Page 61 of Finding Parker

And low and behold, I was introduced to Parker Bale and Kenton Ward. Now, as a girl of twenty-three, I have one of my wishes granted. I am soon to be married, and I have a man who I view as a fatherly figure. He may not be my father, but he’s as good as I could ever hope for.

And far better than most biological fathers, I’m sure.

I just needed one thing from him, if possible.

As I nervously approached the gate, a voice came from the landscaping along the fence.

“Good afternoon, Miss,” the voice hesitated.

“Good afternoon, Victoria. Mr. Ward is expecting you.”

“Downes?” I asked.

“Yours truly. Come in and park by the fountain.”

As the gate opened, I depressed the clutch and revved the engine. Although I never wanted Parker to see my car, I had no problem with Kenton seeing it. I just needed to make this a quick visit. Parker had gone to get fitted for a tuxedo, and he would be done in about an hour. I released the clutch, mashed the gas, and lurched forward along the driveway that led to the Ward Mansion. As I came to a stop at the fountain, the engine died.

Perfect timing.

As I stepped from the car, Downes walked out onto the porch, “Good afternoon dear. I hope all is well.”

“Very well, thank you,” I said as I slammed the door to the car.

“Vintage Toyota, they’re bulletproof,” Downes nodded his head and smiled.

“Oh stop it. Good God, Downes, it’s a piece of shit,” I laughed as I walked toward the steps.

“Kenton’s sitting out on the deck. Follow me,” Downes said as I reached the top step.

I followed Downes through the house and out onto the deck. As I stepped through the French doors, Kenton stood from his seat, smiled, and opened his arms, “This engagement isn’t going to last forever, and surely you’re going to go the distance, aren’t you?”

I laughed as we embraced, “Yes, I’m going the distance, it’s not that.”

“Money? Do you need money?” he whispered as he hugged me.

“No, it’s not that. I really just wanted to talk,” I said as I released my grip and stepped back.

“Okay. I’m all ears, dear,” he said as he sat down and picked up the pitcher of tea.

“Peach?” I asked.

“I’ve completely forbidden that damned raspberry, yes it’s peach,” he smiled.

I nodded my head.

As he poured a glass of tea, I considered how to begin what it is I wanted to say. This wasn’t going to be easy, and I hated the thought of rejection, but if I didn’t ask, I certainly would never happen. If I did ask, it just might. For a once in a lifetime event like my marriage, I had to at least ask.

“Do you love me?” I asked as he was still pouring the tea.

He stopped pouring and lowered the pitcher to the table, “Yes, I do. With all of my heart.”

“Good because I love you too. You and Downes. And I’m not including him because I think that’s what you or Parker wants, I am because it’s true. And Kenton, you’ve become the closest thing to a father I could ever have hoped for. I consider you so much more than a fatherly figure. So much more,” I said as I reached for the tea.

“What’s troubling you, Victoria?” he asked softly.

I had no idea how to do this. I guess it’s just best to do it.

“Would you consider,” I paused for a moment and took a sip of tea.