47. Chapter 47
Chapter forty-seven
Ivy
I’m inside Sugarfoot’s stall, running my fingers through her soft mane when I hear a throat clear. My father steps up to the stall, a smile on his face.
“You always loved horses. Ever since you were a baby.” He reaches out across the gate to pet her neck. “Anytime your mama brought you out when we were working cattle you’d cry until she put you on the horse with me.”
“I guess I never outgrew it.” I shrug a shoulder.
“No. But you did grow up,” he says, his eyes growing glassy.
I guess this is happening.
“Dad.” I suck in a sharp breath.
He holds up a hand. “Let me get this out. It needs to be said.”
I nod, continuing to keep my hands busy stroking Sugarfoot’s back.
“I owe you an apology. I was wrong,” he chokes out. “I was wrong to ask you not to tell your mother about me and Jamie. I was wrong for what I did. I was wrong for allowing my fear of the consequence to land on you.”
I slow my movements, trying to breathe over the lump in my throat.
“I know I was one of the reasons you left. I know I played a part, and I’m sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t be here. In your home. I broke your trust, and as a father, that’s the ultimate failure.”
Tears prick my eyes as I walk over to the gate.
He leans an elbow on the gate and meets my eyes. “Your mother knows. I told her about a year ago. I want you to know we did not get to the level of a sexual relationship.”
“Dad. You don’t have...” I begin.
“No, I do.” He reaches out to grab my hand.
“We kissed. Three times. One of which you saw. The relationship was emotional more than anything, but that doesn’t excuse my actions. It was inappropriate. My actions disrespected your mother, along with Aiden. It was a violation of my vows, and I take full responsibility. I love your mother with my whole heart. I was going through some things that I didn’t handle well, and I let myself find comfort in the wrong place. Your mother knows that you know, and she holds no blame on you.”
A sob rips from my chest as I yank open the gate and slide into my dad’s arms. I let the tears fall. The ones that held all of my resentment, my anger, and my guilt.
He runs his hand over my hair. “I understand if you can’t forgive me, Ivy. But just know that I love you.”
“I love you too.” I sniff.
In that moment, I knew I had forgiven him. I knew he held true regret, and the fact he told my mother, and owned his mistake speaks volumes.
“Mom said anything?” I ask, wiping my eyes.
“She won’t. You know your mother. She’s got the patience of a saint. She’ll let you come to her when you’re ready.”
I pull away and look up at him, a small smile playing on my lips. “You know, I don’t remember you having so much grey in your beard.”
He chuckles and runs his finger over the mustache that he has repeatedly threatened to shave off. “I think it gives character.”
“It sure does.” I push up and press a kiss to his cheek. “I love you, dad.”
We spent the next hour talking about Georgia. About my job at the flower shop. About Merit. About what all I missed when I was gone, including my mother’s new addiction to historical romance. He was able to stay hidden in the barn with me until my mom and Penelope showed up and hauled him back to his recliner.
I had just given Sugarfoot a treat and was about to head inside to find Maddox and get supper started when I heard his voice raised outside of the barn.
“Laiken, slow down. What?” His voice carries panic, and I quicken my steps, darting out into the yard.
“Stay in the house and lock the door. I’m on my way.” I watch him hang up, and the look on his face makes my stomach sink.
“What is it?”
“It’s Laiken.” He shoves his phone in his pocket. “I got to go.”
When he moves toward his truck I follow. “I’m coming with you.”