Page 62 of Mine to Love

“It smells wonderful, sweetheart.” My father steps out onto the back deck and takes a seat at the patio table. His mobility has increased ten-fold over the past few months. I attribute it to not having to sneak around with Mariah.

She’s good for him. Sweet, funny, and just hard enough with his therapy without pushing him too far.

“Thanks, Dad. Is Mariah on her way? She’s not usually late.” I close the lid to the grill and turn down the heat. “The chicken will be ready in about ten minutes.”

“Actually, she’s not going to be able to make dinner.”

“Oh no.” I sit next to him and hold his hand. “Is everything okay between you two?”

He squeezes my hand and chuckles. “It’s perfect. We’re happily in love.”

“Love.” I sit back and blow out a puff of air. “Wow.”

“Are you okay with that? I didn’t know it would come as such a surprise. I thought you liked her.”

“Oh, I do. She’s perfect for you and going by the number of times she laughs and the permanent smile on her face, I assume you’re perfect for her as well.”

“I’d like to ask Mariah to move in with me.”

With me. Not with us.

“Peanut.” He takes my hand again, bringing my knuckles to his cheek. “You don’t have to take care of me anymore. You can live your life.”

“I’ll always take care of you, Dad.”

He kisses our joined hands. “I’m the one who should be taking care of you. I owe you.”

“No, Dad. You don’t owe me anything. You’re my father. I love you.”

“Exactly. I’m your father, and I love you. And sometimes loving someone means having the tough conversations.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll be twenty-nine next month. You’re making a good salary. I think it’s time you venture out on your own and get yourself an apartment or maybe a condo.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“No. I’m letting you go. I’m releasing you from your duties.”

“You’re not a duty, Dad.”

“Peanut. Go live. Be free. Be happy. Find true love.”

“I can do that here.”

The thought of moving out on my own excites and terrifies me. I’m more than ready to be independent, but what if something happens to him and I’m not around? What if he has another stroke and I don’t see him for three weeks and he’s alone on the floor of his bedroom?

“I can see those intelligent wheels spinning. Nothing is going to happen to me. I was at the highest risk for another stroke in my first years. I may never have full function of my left arm, and my left leg will never be able to break any marathon records, but I can walk. I can do almost all my daily activities.”

“Yeah. I know. I saw,” I tease. “Be honest. That’s why you want to kick me out. So, you and Mariah can prance around naked. Ew. Let’s pretend I didn’t go down that road.”

I slip my hand from his and hug him.

“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want, peanut. This will always be your home.”

“I love you, Dad, and I’m happy for you. You deserve this happiness. First thing tomorrow I’ll start looking for an apartment.” I get up, turn off the grill and plate the chicken.

When Mariah comes over later for dessert, I congratulate them on the next step in their relationship, play a game of cards, then excuse myself upstairs to my room. It’s still decorated as it was when I left for college all those years ago.

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