Page 94 of Moonlit Kisses

–molly–

Standingon Martin’s front porch, my hand shakes as I reach for the doorbell. Max grasps my hand and turns me to face him. With his hands gently cupping my cheeks, he peers into my eyes, mossy green to steel. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”

“What if I’m not the daughter he was expecting to have? I mean, look at Holly. She’s doing really well in school, wants to be a fashion designer. I did okay in school, but I’m not super smart or talented like she is. I don’t even know what Noah’s like. What if I’m not up to–”

He presses forward, stealing my words with his kiss. “Stop it. He should count himself lucky that he can call you his daughter. Youarefucking talented, and youaresmart. You picked up my system at the workshop without any guidance. Your sketches are incredible. You’re a kind and generous person. He’ll be proud of you. I promise.”

The front door flies open, breaking the moment and both of our heads swivel toward the intrusion. Martin’s standing in the doorway, glancing between the two of us. “Would you like to come in?”

Max chuckles. “That’s why we’re here.”

I smooth down my dress and take the first step over the threshold into my father’s home. “Uhm, hi.” The three of us stand in silence, peering at each other.

Beth steps out from a room down the hallway, her face lighting up when she sees us in the entry. “Hi. I’m so happy you could join us for dinner.” She comes toward us. “Martin, let them inside.” She swipes at his arm, and he finally makes the move to guide us further into their home.

Their beautiful home.

The only other homes I’ve been to as nice as this was Emma and Theo’s home and his parents’ house. Max’s house has the potential to be lovely, but it’s still a bit of a bachelor pad.

“You have a beautiful home.”

They glance around the space as if they don’t realize they live in a gorgeous house. “Thank you. It wasn’t much when we bought it, but we’ve renovated it over the years. Made it our own.” Martin holds out his hand. “Come through. Would you like a drink?”

Martin prepares drinks while Beth collects a tray of pre-dinner snacks and guides us out to a covered deck with an outdoor heater for the cooler evening. Everything is immaculate, nothing is out of place, and nothing looks worn or misused. It’s like one of the homes you see on TV.

My clothes feel cheap and uncomfortable and I suddenly feel itchy. Like I don’t belong here. Max senses my discomfort and reaches across to lay his hand on my thigh, settling my nerves.

Beth leans forward in her chair. “I believe congratulations are in order.” My eyebrows draw down low in confusion. Her eyes flick down to my left hand, then back up to me. “Your engagement.” She holds her hand out, asking with her eyes to look at my ring. I lift my hand, allowing her to admire the gorgeous seal of our promise. “It’s beautiful, Molly. Max made the perfect selection because it suits you.”

“Oh, thank you.” I look at Max. “It was a surprise. A really great surprise.” Max lifts my hand and kisses my palm, easing some of my nerves.

“Any idea when you’ll get married?” Beth asks.

I hadn’t even thought about the actual wedding. Somehow, I skipped over that part and went straight to being married.

“As soon as possible.” Max blurts and I stare at him in surprise. I’m certain I appear completely startled.

Beth giggles. “Well, if you need any help, I’m a wedding planner so it’s kinda my thing.”

Martin turns his head toward his wife, his face full of pride. “She’s always booked out well in advance because she’s one of the best in the city.”

She waves him off. “It doesn’t matter how busy I am, I can help you any way you need. Just shout out.” She takes a sip of her wine and offers us a wink.

I tuck a loose lock of hair behind my ear. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to offer.”

She stands from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to put the finishing touches to dinner. I hope you’re hungry.”

I stand to help, but she tells me to stay where I am, leaving Max and me with Martin. Who has barely spoken since we arrived.

He clears his throat, now that it’s only the three of us. “Uhm, Molly. I wanted to start out with an apology.” This is unexpected. He already apologized to me at lunch and I accepted it. “Actually, I have several apologies to make.” He draws in a deep breath and releases it slowly. “I’m sorry for abandoning you and Nicole back when she told me she was pregnant. It’s something I’ve always regretted and it’s something I have no excuse for. I was young and stupid and selfish and I will go to my grave regretting my choice back then.”

A boulder has formed in my throat and I’m having a tough time swallowing around it. Max reaches across and takes my hand, squeezing it in reassurance.

Martin glances at Max and then returns his apologetic gaze to me. “I’m also sorry for being pushy in my eagerness to insert myself into your life. I had no business bulldozing my way into your life and expecting that I could be your father, purely based on the fact that biology makes you mine. It takes more than sperm to make a man a father and I need to give you time to get to know me and for us to find our way forward in this new reality. I only hope you can open your heart to the possibility of a relationship with me. And with Holly, Noah, and Beth.”

Saliva fills my mouth and that familiar stinging at the back of my eyes is becoming too much. I blink rapidly, doing my best to maintain my composure.

“The last thing I want to apologize for is how my choices impacted on your life.” He gives me a sad smile and I glance up at his eyes, looking for his pity, but it’s not there. All I see is hurt and sorrow. “Molly. I was devastated all over again when Beth told me about your childhood living arrangements. I can’t help but feel responsible for all of it. If I’d been more mature … a better man … anything, your life would have turned out differently.”

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