Page 36 of The Inn Dilemma

“Well, let me just say, if you do end up getting married, I am going to be very jealous of your future husband.”

She bites down on her bottom lip with a little smirk, and it’s at that moment I realize my statement couldn’t be more true. I am jealous of her future husband. And not just for her amazing baking skills. I feel my ears heat and quickly change the subject.

“So have you tried to reach out to your dad again?”

Even though I know it’s a tender topic, I feel the need to push her a little bit. It’s a good way for me to redirect my thoughts from where they were headed.

Nova chews slowly, appearing to mull over my words. “No. But I think I may go to his office tomorrow. He does still work there even though Christian took over as CEO, right?”

I nod. “You know Kent; he needs to have control somewhere.”

She doesn’t even flinch at my statement. Her father’s need for control is a fact that’s been ingrained in her since birth.

“I’ll call his secretary tomorrow morning and ask casually if he’s in. If so, I think I’m going to bite the bullet and drop in unannounced. Maybe throwing him off his routine will make him soften or do something out of his comfort zone—like talk to me.”

I rest my hand on her shoulder. “He will talk to you eventually. Just pray about it, and he’ll come around. You’re his daughter.”

She clenches her jaw. “Not according to him.”

“Those were words spoken as a knee-jerk reaction. God is working on him."

“I hope you’re right. At this point, I truly believe only Jesus can change his heart of stone.”

“And He will.” I say it with all the certainty I don’t feel, while praying my words aren’t just an empty promise.

Chapter Twelve

Nova

Islowly push a deep breath through my lips before lifting my fist to knock on the office door.

Dad’s secretary is scheduled to be out at lunch—something she told me when I called an hour ago—which I thought would be the perfect time to show up here. If Dad is going to reject me again, it will have to be to my face…again. Preferably without an audience.

It hasn’t been long since his last rejection, but I feel as though I’ve lived another life since that day.

The door swings open before I can give it another knock. Dad looks ruffled and irritable.

Some things never change.

“Nova.” His tone is sharp, yet not as lethal as the last time we talked.

“Hi, Dad. I’d really like to talk.”

He draws his lips into a firm line. Again, I’m struck by how much he’s aged. Kidney disease has really taken a toll on him.

Dad is silent for a second too long, and all thebravado I worked up while driving here slowly drains out of me.

“This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come here. I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for running off.” I turn on my heel. Dad reaches out and grabs my arm.

“Nova, wait.” His voice doesn’t hold the same command it usually does.That little fact brings me hope.

Slowly, carefully, I turn to face him again. I work up the courage to stare at the man whose actions made it clear I’d never be enough.

“What?” I ask.

He clears his throat as if getting his next words out goes against everything he stands for. “We do need to talk. Really talk.”

My heart hammers against my ribcage. Any remaining bravado dissipates.

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