47. Gwen #2
“Dawn?” my father calls out.
My mother’s eyes widen with surprise. “I did not tell him you were here. I swear.”
My dad’s footsteps grow louder as he gets closer, and my stomach flips.
Oh no, oh no. This isn’t happening.
“Relax, Gwen,” Lance whispers in my ear. “Remember our deal.”
I look at my husband as though he lost his damn mind, but all he does is wink at me.
Did he do this?
Before I can ask Lance what the hell he meant by that, my dad enters the dining room, looking tired and rumpled.
His hair is messy, his face is unshaven, and he has bags under his eyes.
This is not the Ted Montgomery I’m used to seeing.
My dad is a businessman first. He’s composed. Intimidating and confident.
When Dad’s green eyes connect with mine, his shoulders sag in relief.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re here.” He rushes toward me, tugging me out of the chair and into his arms, into the same teddy-bear hug he would give me as a child. The one that always made me feel protected and safe.
“I’m so sorry, baby girl.” Dad sniffles, hugging me tighter. “So damn sorry.”
“I’m sorry too, Dad.” Tears cloud my vision as my arms wrap around his hulky frame. A small wave of guilt washes over me for not having been honest with him in the first place. “I should have tried talking to you.”
“No. You have nothing to be sorry for; it was all me,” he says, shaking his head.
My father pushes me away to look me in the eye.
“I was wrong. About so many things. I never should have kept you from holding an executive role like your brothers. You are more than qualified and deserving of such a position.” Dad clears his throat, looking around the room, at the women in his life, before looking back at me.
“It has been brought to my attention that I favor your brothers in certain situations, and there is no excuse for that. But I hope you know I love you, Gwenny girl. Probably more than your brothers, because you’ve never given me a reason to worry like those fools. ”
Tears streak my cheeks as I look up at my dad, remorse and regret shining in his watery eyes. The anger that I’d been holding on to washes away. I’ve never known my father to apologize, let alone admit to wrongdoing.
“About time you noticed,” I sniff, wiping away my tears.
“You’re right. I should have seen it sooner.
Seen you sooner. You are intelligent, hardworking, strong, and far too patient to put up with my bullshit.
You can’t quit. I won’t let you. Everyone sings your praises in the front office.
You’re amazing and doing an amazing job. I’m sorry for not saying that sooner.”
“Thank you. That’s all I ever wanted to hear. I love what our family has created with the Evaders, and I want to be a part of that legacy.”
“And you will. Consider the will void. Absolutely meaningless. I never should have followed your grandfather’s wishes to begin with. He was not a good example when it came to women.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Juju snarks, sipping her white wine.
“I know, Ma. I’m sorry. To all of you.” Dad makes eye contact with Lance and extends his hand. “You too, Taylor. Thank you for talking some sense into me and giving me a chance to talk to my daughter. Just don’t make it a habit. I still sign your paychecks.”
Lance stands, stepping beside me, wraps his arm around my waist, and extends his hand to my father. “You’re welcome, sir.”
“Ted is fine,” Dad says as they shake hands.
My mom rushes over, tears in her eyes, and throws her arms around my dad’s shoulders. “Oh, Teddy Bear, I’m so proud of you.”
As my parents hug, having a private moment, Lance looks down at me and mouths, Teddy Bear?
Scrunching my nose at the endearment my mother used, I shrug.
We stifle a chuckle as Juju claps her hands, drawing all our attention. “Now that the apology portion is over, let’s get down to business. Lance?”
“Yes, ma—” My grandmother glares at him from her place at the head of the table. “Juju?” he corrects himself.
She steeples her fingers. “Where do we stand on a proper wedding and giving me a great-grandchild? I’m not getting any younger.”
“Ma,” Dad grumbles.
“What? I’m just asking?” Juju says with an innocent smile.
Lance chuckles. “That’s all up to Gwen. I’ll be happy with whatever she wants. Big or small wedding? Kids or no kids? Doesn’t matter to me as long as she’s mine.”
“Good answer,” my dad says, slapping Lance on the back as he walks around the table and takes the seat next to my mother.
Lance and I take our seats as well, but Juju is determined. “Well?”
“How about we start with a wedding?” I ask, looking over at Lance. “At our house?”
Lance places his hand on my thigh and squeezes as he clears his throat. “Our house sounds perfect.”
His blue eyes sparkle as he chastely kisses me, making my heart soar.
The rest of lunch is filled with light conversation and, thanks to Juju, a lot of laughter.
I never thought today would have turned out the way it did—that my father would apologize, that I’d return to work and become a part of my family’s legacy, and that I’d be planning a wedding.
There’s no doubt the man I love made all this happen. I don’t know what he said to my dad to help him come around, but whatever it was worked, and I couldn’t be more grateful to him for making it happen.
Later, I plan on showing my husband exactly how thankful I am for everything he’s done to make me happy.