Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
“That’s great, baby. I’m happy for you.”
“Yeah. I’m happy too.”
“Are you? It sounds like there’s something else you’re not telling me.”
“It’s just a lot to process. I made certain assumptions in my head and, well, you know how that goes.”
“Just remember, he’s human. He probably made assumptions too.”
Ugh, that didn’t help. Now, I was preoccupied with wondering if I somehow didn’t meet my dad’s expectations.
Hale cleared his throat and yawned. “I can’t wait to hear all about him.”
“I was hoping you two could meet when you come back.”
“Bad news, baby. Some of our investors got delayed and I have to stay longer than expected.”
Dread tunneled through my stomach. “How long?”
“Another week.”
My heart instantly seized. “That’s cutting it really close, Hale.”
“I know. But I promise this is the last trip until after the honeymoon.”
That meant he wasn’t going to be able to come with us to get my dad’s tux. “I’ll miss you.”
“I already miss you, baby. A lot.”
I sighed. “Get some sleep.”
After hanging up with Hale, I called Andrew to check on Elara. They had a full day scheduled with a visit to the petting zoo. I was jealous I wouldn’t be there. Hale suggested flying them out to New York, but I wasn’t planning on staying long. I just needed to get my dad situated then I could return home.
I texted the new man in my life and he seemed happy to hear from me. Was he sitting beside his wife? Having breakfast? Had he told his family about me yet? I wondered if he was even aware of how much his announcement screwed with my head.
We decided to meet tomorrow for another lunch and then a visit to the tailor. This time he was driving into the city to meet me—because he owed me that much.
I ordered room service and enjoyed a large breakfast. It felt like I hadn’t eaten in weeks. Then I made the call I was dreading.
“Hi, Mom.”
“My goodness, Ray, I’ve been leaving you messages all week.”
“I know. I’m sorry. My schedule’s been nuts.”
“Are you getting excited for the wedding?”
We spent the next several minutes discussing the details of her dress, which Phina had shipped to her last week so she could handle the alterations in Oregon.
“I don’t think I’m going to wear the shoes Dina sent. They’re a little too pointy.”
“Her name’s Phina, Mom, not Dina. Short for Seraphina.”
“Oh. Gosh, I hope I didn’t call her the wrong name when we spoke on the phone.”
My mom didn’t have a mean bone in her body but she often rambled without a filter. “Josette made you an appointment to get your hair touched up when you get here.”
“Touched up?”
“Highlights and a trim.”
“Do I need all that?”
“I want to treat you. You’ll have fun.”
“A New York salon? They must charge a fortune.”
“It’s fine, Mom. I said it’s my treat.”
“Rayne, you sound a little stressed. Is everything all right?”
I debated bringing up my father and decided now was not the right time, but impulse was a bully and my common sense tended to be a big, fat wimp. “Why didn’t you tell me Daddy got remarried.”
The line silenced. “Where did that come from?”
“Did you know?”
“Yes, I knew. Honey, your father and I haven’t been together for nearly thirty years.”
“Did you know he has other children?” Silence. “Mom?”
She sighed. “Have you been talking to him?”
She knew. She knew and she kept it from me. “We had lunch the other day.”
“Oh, Rayne.”
“What? Why is that a bad thing? He’s my father. I’m allowed to have a relationship with him.”
“Of course you are, but I know your father and I know what he’s like.”
She couldn’t know him that well. “You haven’t been in his life for thirty years, Mom.”
“Well, I’m in yours. I know you, Rayne. You always see the best in people and then you’re devastated when they disappoint you.”
“What’s been disappointing is not having a father in my life. You should have told me he had another family.”
“That wouldn’t have made a difference, Rayne. It only would have made you question yourself more, and his actions have always had nothing to do with you. Oh, I wish you would have told me you were thinking of contacting him.” She sounded so certain that my choice had been a bad one.
“Why can’t you be happy for me? We’re finally connecting.”
“Your father’s a complicated man, sweetie. He’s not the most dependable person and he can be very selfish. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
My defenses went up. “Just because your relationship with him didn’t work out doesn’t mean ours won’t. He’s been with his other family for three decades.” I winced at how accusatory that sounded. I hadn’t pointed that out to make my mom feel inadequate. “What I meant to say—”
“Well, it sounds like you have everything all figured out then.”