Page 57 of Linc
“Want to grab some lunch while we’re out?”Dad asks as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Tacos are sounding really good right about now,” I say as I point over at the food truck as we pass a bunch of them lined up.
The weather is perfect as we sit with our food at a table under a tree, not far from where Linc and I ate all those months ago.
“Alright, sweetheart, you’ve had your space and time and I’ve not wanted to push you the last few weeks, but what have you decided to do about you and this guy?”
I take a gulp of water and raise an eyebrow.“Don’t act like I didn’t catch those subtle remarks over the last four weeks.”
He does his best to scoff with a mouth full of food.“I was just making observations.”
“Oh really?”I start to laugh as I toss a scrunched-up napkin at him at his blatant lie.
“What’s important is thatyouare happy and it’s whatyouwant.All the outside noise doesn’t need to be a factor.”
“Can it really be that simple?”I ask.
“Yes, it can.It can be whatever you want it to be.”
“You know, I don’t think you were this laid back when I was in high school.”
His face grows serious as he looks over my shoulder, deep in thought.“Ever since you moved here and I’ve been at the cabin alone, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the last twenty years.I wasn’t always the best father to you, Everly.”I start to correct him but he holds a hand up to stop me.“I wasn’t present enough in your life.Yes, my career made it difficult but I was so worried about making sure to provide what you needed and to put a roof over your head and doing what my country asked of me that I missed out on raising you like I should’ve.I was so thankful for Adam’s parents taking care of you while I was away, but I missed out on the major life moments with you.On moments where you needed me to assure you that you are enough and loved.”
“It’s okay, Dad.I think I turned out just fine,” I say as I reach over the wood table and grasp his hand with my good one.
“But it’s not.”He squeezes my hand back.“I want you to be happy and if that means you living here in the big city, then I’m happy.If you want to be with this Lincoln guy then I’ll support you, as long as he treats you like the most precious possession on this earth.If he’s not, then I’ll be here to take up all your time until you meet the right guy for you.”
A wave of emotion flutters through my body as I take in his words.It’s hard to put into words, when all your life you’ve wanted your parent to be present and hear you when you need it the most.
“Thanks, Dad, it means a lot,” I say, getting choked up.
The rest of the meal, we keep light as I point out all my favorite places Saylor and I like to eat at or hang out.
“Where to now, sweetheart?”Dad asks as we hop in his truck.
“Do you think you could drop me off around the corner?I think it’s time to talk with Linc for a bit.”
“Of course, honey.Do you want me to wait?”
“No, I’ll call if I need anything.”
“Okay, I’ll be back at the apartment,” he says as he pulls up to the front of the tall building.“Go put your lovesick man out of his misery,” he cheers as I hop out of the seat and open the door to get out.
“Dad!”
“What?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be giving the ‘hurt my daughter and I’ll break every bone in your body’stance?”
“I did that already at the hospital,” he casually says.
“Wait, what?”My voice screeches.
“This poor guy has spent the last four weeks sending you personalized love packages every day, living seven hours away.I saw the way your whole body lit up every time Steven knocked on our door.It brightened your day and I watched you checking your watch a dozen times an hour waiting for those deliveries, honey.You knew the second day up at the cabin what you wanted, but I’m glad you and I got to spend the last month together.”
I can’t help the smile on my face.We might not have had a lot of time together when I was growing up, but he still does know me.
“Thanks, Dad.”
