Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Honey, good to see you,” Harrison’s mom, Sarah, greets her son with a hug.
“Dear, look who we ran into when we arrived for dinner,” my mom adds as she pulls me into a hug of her own, glancing over my shoulder at her ex-son-in-law. “Is something going on?” she whispers in my ear.
“Let’s grab our table, and we’ll explain,” Harrison says, heading to the hostess stand. “Drake, party of six.”
My dad is watching me, his all-knowing eyes assessing and dissecting. I can feel all their questions rolling off them in waves.
“All right, let’s have a seat and I’m sure the kids will explain why we’re here together,” Sarah agrees, taking her husband’s hand and falling in line behind the hostess. Their eyes burn into my back as Harrison places a hand above my rear and guides me to our table. My heart is about to leap from my chest with nervousness, and I can’t even drink to take the edge off.
Harrison takes the seat beside me, something the four sets of eyes around our table notice immediately. No one speaks as menus are placed in front of us and the hostess promises to send our waiter over immediately. I glance over tonight’s specials, but already know what I’m ordering. I’m sort of a creature of habit like that.
Our waitress arrives and I recognize her immediately. She’s worked here for years and has served Harrison and me many meals. She also knew about the divorce, like everyone else in town, so there’s no missing the curious look she gives. “Good evening,” she greets, setting glasses of water down at each plate. “Can I start you off with some drinks?”
Our parents order first, alcoholic beverages for each one. When she gets to me, I state, “Just water, please.”
“Same,” Harrison adds, closing his menu and setting it to the side.
“So, how’s work?” Sarah asks, glancing across the table to her son.
“Good. Busy. We’re getting ready to open the second location, and the third should follow later this summer. I also purchased a fourth location, which should be ready to go by the end of the year. It needs some cosmetic work to the building, but the structure is sound,” Harrison tells his parents.
“Good deal, son. Happy to see it taking off like this,” his dad, Adam, compliments.
As soon as our waitress returns with our drinks and takes our orders, all eyes fall on us. My nerves have me ready to jump out of my skin and I can’t stop my hand from thumping the tabletop and my legs from bouncing uncontrollably.
“Okay, spill,” my mom finally demands.
I clear my throat and open my mouth. “We have some news.”
“You’re back together,” Sarah states, her eyes full of happiness.
“Well—” I start, but am cut off.
“Yes,” Harrison answers, reaching down and taking my hand in his. The touch instantly calms my nerves. “We’re back together,” he adds, glancing my way and giving me a warm grin.
“Oh, I’m so happy!” my mom coos, clapping her hands victoriously as Sarah’s eyes fill with tears.
My dad just stares at my ex-husband, not voicing his pleasure like the women. When I glance at Adam, he’s doing the same. Both men look like they want to say something, or at least ask a question, and it’s my dad who speaks first. “What’s different about this time around?”
I sober instantly and sit up straight. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I glance at the man at my side to find his gaze locked on my father’s. “Everything,” Harrison reassures. “I openly admit that I messed up last time. I shouldn’t have let it get to the point it did. I shouldn’t have agreed to a divorce when I wanted anything but. That was entirely on me. I won’t make the same mistake a second time,” he adds, bringing my hand to his mouth. “I have too much at stake now.” He says the words to my dad, but I know they’re for me too.
“You don’t get all the blame,” I remind him, knowing full well I played a part in the demise of our marriage.
“But I take it. All of it. I should have fought harder for the things I loved and valued most in this world.” His eyes are intense and speak volumes for the sincerity in his voice. I know he takes full responsibility, even though that’s not where it lies. It’s placed at both our feet, though no matter how much I try to reason, it’s a bit difficult to get that through his thick skull.
Risking a glance across the table, I see both our moms wearing a tearful smile, while our dads still watch us closely, silently observing. When my dad finally speaks, he says, “I believe you, son. Just know that I won’t let you hurt her a second time.”