Page 90 of Moonlit Kisses

–max–

I’m lockingthe front door to the office when I see Martin pull in. He pulls to a stop and jumps out, heading straight for the door like a man on a mission, so I open it. “Hey, Martin.”

“Hi, Max. I was hoping to see Molly.” What is it with this family turning up unannounced all the time? I mean, my family does it, but this is a completely different situation.

“Molly’s not here.”

He looks around my body into the office as if to check for himself. “Where is she? Will she be back soon?”

“She’s volunteering atSheltertonight. It usually runs pretty late.”

His shoulders drop, disappointment dripping from his features. “Beth told me about Molly’s childhood.”

I blow out a heavy breath. Me and my big mouth.

“Look, I shouldn’t have said anything because it wasn’t my place. Molly didn’t want you guys to know. She’s embarrassed that you know how she lived as she was growing up and she doesn’t want any pity.”

He huffs out a harsh breath, running his hands through his hair. His expression reminds me of Dad when he was pissed at Preston after he told Em he wanted a divorce. “I have a right to know how my daughter grew up,” he snaps. His posture stiff, his attitude demanding.

Hang on a minute. “Uh, pretty sure you gave up that right when you turned your back on Molly’s mom.” Not that it’s my business, but I don’t like that he thinks he can waltz into my girl’s life and be privy to things she would rather not share.

His eyes snap up to mine and narrow. “Look, Max. I know you’re together and all that, but this is family business.”

I shake my head. “See, that’s where you’re wrong, Martin. She’s my family now. Thisismy business. I won’t have you storming your way into her life when she’s not fucking ready. Have some damn respect for what she’s been through and dealt with on her own. She’ll come to you when she’s damn well good and ready.” I step into his space, towering over him. “This shit.” I point to the floor between us. “You turning up whenever you please, expecting to talk to her, is gonna stop. She needs time.”

“What do you mean, she’s your family now? You’ve only started dating recently.” He steps back slightly, putting more space between us.

“I mean, she’s wearing my ring and agreed to marry me. Which means I’m gonna watch out for her.”

“But you don’t need to protect her from me. I’m her father. I’m not here to hurt her or cause her harm.” His posture’s softened and his voice is full of sincerity.

I soften my voice and my posture to match. “Look. I know you won’t intentionally hurt her, and I know you want to get to know her. I get it. I do. This is an impossible situation. But what you need to understand is that Molly and her mom only had each other for a long time, surviving through dire circumstances. Apparently, it took Nicole a long time to trust Jack. Can you imagine the bond between Nicole and Molly? Can you even fathom what she’s lost? Her mom. Her brother. Her stepfather. All gone.” I raise my eyebrows at him. “That sort of loss would be unimaginable. On top of that, she then lost her apartmentandher job. Everything. Gone. Just like that. But she dealt with it all on her own.” I huff out a harsh breath. “Storming in here, demanding to see her is unacceptable. You need to give her time.”

He sighs and his eyes grow glassy. He drops his head, studying his boots and for long moments, we stand, silent. Blowing out a long breath, he raises his head. “I hear what you’re saying, Max, and I appreciate you laying that all out for me. I’ve been caught up in my agenda to reconnect with my daughter and I hadn’t considered any of that. Maybe I’ve been coming on a little too strong.” He glances away, then back to me, his expression pained. “I don’t want to lose her again. I only just found her.”

I lift my hand and squeeze his shoulder. “Family’s important to Molly. If you can give her some space, I know you won’t lose her.”

“I don’t want her to think I’ve given up if I stop coming around. What if she thinks I don’t want her anymore because we know how she grew up?”

“I’m not saying to stop contact with her. I would never say that because I want Molly to have as much family around her as possible. What I’m saying is you need to check with her before you turn up. Shoot her a text. Ask her if she’s available for a coffee or chat. Invite her to dinner. But don’t just turn up; you’re not at that stage yet. She needs to feel like it’s her decision, that you’re not taking the choice out of her hands. It will give her time to mentally and emotionally prepare. When you turn up unannounced the way you do, you put her on the back foot and that makes her uncomfortable.” I hope he listens to what I’m saying.

He nods, seeming to accept my advice. “Thanks, Max. Beth and I would like to have you both over for dinner sometime. I’ll be in touch.”

He climbs back into his truck and pulls out of the parking lot. I drop my head, studying the pavement. I hope he takes my advice.

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