I Have Lived and I Have Loved - Willow Winters Page 0,378

be awesome.”

Max set the tray down.

“Thanks, Dad. Make sure you put the oven on for the lasagna.” She took a champagne glass from her father, who obviously wanted to make her feel special. “You’ll love it, Harper. My dad’s a great chef and pasta is his specialty.”

It was sweet that she thought I was staying for dinner. I didn’t need to set her straight. I’d pull Max to the side before he left to take Amanda and then when he’d had a chance to consider what I had to say, maybe he’d call. Hopefully he’d forgive me.

“Thank you, peanut, but I think I can handle the stove.” He continued to speak but held my gaze and I couldn’t look away. “And anyway, Harper hasn’t agreed to stay for dinner yet.”

My heart fluttered, suddenly beating twice as fast. He wanted me to stay for dinner. But I hadn’t apologized yet.

“But she will, won’t you, Harper? Keep my dad company while I’m at the dance?”

“Amanda,” Max warned.

“Dad, ask her. She can’t say yes until you do. Tell him, Violet.”

“It may sound like my daughter is strong-arming me into this, which is the last thing I want you to think.” He sighed, shaking his head at his sister and daughter. “And I really appreciate getting the opportunity to ask you in front of the two most interfering women on this planet.” Max turned to look at me. “But I’d really like you to stay to dinner so we can talk and hopefully set things straight between us.” He pushed his hands through his hair.

I tried to hide my grin. I wasn’t sure what set things straight meant. I hoped at the very least it would mean we wouldn’t hate each other. But a huge part of me really wanted more, more than I deserved. I wanted Max. I had to believe I wasn’t too late.

“Lasagna’s my favorite,” I replied.

“Oh my God, I remember when she was born,” Violet said as we came down the stairs after primping Amanda for as long as we could stretch out. “It seems like yesterday. And now . . .”

Max slung his phone on the counter and raised his eyebrows, instantly in the moment with his family despite whatever corporate emergency was bound to be causing him stress. “Is she ready?” he asked. He’d left us to primp and prime his daughter, but was clearly as invested in the event as the rest of us were.

I nodded. “She’s coming.”

Violet had put some waves in Amanda’s hair, so it looked very natural falling over her shoulders. And although I’d spent a lot of time on her makeup, it could have been done in two minutes—it was just a little mascara and a touch of lip gloss. Hopefully Max would approve.

I watched Max as he gazed at his daughter coming down the stairs in the blue and silver dress we’d picked out. His eyes went glassy and he tilted his head. “Peanut, you look completely beautiful.”

My heart squeezed. I wanted to reach out for him.

He walked toward her and she stepped back, putting her hands up to stop him from coming closer.

“You can’t touch me; you’ll ruin my hair or smudge my makeup.”

He chuckled, bent down, and kissed the top of her head. “You’re getting so tall. Are you going to FaceTime your mom?”

She shook her head. “She’ll just get emotional. We took some photos. I’ll send them tomorrow.”

She might only be fourteen but worrying about her mother’s feelings in a situation that was really all about her showed a great deal about her character. A personality that had been shaped in part by the man I’d so foolishly let go.

I hung back as Scarlett and Violet gathered their things and ushered Amanda out the door. Max followed, then stopped to lean against the doorway.

Before she got in the car, Amanda turned and waved. “Bye, Dad. Bye, Harper. Enjoy your date.”

I got the impression Amanda would be very happy to see our dinner become something more than apology and air clearing and that gave me some hope she knew something of Max’s intentions.

We watched them drive off until their taillights had completely disappeared.

“She’s beautiful, Max,” I said.

“She is. Thank you for being here, for helping her. I wanted this to be special; she’s been so excited.”

“It’s been a total pleasure. You didn’t want to go with them?” I asked as Max closed the door.

“Amanda wouldn’t let me. I think she was concerned I’d kick Callum Ryder’s ass given half a