Nights in Rodanthe - By Nicholas Sparks Page 0,27
asked him about it, he said he wasn’t going to miss it at all. That he had big plans now that he was finished.”
Adrienne’s expression softened. “What he meant was that he was planning to do the things he wanted instead of the things he had to do. Spending time with me, with the grandkids, with his books, or with friends. He deserved a few easy years after all he’d been through, and then…” She trailed off before meeting Paul’s eyes. “You would like him if you met him. Even now.”
“I’m sure I would. But would he like me?”
Adrienne smiled. “My dad likes everyone. Before his strokes, there was nothing more enjoyable to him than listening to people talk and learning what they were all about. He was endlessly patient, and because of that, people always opened up to him. Even strangers. They would tell him things they wouldn’t tell anyone else because they knew he could be trusted.” She hesitated. “You want to know what I remember most, though?”
Paul raised his eyebrows slightly.
“It was something he used to say to me, ever since I was a little girl. No matter how good or bad I’d done in anything, no matter if I was happy or sad, my dad would always give me a hug and tell me, ‘I’m proud of you.’ ”
She was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know what it is about those words, but they always moved me. I must have heard them a million times, but every time he said them, they left me with the feeling that he’d love me no matter what. It’s funny, too, because as I got older, I used to joke with him about it. But even then, when I was getting ready to leave, he’d say it anyway, and I’d still get all mushy inside.”
Paul smiled. “He sounds like a remarkable man.”
“He is,” she said, and sat up straighter in her chair. “And because of that, I’ll work it out so he won’t have to leave. It’s the best place in the world for him. It’s close to home, and not only is the care exceptional, but they treat him like a person there, not just a patient. He deserves a place like that, and it’s the least I can do.”
“He’s lucky he has you as a daughter to watch out for him.”
“I’m lucky, too.” As she stared toward the wall, her eyes seemed to lose their focus. Then she shook her head, suddenly realizing what she’d been saying. “But listen to me going on and on. I’m sorry.”
“No reason to be sorry. I’m glad you did.”
With a smile, she leaned forward slightly. “What do you miss the most about being married?”
“I take it we’re changing the subject.”
“I figured it was your turn to share.”
“It’s the least I could do?”
She shrugged. “Something along those lines. Now that I’ve spilled my guts, it’s your turn.”
Paul gave a mock sigh and gazed up at the ceiling. “Okay, what I miss.” He brought his hands together. “I guess it’s knowing that someone is waiting for me when I get home from work. Usually, I wouldn’t be home until late, and sometimes Martha would already be in bed. But the knowledge that she was there seemed natural and reassuring, like the way things should be. How about you?”
Adrienne set her teacup on the table between them.
“The usual things. Someone to talk to, to share meals with, those quick morning kisses before either of us had brushed our teeth. But to be honest, with the kids, I’m more worried about what they’re missing than what I am right now. I miss having Jack around, for their sake. I think little kids need a mom more than they need a dad, but as teenagers, they need their dads. Especially girls. I don’t want my daughter thinking that men are jerks who walk out on their family, but how am I going to teach her that if her own father did it?”
“I don’t know.”
Adrienne shook her head. “Do men think about those things?”
“The good ones do. Like in everything else.”
“How long were you married?”
“Thirty years. You?”
“Eighteen.”
“Between the two of us, you’d think we’d have figured it out, huh?”
“What? The key to happily ever after? I don’t think there is one anymore.”
“No, I guess you’re right.”
From the hallway, they heard the grandfather clock beginning to chime. When it stopped, Paul rubbed the back of his neck, trying to work out the soreness from the drive. “I think