Chapter 27 #2
“I never attached malice to what you did,” I assured him. “I hated being a disappointment, but I knew you wanted what was best for me.”
“I have always wanted that,” Dad confirmed.
“I still want that. I know I haven’t been as gracious as I should be about the writing—that it was something you and your mother talked about all the time and I never got onboard with—but I’m very proud of you.
That book about the giant spiders was chilling. ”
I almost fell out of my chair. “You read that?”
“I’ve read them all.”
My mouth fell open and I sat there for what felt like a really long time, confused. Then I burst out laughing. “Please tell me you didn’t read the one about the cult.”
“The one with all the kinky sex? Yup.” He bobbed his head emphatically. “That one was quite good. Your mother would have loved it.”
I was officially mortified. “Dad.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“It looks like I’ll have to read some more books. All your friends, I want to read their stuff too.”
“Brody and Bree are writing mysteries right now. That’s probably more your speed.”
“I’ve already preordered the snake book,” Dad replied. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
I was officially flummoxed. “I don’t know what to say,” I replied finally. “I always thought you saw me as a disappointment.”
“Never.” Dad vehemently shook his head. “I was always secretly impressed at the way you shut me down when I would get on you about a change of career.”
“But… when we talked a few weeks ago, you were disappointed I wasn’t moving to New York.”
“Because I want to spend more time with you. I realize that I’ve missed out on the bulk of your adult life, and I want to make up for that.”
“Oh.” My cheeks burned under his steady scrutiny.
“I know you’re not moving to New York, Nathan.” He clucked his tongue and shook his head. “This is your home now. You’ve found someone you click with, finally, and you’re not going to leave her.”
“It’s not just Bella,” I said hurriedly. “I would never leave her though. I know it’s soon and everything, but I feel—”
“Your mother and I were engaged less than a month after meeting,” he interrupted. “Did I ever tell you that story?”
Giddiness warred with nostalgia in my chest. “No, but I want to hear it. Maybe, once all of this is settled, you can tell it to Bella and me.”
Dad didn’t hesitate before responding. “Absolutely. I wasn’t lying when I said I couldn’t wait to meet her. I’m looking forward to it a great deal. I’m sure she’s lovely.”
“She’s a bit of a geek, and her mother thinks she’s a witch.” It was a test and I wanted to see how he would react.
“A witch?” He looked more confused than judgmental. “I don’t understand.”
“Bella grew up in Salem. Her mother conducts tours and hangs around with a whole cadre of single mothers who enjoyed drinking wine and dancing under a full moon.” If I was ever going to see the old Andrew Cooper, it would be now.
“Oh.” Dad scratched his cheek. “I don’t really get the witch thing, but I’ve been to Salem.”
“Did you like it?”
“I don’t remember having much of an opinion about it either way. They have good food.”
“Well, maybe you can visit again this fall,” I said. “I want Bella to show me her town, during Halloween, so we’re going to be up there in October one way or another. That’s not too far of a trip for you.”
“It’s not,” Dad agreed. “I can definitely make that trip. In fact, I plan to start making regular trips down here too.”
“You do?” I was still shocked that this man was the same father I’d grown up with.
“Don’t act so surprised. That’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. I want to get to know you as an adult. I’ve been lax in that department, and it’s going to change.” There was no give to his tone.
“I would really like that, although I don’t know if you’re going to like Savannah.”
He merely shrugged. “You’re here. It will be fine.” He leaned back in his chair. “Now, tell me what sort of trouble you’re in, and don’t leave anything out. I can’t help until I know exactly what we’re up against.”
“It’s a long story, and it involves the worst man in the world.”
Dad didn’t look daunted. “I’m sure I’ve dealt with worse people.”
“I don’t know. This guy… he’s psychopathic or something.”
“Just tell me. I’m sure we can figure it out.”
“We’re going to have to do it fast. Whatever Preston has planned, he’ll do it in the next few days. Monday, we pack up and head home.”
“And then you’ll have to say goodbye to your little love nest,” Dad mused. “Does that make you sad?”
“Yes and no. The cabin isn’t great, and as much fun as we’ve had, there’s plenty more fun to have away from this place. It’s just that we’ve built our entire relationship in a bubble. What happens when that bubble bursts?”
“Your world gets bigger.”
His answer was simple, yet it threw me. “Do you really think it’s going to be that easy?”
“Yup. You’re clearly smitten. You wouldn’t fall for anybody who doesn’t deserve it. If she’s like your mother, then you’re going to be happy forever.”
I swallowed around the sudden lump in my throat. “That’s a weird word. Smitten.”
“Is it the wrong word?”
“No.”
“Then tell me what you’re up against, and we’ll fix it. Whatever this is, we won’t be the ones losing. I guarantee it.”
And just like that, I had the father I’d always wanted. Sure, there would be some bumps along the way—it would be impossible for there not to be—but I was looking forward to yet another journey.
“Okay, but brace yourself. This is the worst story you’ve ever heard.”
“Then I definitely want to hear it.”