Page 178 of Forever

Had he really? Because Matt kind of thought otherwise. “Matt mentioned you recently hired a hitman or something…”

My dad laughed. “I have many wet workers on my payroll.Had,I mean. Past tense. And I never hired anyone to hurt Matthew. Recently I hired a someone to followhim around to make sure he was safe after the Locatelli…incident. But he’s been dismissed now of course.”

Oh.My father thought I may have died in that car bomb. But he’d still protected Matt. I was thankful for that.

“Like I said, I kept Matthew safe all these years, despite any threats. I probably did things he didn’t even realize to ensure he was safe. Because I knew you would have wanted that.”

I honestly had no idea what he was referring to. And maybe it was best that I didn’t. If he’d done something in my absence to protect Matt, I was grateful. But I wasn’t done talking about those contracts. “We agreed to no more surprises. I want you to destroy the contracts.”

“Or you could just read them.”

I shook my head. “I don’t want a contract with you. I just want a normal father-daughter relationship.”

“It’s my duty to keep you safe…”

“Without a contract,” I said firmly.

He sighed. “Without a contract,” he agreed. “But you do have a prenup with Matthew, right?”

Was he serious? “Dad, no.”

“I really think…”

“No.”

He sighed. “Okay. Fine. No more contracts.”

“Thank you.” I’d never known my dad to be agreeable. But he seemed…different today. Definitely more relaxed. It was good that he’d stepped down. I was pretty sure that job was slowly killing him. And I’d only just gotten him back.

I took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do this thing. I’ve made Matt wait long enough.”

My dad opened the door.

The kids were running around the restaurant, but it didn’t take long for Justin to corral everyone by the doors.

“You look beautiful, Mommy,” Jacob said.

I crouched down in front of him. “Thank you.”

“Will you save a dance for me?”

Who had taught him to ask me that? I couldn’t stop smiling. “Of course. Are you ready? You have a very important job, sweet boy.” I gestured to the rings tied to the little pillow in his hand.

“Yessie.”

I kissed his cheek.

And then he turned to my dad. “I think I’m supposed to hit you again.”

My dad immediately put his hands over his junk.

I stifled a laugh. “We’re all going to start over and be friends.”

Jacob stared at my dad skeptically.

“A new beginning,” I said. “Everyone deserves a second chance. Especially family.”

Jacob scrunched his mouth to the side. “I already have an abuelo.”

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