Page 126 of The Stranger
“No!”
Sadly, she seems to believe that getting validation from them will give her inner peace. It won’t, because I’ve dealt with people like her father and sister, and they’ll never change. I can, however, understand that after chasing a pipe dream for twenty-two years, walking away can be challenging.
“Do you ever wish you had a better relationship with your father?”
“Maybe when I was younger, but now I accept it for what it is.”
“I feel like I’ve been waiting my entire life for them to see me. To accept me for who I am. Eventually, I know I’ll have to face the fact that no matter what I do, my family may never change … but I’m not quite there yet. Until then, I’ll continue to hold out hope.”
“Just know that your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. You are worthy, Delilah, don’t ever forget that.”
“Thank you,” she says, tightening her grip on my hand.
“You’ll probably find your tolerance towards those who mistreat you will dwindle with age.”
“Is that what happened with your father?”
“Yes.”
“Do you plan on inviting him to our wedding?”
“No. My mother will be there, that’s all I need.”
“I don’t have a big family. My father is an only child,but my mother has one sister, so I’d like to invite her and her husband, Jim, and my two cousins, Adam and Oliver. They’ve always been kind to me. Both sets of grandparents have passed away,” she adds, doing the sign of the cross with her free hand. That action brings a smile to my face. “Why are you smiling? Do you think it’s amusing that my grandparents are no longer with us? Because that’s rather callous and cold if you do.”
“Not at all,” I reply, schooling my expression. “I’m sorry to hear that, Delilah, but that cute little sign of the cross you did was adorable.”
She rolls her eyes. “It wasn’t; it was respectful.”
I bump the tip of her nose with my finger. “I find a lot of the things you do cute.”
“Aww. I find these growly lines you get when you are annoyed kind of adorable too,” she says, tracing her fingertip along my forehead. “Or are they wrinkles?”
“Adorable is not a word I’d ever use to describe me, and no, they are not wrinkles,” I growl.
Her grin widens. “What words would you use to describe yourself then?” she asks.
“Manly for one.”
“You’re very manly,” she replies. “Oh, and handsome?”
“I’m not opposed to you saying that.”
She lets out a sweet laugh. “And mature aged.”
Letting go of her hand, I slide my arms around her waist from behind and swing her in a circle, which makes her squeal. “Are you itching for another spanking?”
“Maybe.”
I place her back on her feet and turn her to face me. “I can arrange that.”
She waggles her eyebrows. “That’s what I was aiming for.”
I bark out a laugh. I hope this woman knows the joy she brings to my life. Not a day passes that I’m not grateful to have her by my side.
Leaning in, I place my lips against hers, because I’ll never miss an opportunity to kiss or touch this woman. My favourite moments always include her. “I love you.”
“I know,” she says, her blue eyes sparkling. “Do you know where we should have the wedding?”
