, streaming down her cheeks. She jumped up and rounded the desk, her arms flinging around Mr. Vanderman's neck.
"I love you too, Dad," she whispered.
