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“Just a minute,” Mom says, waving him off. Andrew and I share a humorous look when we watch him deflate into the armchair at her ignoring his signs. She pointedly asks, “Can you show me your workstation again?”
Eyeing Dad, because this is totally his chance to slowly lead her out the door, I jump at the opportunity. “Let’s go,” I say. We stand and head toward the garage. Travis follows us dutifully, running through the door and sniffing under every bench and table for a sign of something out of the ordinary. It’s something I’ve noticed in the last few weeks, that he’s very protective, but not in an aggressive way. He just wants to make sure both Andrew and I are safe.
Mom runs her hands up and down one of the plastic tables I have set up. “Are you happy, dear?”
I had a feeling she was pulling me out here to get me alone, and I was right. “Yeah, I really am.” I can’t help but smile when I think about all the reasons I have to be happy. I have a home that I’m happy in, a business that is growing, and a boyfriend who treats me better than I’ve been treated in my entire life.
She thoughtfully nods. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior when you moved. It was uncalled for. I was being selfish, and I understand that now. Zack was never good for you, and I was too blind to see it.”
I nod, letting her say her piece.
“I’m so proud of you, Josie Rae. You’ve always been my little ray of sunshine, and you’ve proved that you always will be.”
Tears sting the back of my eyes, and I didn’t know how badly I needed her to say those words. I reach out, taking her in a hug. “Thank you, Mom. It means a lot. Really. I’m glad you understand that I was doing what was best for me, not out of spite.”
“I’m so sorry I made you feel less than your worth.” She pauses for a moment. “You’re in love, aren’t you?”
I nod. “We haven’t said it yet… but yeah. I’m in love with him.”
We collide into a hug that lasts minutes, tears sliding down both our cheeks. A throat clears behind us, signaling Dad’s arrival.
“Lori, I think it’s about time for us to head out, don’t you think?” he asks.
Mom and I part, and I spot Andrew standing behind my dad, his brow furrowed in concern. Okay? He mouths. I nod.
I hug Dad goodbye, and walk them out, watching until they pull out of my driveway, and their taillights disappear into the distance. Andrew stands behind me the whole time, arms around my chest, tucking his chin into the crook of my neck. My hands reach up to hold his arms, appreciating his embrace.
31
ANDREW
“I’m not going to go all ‘macho man’ dad on you, but I will ask you this. Do you love her?” Kevin asks. He’s currently staring me down from where he sits across from me. His elbows rest on his knees, hands clasped in front of him.
I mimic his stance, nodding.
“And you have good intentions?” he asks.
“I do, I promise. I’m… I haven’t told her yet, so respectfully, sir, I’m going to wait to tell her first, but… the answer is yes, to both. I think I knew the minute I laid eyes on her. I was never one to believe in love at first sight, but that changed the moment I met your daughter.”
Kevin thoughtfully nods, then offers his hand to me. We shake, then Kevin laughs, pulling me into a tight hug. “Welcome to the family, kid. Never liked anyone she’s dated, except you. Don’t make me regret that.” He pulls back, clapping me on the shoulder.
“I won’t, you can count on that.” Without thinking it over too much, I speak again. “Can you keep a secret?”
Kevin leans back, growing wary. “Depends on what kind of secret.”
I chuckle. “Nothing crazy. The night of our first date, when I picked her up, she showed me her work space, and since then, I’ve been working on something for her.” I pull my phone out of my back pocket, opening it and finding the photos I’m looking for.
I swipe through the photos, explaining each little nook and crannies special purpose. When I’ve shown him all of them, Kevin smiles. “Good work, kid. She’s been waiting for someone like you.”
He starts walking toward the door into the garage. “Now, if it’s all the same to you, I’m going to see if I can get my wife to leave. I’m beat.”
I chuckle, following him out to the garage. Standing in the open doorway, I catch just a glimpse of their conversation.
“...love with him.” Josie’s quiet voice murmurs. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what they’re talking about. My heart thumps hard in my chest, overflowing with love for this beautiful girl.
Kevin and I stand by and watch as they hug, shoulders shaking with quiet cries. It’s a beautiful moment, one that I don’t want to break, but Kevin is ready to go, so he clears his throat. I have to choke back a laugh, because this man really does not care, he does whatever he wants.
We say our goodbyes, and Josie and I watch as they drive away. “Did you have a good night, petals?”
