She smiled slightly. “I think that’s why I was such a bitch to you. I’ve gotten so used to being alone that I had no idea how to handle myself when you showed up and I realized I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I thought that if I pushed you away, I would never have to confront these feelings. I’m sorry for that.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I replied without thinking. “I love you too.”
I didn’t expect to say that but as soon as I did, I knew I meant it.
I meant it the next day too when I said it to her as she left for work.
I meant it the week after as well and the week after that and the month after that.
Two months later, as we stood in front of her newly remodeled house, I still meant it and there was no hesitation in my voice or my mind when I said, “You know, I’ll bet you can sell this house for more than you paid for it.”
She raised an eyebrow at me, and I said, “Or you could rent it. A nice place like this would be worth far more than an apartment. You could generate a sizable income with a property like this.”
She smiled archly at me and said, “I think you should be clear about what you want to say, Daddy.”
I smiled at her. That’s one of the things I’ve told her to do many times.
“You’re right, princess,” I said. “So let me be clear. Would you like to move in with me?”