Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
“Tessa’s not here. She’s currently at my house. My wife has her wrapped up in so many blankets and plied with enough wine and food that the dark circles won’t take care of.” It seems I’m making a shit ton of mistakes today, probably more than I ever have before. I know given the opportunity, I would have told Tessa exactly how I felt before Mae came home. We’d have a solid game plan, telling my daughter our news together and doing the same thing with her parents.
“I figured as much. Not one of my proudest days. I have a few people to make amends with, Tessa being the first. Going after my daughter probably wasn’t the smartest move, and I didn’t think it’d take me half the day,” I admit to a man who’s older and I’m sure a fuck ton wiser since he’s been married for many years.
“You’re a good dad, knew that for years. It’s up to Tessa if she wants to see you. I’d like to say I have a say, but her mother would box my ears and kick me to the couch. It doesn’t seem long ago Taylor and I were in a similar situation, me talking to her dad, him pissed that I was a decade older than his baby girl. Of course, she was barely out of high school, still seventeen to my twenty-nine. Things were a little different back then. I still almost got my ass beat. It took some fast talking and Taylor insisting she wasn’t pregnant.” John, Tessa’s dad, takes a breath while bringing the bottle of beer to his mouth.
“We didn’t start anything until she came back home, John. I promise you that.” I really should have had a drink when I was home. This is damn uncomfortable.
“I’m old, not too old to see a man spilling his guts and speaking the truth. Promise me one thing?” he asks, standing up.
“What’s that?” I reply, unsure what he could possibly want me to promise.
“Let her have a choice. You’ve never been married, never brought a woman around, never opened your heart to anyone else. If Tessa wants a marriage or a child, give her the opportunity. My baby girl deserves it all. Let her have a choice.”
“Daddy, I love that you’re worried about me, making sure King is a stand-up guy, but I’m thinking he and I should have this conversation.” I watch as Tessa walks out the side gate of her parents’ backyard. She’s got a blanket wrapped around her body. It doesn’t shield her wearing a pair of oversized sweats or slippers. That’s not what gets me; it’s the shirt she’s wearing. I knew when I left earlier today, she was in my button-down from last night. This is a different one. A white tank top, one I wear beneath a shirt similar to last night, is hanging loosely on her small frame.
“I’m sure you’re right about that, sweet pea.” He moves towards her and kisses the side of her head.
“See you around, Kingston. Remember what I said.” I nod my agreement. The thing about what he said, I’d do whatever it takes to keep Tessa in my life. If she wants children, I’ll start all over. The first time wasn’t too bad. I’m sure the second go around wouldn’t be too bad either. Tessa becoming my wife, though, that’s a given and only a matter of time.
“Daddy,” Tessa groans. Her eyes are glossy, and there are dark circles beneath them. Shit, I fucked up.
“Temptress. Sweetheart.” I stride towards her and cup her cheek. A tear slides down her soft creamy skin. I slide my thumb along her skin to wipe it away. She nuzzles into my palm.
“Let’s go upstairs, okay? I think between the two of us, my parents have gotten enough of a show today.” She places her hand on top of mine, squeezing it.
“Whatever you want, Tessa, it’s yours.” The necklace I gave her last night is still in its place, giving me all the hope I need.
23
TESSA
I knew Kingston was on his way before he pulled into the driveway due to a text from my best friend stating she loves me, even though I broke girl code with her dad, along with the vomiting emoji. At the tail end, she told me King was on his way, and to give him hell. That’s Mae, sweetness with a lot of sass, no apologies given, but she’s pure down to the marrow of her bones. It’s why I know without a doubt becoming a criminal trial attorney will never be her calling.
“Tessa, I’m sorry.” Those words are the first thing he says once we’re inside my apartment. The only lights on are coming from the lit Christmas tree in the corner and another small lamp on the table. A memory hits me, of Kingston waking me up early one Saturday morning, telling me it was time to get up, to hit the Christmas tree lot. Every year, he had it up, lights strung, ready to decorate the second Mae got home. It was a lot of fun, especially kissing under the mistletoe at the check-out counter. From that point on, the Christmas bug got bigger and bigger. I’d stop at a store during my lunch break, grab something here or there to add to either my office, my apartment, or King’s house.