Page 104 of Tempting Irish

Frank had always been cheap, never wanting to spend a dime more than he had to. I never imagined he had that much put aside. I doubt my mom did, either, because there’s no way she would have left him if she hadknown.

My fingers shake as I open the smaller envelope with my name scribbled in Frank’s rough handwriting, and I take a breath before starting to readit.

Beatrice,

I know you’ll probably never forgive me, and I don’t blame you. But you need to believe that I would never have hurt you on purpose. I loved you and your mom very much. But I wasn’t an easy man to live with. I’ve tried for years to find you. And if you’re reading this, then it means I failed. Failed to say I was sorry. Failed as the father figure I should have been. Failed to protect you the way you deserved. I can’t give you back what I took from you. But I can give you everything that I have. I may not have been your father, but you were the closest thing I had to a daughter, and I hope one day you’ll be able to find it in your heart to forgiveme.

Frank

I let the letter fall to the table, tears blurring myvision.

Forgiveness. It’s not an easy thing. Especially not when the person is alreadygone.

It was the same when my mom passed. I hated her. But I still loved her. Not sure if I ever truly forgave her,though.

I realize it’s something I have to do now. Something Ineedto do if I’m ever going to be able to moveon.

An overwhelming feeling of freedom swirls inside mychest.

Did Owen know? Is that what he was trying to tell me at theairport?

I’m still upset that he didn’t tell me he was checking into my past. But no matter how many walls I try to build around my heart, I know that, deep down, he never meant to hurtme.

I didn’t trust him with my secrets. How was he supposed to trustme?

My fingers fidget with the legal documents, my eyes scanning over the numbersagain.

It’s enough money to startover.

To goanywhere.

But the only place I want to be ishome.

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