“Would you like some tea or hot cocoa?” She couldn’t very well be rude to him and not offer any refreshments. After all, Mama had raised her right.
He grinned at her. “I’d love some orange tea if you have some.” He sat down at the kitchen table, then began tapping his fingers on the wooden surface. For some reason he appeared jittery. Was he just as nervous as she was about seeing him again after all this time?
Morgan put the tea kettle on and pulled out a tin of chocolate macadamia cookies she’d made a few days ago. She placed some on a plate and placed it down in front of her father.
He picked up a cookie and bit into it, letting out a sound of deep appreciation. “You always did know how to bake like nobody’s business.”
“Thanks. I’m a chef now. At Savannah House. Miss Hattie left partial ownership to me in her will. I’m running the inn now with Callie, Charlotte, Hope, Olivia and Fancy. I’m sure you remember them?”
He appeared stunned by her announcement. “Oh yeah. Nice group of girls. I can’t believe Hattie was so generous to you gals. But I guess she didn’t have children or any family to speak of. Your mother was always her right hand woman.”
“Does Mama know you’re here?”
“No,” he answered, his expression sheepish. “I decided to skip the lecture.”
“You’ve skipped a lot of things,” she said pointedly, unwilling to let him off the hook so easily.
“I know,” he said in a soft voice. “But I truly want to mend things and get back on track. I don’t know if you want me in your life, but if you do, I’ll be back in a heartbeat.”
Could they really reconcile and be in each other’s lives? Could she forgive him for all the years of neglect and sadness?
Over tea and cookies, Morgan told her father all about inheriting a share of Savannah House from Miss Hattie. He asked questions in all the right places, conveyed pride regarding her career as a chef and doled out sage advice about taking Savannah House to the next level.
Moment by moment Morgan felt as if Roderick was chipping away at the icy covering she’d placed over her heart to protect herself. Hope soared in her heart that finally after all this time she might have her father present in her life. Oh, God was good! Out of a clear blue sky he’d walked back into her life in order to make amends. And she would accept him with open arms. You were only given one father in a lifetime. And even if she had to swallow her pride to do it, she was going to work hard to make things right between them.
“Do you have plans on Friday night?” Roderick asked.
“No,” she answered, hoping that he wanted to spend more time with her. She felt like a small child again, one who had been starved of fatherly affection and care. Now, she was basking in the glow of her father’s attention. She craved it like sunshine after weeks of rain.
“Good!” Roderick said with a huge grin. “How about I take you out for the biggest steak dinner in all of Savannah?”
Morgan grinned back at him. “That sounds fantastic.”
He glanced at his watch. “I better scoot, Morgie. I have a few errands to run.”
“Okay,” she said, wrapping up a few cookies for him to take along with him. “I actually have plans tonight myself.”
“Why don’t we meet up at The Onion on Market Street. At seven sharp. They used to have the best lobster mac n’ cheese in the city.”
“They still do,” Morgan said as memories of eating lobster mac n’ cheese with her father swirled over her. There had been some joyful times, interspersed with the bad ones. Her childhood hadn’t been all terrible.
Morgan stood in the doorway and watched as her father made his way to his truck.
Once he’d driven away, Morgan went back inside. She found herself doing pirouettes in her living room. Her daddy was taking her out on the town! He was trying to repair the damage he’d inflicted during all of the MIA years. He loved her! He had to love her if he’d come here and was sticking around town for a few days in order to spend time with her.
Her chest tightened with emotion. She would never have admitted it to anyone, but in the deepest regions of her heart she’d always longed to have her father back in her life. And now, due to God’s mercy, he was.
A sharp rapping on her door drew her attention. Had daddy come back? She flew to the door, wrenching it open to reveal her mother standing on her doorstep.
“Was that who I think it was?” Her mother’s hands were firmly planted on her hips.
Morgan let out a sigh and waved her mother into the cottage. She shouldn’t have been surprised that her mother had beat a fast path over here. Sometimes it seemed as if Pearl Lucas had eyes in the back of her head.
Once she’d closed the door, Morgan turned toward her mother. “Yes, Mama. Daddy surprised me by showing up here.”
“Surprise? Is that what we’re calling it these days? He hasn’t seen you in five years.” Pearl made a clucking sound.
“Be nice. It was a sweet surprise. And he felt very remorseful about losing contact with me for so many years. Things are going to be different, Mama. I can feel it.”
“Morgan! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your daddy hasn’t changed one little bit. If he’s back, mark my words there’s something he’s sniffing around after.” Her mother snapped her fingers. “Savannah House. I’m guessing he thinks you’re rich now. And he’s come back to get his fair share of it.”
“Mama. That’s not true. He didn’t even know about my inheritance from Miss Hattie until I told him. And even if he did, it’s a bit of a stretch to think that he would try to finagle something out of me that’s not even entirely mine. Don’t you think?”
Pearl pursed her lips. “So how long is he in town for?”
“A few days. Then he’ll be heading back to Maryland to his family, I imagine.”
Pearl scrunched up her face. When Morgan was sixteen years old, her father had gotten remarried to a much younger woman, one who’d been closer to Morgan’s age than his own. He had two kids with his wife—a boy and a girl who Morgan had only met in passing. Maribel and Rod Jr.
“Be careful, lovey,” her mother said in a warning tone. “I was married to your father for a long time. I know him like the back of my hand.” She shook her head. “I hate to sound negative, because I do believe that people can change, but…just be careful. You’re so tender hearted, Morgan. You try to put up that wall around you, but one small kindness and it crumbles all around you, leaving you vulnerable.”
“I appreciate your feedback, but one of the things I’m determined to do is to be more open. One of the reasons Luke and I never had a real shot two years ago was because of my inability to truly be open to all the possibilities. I want to be different this time around, Mama. Not just with Luke. With daddy too.”
Pearl reached out and enveloped Morgan in a warm embrace that only a mother could bestow on a child. Her hug was filled with care and concern and a lifetime of love. Morgan had lived in her mother’s cocoon for a long time now, and she knew it was high time she stretched herself and stood up for the things she valued. She was the only one who could set the pace for her journey.
After her mother departed, Morgan readied herself for a shower. For the life of her, Morgan couldn’t get rid of the notion that God was trying to tell her something. First Preston had appeared out of the blue at Savannah House and now her father had unceremoniously shown up at her cottage. Morgan knew that one of her weaknesses was allowing the past to dominate her present. Maybe God was trying to show her how to put the past to rest so she could move on with her future. There truly were signs everywhere mirroring her journey.
At this moment, she was choosing with all of her heart to believe in second chances.
**
Luke was trying to wrap his head around the curve ball Morgan had just thrown him regarding Roderick Lucas. He’d just picked up Morgan so she could watch him perform tonight at the House of Blues.
“So he just showed up at your place?” Luke
asked. He tried to keep his voice neutral. There was no need for Morgan to know that he was feeling very suspicious of her father.
“Pretty much. One minute I was carrying a bag of groceries and the very next he was helping me carry them inside.”
Luke frowned. He didn’t like the fact that Morgan seemed to be so accepting of her father’s return. For a woman who never wore her heart on her sleeve, she was shimmering with happiness at the moment due to her father’s return. He didn’t know why but he thought Morgan should approach the situation with caution.
“Kind of strange that he just showed up though after five long years, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know. Why? Do you think it’s strange?” Luke could feel Morgan’s gaze on him as he focused on the road up ahead.
“I’m asking you how you feel, Morgan. I want to make sure you don’t get your feelings hurt.”
Morgan let out a loud groan. “Between you and Mama I don’t know what to think anymore. I’m trying to have a little faith, but the both of you act like I’m being tricked or something. Should I just call him up and cancel dinner?”
“Hey, that’s not what I’m saying. It’s my job to watch over you. Wouldn’t you do the same for me? I’m just asking questions to make sure you’ve thought through everything.”
“I’m sorry. Seeing my father dredges up all of these emotions. It’s like I have an exposed nerve where he’s concerned. And I feel super sensitive even when I discuss him. It’s so strange really.”
“What is your gut telling you? How do you feel about it right down in your soul?”
“Happy I guess. I don’t know. It’s a mixed bag of emotions. He seemed really happy to see me. That made me feel like I was ten feet tall.” She scoffed. “You don’t know how long I’ve prayed for some resolution to this situation. I know it’ll never be perfect, but maybe God is answering a prayer of mine. Having daddy show up like this is almost a miracle.”
Hmm. A miracle. That’s what worried Luke. He didn’t know Roderick Lucas at all. He’d left Savannah when they were kids. But he knew of his absenteeism in Morgan’s life. He knew that the woman he loved had scars due to his actions. And he knew that if this man came back into Morgan’s life only to hurt her, he would have a few choice words for him.
Luke drove into the House of Blues parking lot and navigated his car toward the employee section. It made him grin to see a little paper sign with his name on it attached to a post by an available parking spot. It might be an insignificant detail to some, but for him, it felt like the first step on a journey of the soul.
“Now that’s cool,” Morgan said, patting Luke on the shoulder. She pulled out her cell phone and took a picture. “Don’t forget me when you become the next big singing sensation.”
“As if I could ever forget you,” Luke said in a low voice, as he leaned in and placed a kiss on Morgan’s lips. Her lips tasted sugary like cinnamon. But way sweeter. She kissed him back, tenderly moving her lips against his in the sweetest of kisses.
As the kiss ended Luke rained kisses down on her cheeks, nose and forehead. He could go on like this forever if he didn’t have a show to do in a little bit.
“I’m not trying to rain on your parade about your father. I hope it didn’t come across like that. If you’re happy, then I’m over the moon.”
“I know you’re just looking out for me,” Morgan said. “And I appreciate your honesty.”
“I’m glad you realize that. I only want the best for you.” He glanced at his watch. “We better head inside. It’s almost time.”
Luke got out on the driver’s side and went over to Morgan’s side and opened the door for her. He took her hand and continued to hold it as they walked toward the venue. They entered through the back door employee entrance and made their way to the dressing rooms. Again, Luke found himself blown away when the manager walked him toward a dressing room with his name on it.
Morgan grabbed his arm and let out a high-pitched squeal. “Oh, this is great. Go stand by the door so I can take a picture.”
Luke followed Morgan’s instructions and posed as she took a round of pictures. They hung out in his dressing room for a half hour or so, talking about everything under the sun. Morgan’s presence calmed most of Luke’s pre-show jitters.
“I’m about to go on, so why don’t you head to your seat. I got you a table right up front.”
“I’m so excited, Luke. We should have invited a group of our friends. Callie and Jax. Olivia and Hunter. Hope would have loved a night out without the baby.”
“Next time. I promise. I guess I’m selfish for just wanting you here tonight,” Luke said in a low voice as he lowered his head to place a searing kiss on her lips.
“You’re the most unselfish person I’ve ever known,” she said, her brown eyes swirling with a wealth of emotion.
He cupped her face between his hands, his thumb caressing her cheek. “When it comes to you, Morgan, I’m always going to be a little selfish. Because all I want is for it to be the two of us…together. And I honestly can’t imagine ever not feeling that way.”
As Morgan headed toward the seating area, Luke took a few moments in his dressing room to center himself for his performance. No matter what was going on in his life, Luke always held tightly to his faith. He could ask God for anything. Counsel. Protection. Love. And not all of his prayers were answered the way he wanted them to be, but he knew God was listening.
Lord, I’m not going to pray for me to perform well tonight. That’s on me at this point. I want my singing to serve a purpose. I want people to hear my voice and feel uplifted. I want to connect with the energy of the crowd and give them something to make them feel better. About life. About themselves. If I can reach people through my voice, that will truly be a blessing.
Luke waited in the wings with his guitar to be announced. As he heard his name being called, the thunder of the crowd let Luke know he was performing to a packed house. As the pre-show for the main act Luke knew he wasn’t the main draw, but the felt thankful to receive such a hearty welcome in his hometown.
He had no trouble spotting Morgan. She waved to him from her seat. He shook his head when he saw that she had company. Callie, Jax, Olivia, Hunter, Charlotte and Case were seated at her table. They all began grinning and calling out his name. Morgan shrugged her shoulders and sent him a sheepish look.
Even though he’d planned on it just being Morgan here tonight, it was a wonderful surprise to have family and friends in the room. The energy in the venue was electric as he performed five songs. No one yelled or clapped louder than Morgan and her entourage. When he walked off stage he felt like a high soaring eagle. He’d had the crowd in the palm of his hand and they’d shown him in no uncertain terms that they loved his music.
Singing fed a part of his soul that nothing else could. And it was as much a part of him as his limbs. God had blessed him with a talent he could no longer take for granted. Or ignore. For so long he’d stuffed it down into this black hole, only pulling it out when he felt the urgent need to perform. Now he knew once and for all that he needed to reach out and grab ahold of his dream. He had asked Morgan to have courage regarding their relationship. Now, he too needed to step up and claim the life he wanted.
**
“The heart isn’t always a reliable organ. As the saying goes, the heart wants what it wants. Who are we to stand in its way?”
Miss Hattie Alexander
Chapter Nine
Morgan walked into the Onion restaurant on shaky legs. She couldn’t remember the last time her nerves had been so frazzled. Tonight had been a long time coming. She cared so very much about bridging the gap between her and her father. The pain of their estrangement had always weighed so heavily on her heart. She looked down at her red shift dress and nude heels. She hoped she looked as pretty as she felt.
“Miss, may I help you?” the hostess asked with a smile.
“I’m meeting my father here. Roderick Lucas.” She almost could
n’t believe the words tumbling out of her mouth. It felt surreal to be meeting her father for dinner.
“Right this way,” the hostess said. Morgan followed after the hostess as she led her to an intimate table right by the window. Morgan smiled. Whenever they’d come here, he’d always requested a table with a view of Savannah.
“Morgan!” Her father stood up from the table and gave her a tight hug. He pulled out her chair for her and she sat down, thankful for his attentiveness.
The hostess placed a menu by her plate and retreated.
“You look lovely tonight, although that’s nothing new. You’ve always been beautiful,” he raved, his handsome face lit up with happiness.
“Thank you. You look pretty dapper yourself.” In his dark suit and emerald green tie, Roderick Lucas looked polished and handsome. Morgan smiled so hard she thought her cheeks might break. She couldn’t think of the last time her father had complimented her.
It felt so good. Piece by piece he was chipping away at the armor she’d built around her heart. By word and deed he was showing her that he did care for her as a father should. She wasn’t one to hold grudges. She knew that human beings made mistakes. Her father, like most people, was a flawed individual. But she loved him. Even when she hadn’t wanted to, her heart had always loved him. Yearned for him. Needed him in her life.
Conversation flowed easily between them, and by the time their entrees arrived—grilled salmon with polenta for her and chateaubriand with roasted legumes for her father—her nervousness had disappeared. They fell into old rhythms with each other—talking, laughing and reminiscing. For dessert they decided to split a piece of three-layer chocolate cake. Morgan almost felt as if she’d slipped back into childhood. Sharing cake with him on her birthdays had always been a huge deal. He’d always allowed her to have the bigger portion.
For Love Alone (Secrets of Savannah Book 4) Page 12