Page 148 of Their Property
I allowed myself to relax, sinking into the cushion of my chair. Our relationship wouldn’t be repaired overnight, but we were making progress, and that was better than nothing. He could apologize and grovel all he liked, but it was actions that mattered. And I think we both knew I wouldn’t be so quick to forgive him this time.
“If you hadn’t given the guys a reason to leave Four Corners, we probably wouldn’t have ended up together,” I said. “So I guess it wasn’t all bad.”
Dad looked relieved, but he was smart enough to know he wasn’t off the hook entirely. “You are happy and successful. I just wish I had been a more positive force in your life for you to get here.” He swallowed, and I saw the shine of tears in his eyes before he quickly wiped them away. “I have many regrets, Kyrie.”
My defenses thawed a little more at that, and I reached for his hand. “You know, a wise man named Martin Vance told me that the only way through a difficult time is forward.” I squeezed his fingers. “So let’s try our best to move in that direction.”
He smiled and squeezed back. “I don’t know about the wisdom of that man, but it was a very wise woman who said it to him.” His gaze cast to the side, looking sad again for a moment. “A warrior of a woman.”
He didn’t have to say who she was. We both knew.
I released his hand and stood up, then held my arms out for a hug. Dad hung back, adorably careful of my belly while he hugged my upper back. It felt good to hug him, I had to admit. Distancing myself was necessary, but he was still my family, and I had missed him.
“Would you like to have lunch with us?” I asked when we separated.
Dad beamed and offered me his elbow. “I would love nothing more.”
“How long are you staying in Gerardson?” I picked up my purse, and together we headed for the office doors.
“That depends.” He gave me a cautious smile. “I planned on a brief personal visit, but if the governor of Gerardson wants to discuss business, I’m sure I can rearrange my schedule.”
I grinned with a light squeeze on his elbow. “I’m sure we can fit in some productive business meetings, Governor Vance.”
“I agree,” he paused, “Governor Vance.”
Just before we walked out the door, in the corner of my vision, my valkyrie smiled.
The End
