Page 132 of Reputation (Tempt)

I shook my head, close to tears. I was physically and emotionally exhausted from two days of intense competition. Not to mention wrung out from the sense of finality that had come with crossing the finish line and deciding to retire.

Nate didn’t speak; he deferred to me. And for that, I would be forever grateful. Because even though I knew his instinct was to jump in, to protect me, he’d given me the space and the support to stand my ground. To fight my own battles with him at my side.

I straightened. “I appreciate your concern,” I said to Dad. “But I love Nate, and I want to be with him.” Whatever that looked like for us.

“He’s—"

“Declan,” Papa J said, resting a hand on his shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. “You need to drop this. You said what you wanted to say. Emerson assured you that she’s happy. Let. It. Go,” he gritted out.

Dad’s face turned red. And for a moment, I thought he was going to punch someone—namely Nate. But then he turned into Papa J’s chest and burst into sobs. Papa J spoke to him in a low tone, rubbing his back. Comforting him.

I stood there, rooted to the spot. Staring with my mouth agape. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen my dad cry. And I didn’t know what to do.

I heard Dad say something that sounded like, “I’m losing her.” And that snapped me out of whatever trance I’d been in. I went over to him, placing my hand on his shoulder.

“You’re not losing me.”

“I know, but…you’re retiring and getting married. And everything that has always beenourswill no longer exist.”

“You don’t think I worry about that too?” I asked. “You don’t think I worry that everything is changing. Or that I’ll miss seeing you every day at training even though you drive me crazy sometimes?”

Papa J rubbed Dad’s back in support, silently urging him on. Urging us to mend this rift once and for all.

Dad stepped closer, his eyes watery. “I’m your dad, and I feel so privileged to have experienced all of this with you. To have watched you accomplish all that you did and to know that I had a hand in it. And even if you hadn’t won all those medals or placed first—” he settled his hands on my shoulders “—I still would’ve been proud of you. I know I didn’t say that enough, but I am. And I will always love you. I will always want to protect you.”

I was blown away. Maybe this had nothing to do with Nate and everything to do with my dad’s fears about the changes coming to our future. I found myself saying, “I love you, Dad. And I’m so grateful for you. You helped me achieve everything I ever dreamed of and so much more, and I’m so happy that I got to share this with you.” I smiled, barely holding back tears. “I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but I’m not a little girl anymore. And I love Nate.”

“I know.” He dropped his head. “I do. I see the way you two look at each other.” He lifted his head, his attention on Nate. “I’m sorry I’ve been such an ass.”

Nate’s expression was thoughtful. “I get it. If someone were trying to marry Brooklyn, I’d probably be acting the same way.”

I gaped at the two of them. They’d finally gotten past their egos. They’d finally found common ground—as fathers.

Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I grasped Dad’s bicep. “I know these changes feel big and scary right now, but this could be a good thing for us. I love you, and that’s never going to change.”

He nodded, opening his arms for a hug. “You’re right.Thatwill never change.”

We embraced, and I felt lighter despite the heavy conversation. It had been necessary. Cathartic.

“And maybe now we can find new things to bond over,” I said, pulling back. Nate gave my shoulder a squeeze and then excused himself to check on Brooklyn.

“Like hockey,” Dad said, seeming lighter too. His suggestion was laughable—I’d never particularly enjoyed watching the sport, much to Dad’s great disappointment.

“Or planning my wedding,” I teased.

“Har. Har.” He rolled his eyes.

“What?” I smirked. “Too soon?”

“Wedding planning is more of Papa J’s thing,” he said. “You and I both know that.”

“True,” I said. “But we’ve always loved skiing together, and I’m sure we will find ways to spend time together even if we aren’t training.”

He nodded. “You’re right.”

“And—” I twirled my ring on my finger, using it to ground me. “I know you and Nate haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I really want you two to get along. I don’t know if you realize this, but Nate was the one who gave me a tip that helped me overcome my anxiety about competing.”

“He did?” He jerked his head back, turning to watch Nate with something that looked like surprise and appreciation.

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