coffee?”
“Yeah.” I grab a mug, and pour her a coffee. “Have you seen Charlie anywhere?”
“Nope. I saw River earlier, but then he had to go back to Oak Tree Parade, he said they’ve had some kind of problem, and will likely be a bit late coming to tonight’s festival.”
“Problem? Did he say what?”
“Nah, but he was picking up supplies for the worksite. He said they let the rest of the contractors off for the day.”
“I hope they don’t work through the whole thing. I want Charlie to meet Dad.”
“Oh my God, are your parents here?”
“Only my dad. He’ll be here soon. I saw him at the B&B earlier, and he was actually really excited to be in Hope River.”
“Your mom’s not going to come?” The tension in my neck must be on my face to, because Elle doesn’t pursue the topic. “At least your dad made the effort. That’s super cool. I’ve never seen your father here.”
“I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of him now. Anyway, I’ll take this out to Aunt May, and then I’ll come in to help you.”
“I’m nearly done, I’ll be out there soon myself. Just go, enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks, Elle.” When I get outside, I see Dad’s already here, sitting, and talking with Aunt May. “Dad!” I squeal as I rush over, place the mug down in front of Aunt May and walk into his arms. I burst into tears. “I’m so happy you’re here. Oh my God!”
He hugs me so tightly; I love this feeling. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He kisses me on the cheek. I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. I step back, and slide my hands down his arms to squeeze his big, warm hands. “So, this is what these festivals are about? Food, and getting together?”
“You look so different, Dad. You’re more… I don’t know. It’s like you’re not so…”
“Uptight? Agitated?”
“First, you’re not wearing a suit. My God, I didn’t even know you owned jeans and a polo shirt.” Dad throws his head back and laughs. “And you look happier. I love having you here.” My cheeks are hurting because I’m smiling so much.
Dad looks over my shoulder to Aunt May, then back to me. “There’s something I need to tell you, Tabitha.”
His smile drops, and so does mine. “Are you okay? You’re not sick, are you?”
“No, nothing like that.” He licks his lips before saying, “There’s no other way to tell you this, but to come out with it. I left your mother.” I look away, down the road, trying to form some kind thought. “Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m not sure what to think or how to feel. I can’t say that I’m devastated, because I never had a connection to Mom. But I can’t say I’m happy either, because she is my mother after all.” I sit back in the seat, and look up at the dusky sky. Hues of orange, pink and blue all melt perfectly together. “Are you happy with your decision, Dad?”
“I’ve never been happier.”
“Then who am I to feel anything but happy for you? If you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”
“It was a loveless marriage, Tabitha, you know that. Your mother only wanted to be in it for the prestige of the name, and the money that came with it. And looking back, I don’t think we ever really loved each other. The marriage was nothing more than a convenience, for both of us.”
“That’s not a reason to stay, so I’m happy for you. Still, it must have been hard to do.”
“I’ve lost too many years with you, and the last time you came home, you made me see all my faults, and all of your mother’s. I’m choosing to move on and be as big a part of your life as you’ll allow me to be.”
“Dad.” I move forward, and hug him.
“Now, where’s this Charlie character?”
“He’s at work. But he should be here soon. Let me send him a text.” I take my phone out of my pocket, and see that Charlie texted me only a few minutes ago. Running late, but I’ll be there in about half an hour. “Oh, he says he’ll be here in about half an hour or so.”
“I wanted to say thank you, Cole, for arranging all the nurses and therapists to help me,” my aunt says.
“It’s my pleasure, May. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Use that check book of yours to make a generous donation