“Oh, my goodness.”
Lance nodded. “Scared me half to death. I called the ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. It turned out she hadn’t taken enough pills to kill herself, but close. Anyway, I realized then that she wasn’t kidding. That she really was going to fall apart if I left her. I still loved your mother, of course I did. And all this was right after I’d found out Lynn was pregnant—which is why I wanted to leave and be with her. But with my wife’s threat of suicide and our young son, I knew I couldn’t risk it. If that’s me being a coward, then call me a coward. I accept that.”
Rita took a moment to digest what he’d told her. It certainly changed things. She still had questions, and it wasn’t as though this explanation simply made all of her pain and sadness go away.
She looked at him. “What about over the years? Why did you never see me?”
“I don’t know.” Her father shook his head. “My wife ended up being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and she needed me more and more. I knew that I had to get a different job, which meant I couldn’t travel anymore. I considered telling her about you, but I knew in my heart that it would be the wrong thing to do. That it would send her into a tailspin.”
“Are you trying to say that you were in a loveless marriage? Because Brandon’s birthday is several months after mine. If you had the one son, I could see it. But you got your wife pregnant again after my mother was pregnant. To me, it seems like you were having your cake and eating it, too.”
“Once I told your mother it was over, I figured I needed to try to make a go of it with my wife. What would be the point of being in a marriage that was completely loveless? I tried. She got pregnant again and, for a time, things were happier. But then she got sicker, and never seemed fully satisfied. On another occasion, she talked about wanting to end it all, and I knew that if I left, she might do something very stupid. And if she did do something stupid, it would be something that haunted me for the rest of my days.”
Lance sighed, his shoulders trembling beneath that heavy breath. “I never forgot your mother over the years, and I never forgot you. That’s why I always sent money, even though I couldn’t be a real father to you. Your mother...” He threw a glance in her direction. “Obviously she was quite devastated by my decision as well. I just thought that coming around to see you, to see her when I knew I couldn’t be with you both as a real father and family, would hurt her more. So that’s why I stayed away totally. And maybe this won’t make any sense, but I knew your mother was strong enough to handle living without me.”
Lance paused. “I realize now that it wasn’t the right thing to do. That a child needs her father. That I should’ve told my wife the truth and tried to get her help for her emotional issues. Now that she’s gone, I think back to the first suicide attempt. The doctor said she didn’t take enough pills to kill herself, and I had thought that it was a miscalculation. It really hadn’t occurred to me until recently that the threat of suicide might have been a ploy for her to control me. In any case, she succeeded.”
“So you see,” Lynn interjected. “It wasn’t that your father didn’t want to be with me, or with you. It was the situation. He didn’t want his wife’s suicide on his conscience.”
Rita nodded, processing the information. “I understand that you were in a tough predicament. And the choice you made was because of that. But I find it hard to fully believe that you kept loving my mother over those years when you had vowed to move on. Can your feelings stay strong for a woman you’ve left behind?”
A genuine smile lit up her father’s face. “Your mother has always had a special place in my heart. I gave up believing we could be together, but then my wife died. I looked your mother up on Facebook. Sent her a message. Said I’d never forgotten what we’d shared and that I wanted to talk.”
Her mother smiled from ear to ear. “I fell in love with him all over again.”
Her mother sounded like a gushing teenager in love. Rita couldn’t deny it. She also couldn’t deny that her mother had been a rational adult, not the type of woman to fall into relationship after relationship. Indeed, Rita had never known her to be pining away for her father.
Her biggest objection to her parents getting back together had been the thought that it had been too easy for her father, after the pain he’d caused.
She thought of Maeve’s words, that she needed to trust her mother’s decision-making. Maeve was right.
But still, she said, “This all just seems so easy.”
“Easy?” Her father’s voice cracked with emotion. “Nothing about this has been easy. Living a life you didn’t really want... I had my boys, yes, and that’s the only thing that kept me sane. But once my wife died, I didn’t want to waste any more time.”
“And neither did I,” her mother chimed in. “You remember how Betty Caldwell was alive and well one day, the next day diagnosed with cancer and gone in six weeks? There are no guarantees at my age anymore. At any age,” her mother stressed. “If the love was still there for us, why should I make him suffer to prove it? I could feel it in the words he spoke to me, the way he looked at me, and I could feel it in his heart.”
Despite herself, warmth spread through Rita’s heart, melting the ice that had built there over the years regarding her father. If this had been anyone else’s love story, would she question it?
Keith had pointed out that Lance had been a respected citizen in the town, not known to be some sort of uncouth womanizer. Of course, not everybody knew what people were up to. Some men and women successfully led secret lives for years.
And yet...her father’s story didn’t sound like that.
“None of this takes away from the fact that I should have been there for you,” Lance said. “The pain I’ve caused you is immeasurable. I just hope that it isn’t irreparable.”
Her father offered her a faint smile, then reached for her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please know that I always loved you, even if I felt I couldn’t be with you. I know I can’t really walk into your life and be an instant father, but I’m hoping you’ll be willing to get to know me as a person. And hopefully one day as a friend.”
A tear slid down his cheek then. Rita wanted to be unaffected by her father’s words and emotions, but the little girl inside of her who’d always wanted to know that her father loved her was coming to life. Right now, she wasn’t thinking about the pain he’d caused her; she was feeling regret. The pain wasn’t going to simply disappear, of course. But she could finally understand that her father had been in a tough predicament. In fact, she could see why he had made the decisions he had.
“I wish you’d found a way,” Rita said, her own voice ripe with emotion.
“So do I. And I’ll live with that guilt forever. I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but we can move forward, can’t we?”
Rita looked into her father’s eyes, into a face that held guarded hope. And darn if his words didn’t hit a bull’s-eye, landing in her heart. Unexpected emotions swelled inside of her, and she could feel the walls around her heart starting to crumble. It would take time to develop the kind of relationship she wanted with her father, and maybe they would never have that traditional father-daughter relationship. But she was confident in this moment that they could at least be friends.
Tears blurred Rita’s eyes. She fully meant it when she said, “I’d like that.”
“Can I hug you?” he asked.
Rita nodded, then allowed her father to wrap her in an embrace. As she let him hold her, her hands slowly moved upward to clutch his back.
Something had shifted between them. Rita felt her anger ebbing away. All of her fighting over her parents getting married—it suddenly seemed senseless. Her father’s statement about how much he loved her mother had the ring of truth, and Rita could suddenly see why her mother had believed him.
Keith had told her that life wasn
’t black-and-white. Good people did bad things.
“I do believe that you love my mother,” Rita said, easing back and offering her father a smile. “And there’s a lot of planning left to do for the wedding. Can’t have my mother stressing herself out over all that needs to be done.” She clapped her hands together. “So where do we start?”
Chapter 16
Rita spent the next few hours helping to finalize the wedding plans. She secured the DJ, spoke with the florist and narrowed down the list of photographers. Her mother hadn’t asked for one, but Rita also booked a videographer for the event. That would be her gift to her to capture every moment of the special day forever.
It was just after three when her mother came into the study where Rita had been looking up all things wedding on the internet and making calls.
“I just spoke to Enid at the bridal shop. She said she has time for us if we want to go in now.”
“But shouldn’t you be resting?”
“I’ve rested enough for one day. The wedding is in two weeks.”
“Two weeks! It’s supposed to be—”
“We decided to move up the date.”
“But all the guests—”
“Have been contacted. That’s what I was doing today.”
“Why are you moving up the wedding date?” Rita asked. She was going to have to call the DJ, florist and videographer to make sure they were available for the new date.
“We decided we didn’t want to wait. Plus, you have your life to get back to.”
Rita couldn’t argue with that logic. But still, this was unexpected.
“Given the new wedding date, it’s imperative that you try on your dress selections and choose one. I’m getting anxious.”
Rita nodded. “Okay, that makes sense. If you’re up to it, I guess we could...”
“I told Enid we’d be on our way.”
“Oh,” Rita said. “All right, then.”
Minutes later, they were in Rita’s car and heading to the center of town. Rita parked in front of the very bridal shop she’d seen when she’d first arrived in Sheridan Falls. A pure white dress with crystals on the bodice and heaps of organza stood proudly on a mannequin in the window. It was a stunning dress.
As Rita and her mother got out of the car, Lynn broke into a smile. “What do you think of the dress? The one in the window?”
“It’s gorgeous.”
“That’s the one I want.”
Rita gaped at her mother. “That one? I thought you’d settled on a different one. The one displayed in the window when I first got to town.”
Lynn’s smile faded. “But this one is even more beautiful. You said it’s gorgeous.”
“Yes, but don’t you think it’s a bit much? I thought you’d go for something simpler, less princessy.”
“You mean for my age? So because I’m fifty-nine, I shouldn’t want to look like a princess on my wedding day?”
That had been exactly what Rita was thinking. As a mature woman, she expected her to choose something simple and elegant. But...it was her first wedding. And the excitement in her eyes was obvious.
It’s not your choice, Rita reminded herself. You’re here to support your mother.
Rita squeezed her mother’s hand. “I look forward to seeing it on you.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Rita and her mother went into the store. A red-haired woman approached them with a huge grin. “Hello, Lynn.” She turned to Rita. “And you must be her daughter, Rita.”
“Yep, that’s me. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well. I have the dresses all set up for you to try on in the back.”
Enid led the way to the dressing area. The same dress in the window hung on a hanger.
“Wow, it’s spectacular,” Rita said.
Lynn started into the dressing room, and Rita asked her if she wanted any help. “No, I want you to stay out here. I want you to see me once I have it on.”
“I’m quite excited about your mother’s wedding,” Enid said softly. “I’m excited about all weddings, but your mother’s is extra special. I guess it’s her story of finding love at any age that’s so touching.”
Rita smiled softly. “It sure is.”
“Your mother has chosen a few options for you. All yellow, to go with the color scheme. She said you love the color yellow.”
“I do.”
“I have three options for you in your dressing room. They’re quite beautiful. They range from the simple to the more elaborate. And nothing too bright. We’re not talking canary yellow, but something paler.”
“I’m sure I’ll love all of them.”
Enid let out a little sigh. “It’s so much easier having only a maid of honor to dress.”
“Enid,” Lynn called.
“Coming right in.”
Rita looked away so that she didn’t get a peek at her mother in the dress. And then she waited.
When, a few minutes later, her mother emerged from the dressing room, Rita gasped. And then a bubble of excitement spilled from her throat.
“Mom... Oh... You’re so beautiful!”
Her mother’s eyes met hers, and both of them started to cry at the same time. Rita had not expected to feel this overwhelming emotion, but seeing her mother looking like a bride caused a joyful sensation she hadn’t been prepared for.
Lynn did a slow twirl, allowing Rita to see the back of the dress, with its crystal-encrusted netting. “You love it?” she asked.
“You look breathtaking.” Rita got up, taking a closer look at the gown. The low bodice highlighted her bosom without being too revealing. “Like a princess.”
“And this is the veil we were thinking of,” Enid said.
In keeping with the princess theme, the veil was attached to a bedazzled low crown.
“You are going to be the envy of all brides this summer,” Rita said with confidence.
“Go try on your dresses,” Lynn said. “I want to see which one looks the best.”
Rita tried on the three dresses, and the satin one that flared from the waist and stopped just above the knee was the clear winner. It had short sleeves and a scooped neck. Enid suggested a string of pearls would complete the outfit, and Rita agreed.
“I’ll just make the few alterations to your dress, Rita, taking it in at the waist. And yours fits well now, Lynn?”
“It’s perfect. And I won’t be eating until the wedding day.” She chuckled.
“It’s been such a pleasure serving both of you, ladies,” Enid said. “I’ll see you next week.”
* * *
It was dark when Rita pulled up to the cabin she was renting, but she was fairly certain that there was a shape on the step leading up to her unit. Someone sitting there. She squinted, and as her headlights focused on the form more fully, she realized that it was Keith.
She felt a modicum of relief, quickly followed by regret. Once again, she felt silly for how she’d reacted with him this morning.
She glanced at the clock on her dashboard. It was 9:14 p.m. Ever since getting to her father’s house, she’d all but forgotten her phone, and the battery had died at some point. How long had Keith been waiting for her?
She parked her car, then exited. She started straight for Keith, asking, “How long have you been sitting there?”
“A while,” he answered.
He was wearing dress pants and a dress shirt, and Rita wondered if he had even gone home.
“I’ve been calling. And texting. And calling.”
“I’m sorry. My mother ended up in the hospital.”
Keith got to his feet, worry creasing his forehead. “Oh, no. Is she okay?”
“She fainted due to dehydration. Thank God, it wasn’t anything too serious. Anyway, I ended up
spending the day with her, finalizing wedding plans. And... I talked to my father.”
“Oh? And...?”
Rita gripped the wrought-iron railing. “And we hashed things out. He told me everything. Why he did what he did, how he felt he couldn’t leave because of his wife. Let’s just say, I understand a lot more, and it became clear to me that holding on to anger is only bringing me down. My parents love each other. That’s as clear as day.” Rita let out a breath. “I’m sorry if you were worried about me.”
Keith stepped toward her and wrapped an arm around her. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
As he held her, her insides grew warm. It felt good, knowing that he cared.
“I’m really sorry about this morning. My reaction was... Well, quite frankly, it was juvenile. I’m embarrassed. I was just—”
“Surprised,” Keith interjected. “Maybe I should have told you,” he added with a shrug.
Rita eased back and looked up at him. “Everything you wanted me to understand makes sense to me now. You said that good people make bad decisions, and you’re right. I guess I always internalized my father’s rejection, made it about me. But it really wasn’t.”
“Maybe we can talk inside.”
Rita offered Keith a small smile. Then she looked up at the sky. The stars were numerous and easy to see, so unlike the city.
Sheridan Falls was growing on her.
Or maybe it was Keith. The man whose arm was still casually wrapped around her.
She and Keith started up the stairs together. When they reached the upper level, he twirled her until her body was against his. Then his lips came down on hers. Hard. She felt an electric jolt, a shock to the system. She was so stunned, she didn’t process what was happening for a good couple of seconds.
The CEO's Dilemma ; Undeniable Passion Page 31