Page 92 of A Devious Secret

“How I spend my time is not your concern.”

“I am still your father.”

“I believe I let my feelings be known on that.”

Her father walked over to the bench and sat down on one side. “I understand that Kitty came to visit you,” he said.

“She did.”

“I wish Kitty hadn’t done that, but she thought she was helping,” her father shared.

Gemma crossed her arms over her chest. “Helping with what?”

Her father met her gaze as he admitted, “I’m dying, Gemma.”

She felt the breath leave her lungs and she moved to sit down on the bench. “How?”

“The doctor says I have cancer.”

“Have you gotten a second opinion?”

Her father nodded. “I have gone to various specialists, and they all told me the exact same thing.”

Gemma hesitated before asking, “How long do you have?”

“Months, weeks…” He shrugged. “I was told to get my affairs in order sooner rather than later.”

Unsure of what to say, she settled on, “I’m sorry.”

“I have come into some money lately, and I was hoping that you would consider coming to live with me during this final stage of my life.”

“I don’t think that is such a good idea.”

Her father stared blankly ahead. “I know I haven’t been the best father to you, but I did do the best that I knew how.”

Gemma bit her tongue, knowing it was not the time or place to contradict him.

“I did set some money aside for you in my will,” he shared.

“That was thoughtful of you.”

Her father sighed. “With the short time I have left, I want to try to make amends with you,” he said. “Please say that it is not too late.”

It didn’t escape her notice that he said “please” again. She could send him on his way as retribution for how he had treated her, but she knew she would come to regret it. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but at some point in her life.

“It is not too late, but I can’t promise anything,” Gemma said.

“I understand.”

Her father turned his head towards her. “You shouldn’t be wasting your time on Mr. Wycomb.”

Gemma rose. “I do not care to discuss Mr. Wycomb with you.”

“Your marriage prospects will be dim now that your name is associated with him,” her father said. “That article did no favors to you or Mr. Wycomb.”

“I have weathered worse storms than this,” Gemma remarked.

“Promise me that you won’t marry Mr. Wycomb.”