Chapter Seven
“Dad?” Roxanne pulled her keys from the lock and closed the door behind her.
She never knocked on the door of her childhood home but always gave fair warning when she arrived.
Especially when her father wasn’t expecting her.
She scanned the entry, which opened into the formal living room.
Unlike some homes, theirs was used daily growing up.
Almost as much as the family room, tucked in the back of the house.
The vibe in the home had always been warm and welcoming.
“Dad?”
“In the kitchen,” his voice echoed through the halls.
The house was enormous. A six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, old farmhouse.
It wasn’t fancy by any means, but it held many happy times and wonderful memories.
There’d been plenty of updates through the years, but her parents kept much of the original charm and integrity of the home.
It was big enough for her and her siblings to have their own rooms. Her parents thought it was important they have their private space.
Coming from different backgrounds but similar situations, each had their own demons to carry, and some took longer to adjust to their new life.
Roxanne dropped her pocketbook on the bench in the foyer, noticing the luggage next to it.
She’d spoken to her dad a few days ago, and he hadn’t mentioned anything about traveling.
Where was he going? And more importantly, who was he going to see?
The corner of her mouth curled, and she glanced at the doorway to the kitchen.
Roxanne respected her father’s privacy, but this had gone on long enough.
There was no reason to keep his romantic life separate from his family. None of his children wanted that.
Maybe she was wrong. But I don’t think I am.
She walked down the long hallway and into the kitchen. Her father was at the sink, rinsing his plate and loading it into the dishwasher. He looked up with his usual welcoming grin. He quickly dried off his hands and walked over, taking her in for a hug.
He gives the best hugs.
“This is a surprise. Keeping your old man on his toes, huh?”
Roxanne chuckled and stepped back. “Always. But I had an ulterior motive. I got the final report for the gala. Thought you’d like to check out the numbers.
” She handed him the paper and watched as he read.
Most people would’ve looked at the total immediately.
Not her dad. A minute later, his lips spread in a wide smile.
“Never had donations this big.” He arched his brow. “Thinking they’re going to ask you to do it again next year.”
“They already did.” She’d gotten the call just before she left the office along with the final numbers. It’d exceeded everyone’s expectations, including her own.
Roxanne couldn’t wait to share the news with her family. But she wanted her dad to hear it first. Her parents had always been huge supporters of the organization. It’s what brought their family together.
“That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.” He folded his arms around her for another hug. “And your mom would be too.”
Roxanne inhaled a breath and tightened her hold. He never missed an opportunity to remind them all how proud she would’ve been of her kids and their accomplishments.
Her father patted her on the back and gestured to the breakfast bar. “You hungry? I can heat some leftovers for you.”
Roxanne rounded the counter, making her way to the fridge and grabbing a soda.
She’d sworn off sweet drinks years ago but always made an exception at her dad’s house.
It reminded her of her childhood. Growing up, sodas were meant for special occasions.
Family barbecues and holidays only. For that reason alone, it always tasted better when she had one at home.
There was something very comforting about nostalgia.
“No, I’m good, Dad.” She sat on the stool, cracking open the can. “Heading over to T and Cassie’s for dinner.”
He smiled. “That’s right, family dinner. I like that you kids do that.”
Roxanne sipped her soda and placed the can down. She rested her elbows on the counter, eyeing her father.
“Well, can we really call it a family dinner if the entire family isn’t there?”
He stilled but recovered quickly and conveniently changed the subject. “I bet with all the accolades you received from the gala, you’ll be raking in more business. How’s that going?”
Roxanne inhaled a breath, and her shoulders slumped.
“Uh oh.”
Roxanne smiled, shaking her head. “New client. Melody Rollins. She’s …” Roxanne paused, searching for the right word. It was important to stay professional.
He cocked his brow. “A nightmare?”
She slapped her hands on the counter, unable to contain herself, and blurted, “Yes!”
Her father chuckled, and Roxanne rolled her eyes.
“I get it, Dad. I’ve done enough weddings to know that it’s one of the most important days in a couple's life. I understand wanting it all to be perfect. And I know some people, mainly brides, have been thinking of this day for most of their lives. I get it.” She sighed.
“But this one? Demanding, particular, and isn’t open to hearing anyone's thoughts, including her parents, who are footing the bill for this obnoxious monstrosity.”
Roxanne would’ve arrived thirty minutes earlier at her dad’s had it not been for a call from Melody.
She spent thirty minutes trying to convince the bride that while having doves released at the ceremony was a beautiful idea, dyeing them pink was not.
She felt a migraine coming on just thinking about the bridezilla.
It was Roxanne’s turn to change the subject.
“Enough about me. Let’s talk about you.” She smirked and lifted her chin toward the foyer. “Saw your luggage by the door. Going on a trip?”
Her dad smiled, shrugging his shoulder. He was trying to play it off, but she saw right through the facade. He would’ve been more convincing had he not looked away.
“Just a long weekend getaway.”
Roxanne took another sip of her drink. Her father was going to continue the charade. Or at least, he was going to try. She had other ideas.
“Are you driving?”
“No.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll be flying.”
Interesting.
“Traveling alone?”
He drew in a breath. “Yes.”
“Hmm …” she hummed and tapped her nails on the counter.
“Where are you going? Somewhere fun, I hope. Like the coast, a little beach trip. Or an island? Sipping fruity drinks with colorful straws sounds amazing. Or maybe …” she paused and held up her hand, “while it may not be the most exotic location, I’ve heard Nebraska is beautiful this time of year. ”
“Roxanne.” He narrowed his gaze.
“What, Dad?” She chuckled, feigning innocence and failing miserably. “I don’t know why you continue to try to hide this from us. In the last six months, you’ve gone on a weekend getaway ten times. You go, you come back, and you mention nothing about it.” She smirked and called him out. “Or Pearl.”
He placed his hands on the counter, staring back at her. “I would never try to replace your mother.”
Ah, this man. Her suspicions were confirmed.
Her dad was keeping his secret for the sake of his children.
She understood his hesitation. Until now, he hadn’t so much as spoken about another woman.
But a lot of time had passed, and the thought of her father growing old alone gnawed at her heart.
He had so much life and love left in him.
It would be a shame not to share it with someone he liked. Possibly loved.
She reached out, placing her hand over his, caressing his knuckles. “I know you wouldn’t. And you know who else knows that? Stone, T, Ethan, and Bogs.” She squeezed his hand. “And Mom knows it too.”
A sad smile played on his lips. Roxanne couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like for him, losing the love of his life.
Growing up, they’d been amazing role models, not only as parents but as a couple.
They weren’t perfect, each having their own flaws, but together they were an ideal match.
But her mom was gone now, and her dad was still here.
“I like Pearl.” He nodded, and she instantly smiled.
Finally!
“Me too.” Roxanne tapped his hand, and he glanced up. “I got the chance to talk with her at the wedding. She was friendly, warm and funny. Not to mention very pretty with an amazing body. I hope I look that good when I’m her age.”
His stare hardened. “I’m not discussing Pearl’s body with my daughter.”
Roxanne burst out laughing. Fair enough. But at least he was opening up. It was a start.
“Will you at least talk about her with us? Tell us when you’re going to visit so we can send our regards?
And maybe, when you’re both ready, have her come here for a visit?
I know she’s still tight with Sadie, but let us all get to know her better, Dad.
Because if you’re happy,” Roxanne smiled, “we’re happy for you. ”
Her dad released a heavy sigh and snorted. “Well, then I’ll extend an invitation.”
Perfect!
*
Roxanne stayed at her dad’s until he headed to the airport. She offered him a ride, but as he pointed out, “Aren’t you already late for dinner?”
By the time she finally got there, after a guac-stop at the restaurant, she was almost an hour late. Not surprisingly, she was the last to arrive at T and Cassie’s house.
She pulled behind Stone’s truck in the tight driveway.
She thought for sure that after the birth of their daughter, they’d opt to move to a larger house.
Apparently, T and Cassie didn’t mind the close quarters.
She grabbed her bag from the passenger seat along with the queso, guacamole, salsa and enough chips to feed a small army. By the end of the night, it’d be gone.