Two unbreakable souls-Book 3

CHAPTER 10

　　We were having dessert at the restaurant after our main meal before hitting the shops. We had spent the last couple of hours talking and laughing. My dad showed me videos of the little ones.

　　“I can’t wait to meet them. I often wondered what it would be like to have siblings. I always felt lonely growing up.” I wished I had grown up with siblings, but at the same time, I am happy my mother didn’t have any more kids, especially not with him.

　　“They are excited to meet you too. They ask me every day and night about it.” I could hear the pride in his voice as he spoke about them. It made me happy knowing they seemed as eager as me, even if they probably didn’t understand what was happening.

　　“Aww, how sweet.” I liked the idea of them being younger because it meant they would grow up knowing me. I think it would have been harder if they were older, closer to my age.

　　“Gracie, can I ask you something” he seemed nervous, suddenly.

　　“You can ask me anything, dad.” I don’t want any secrets between us, especially when we are only just getting to know each other.

　　“Have you heard from him” I didn’t need to ask who he was referring to.

　　“No. And I hope I never do again.” Even the thought of that bastard made my skin crawl.

　　“Good. I don’t want him anywhere near you. Tell me if he does, and I sort it, okay” he stated firmly.

　　“I promise, but can we please not talk about him right now” I whispered. I wanted to enjoy my time with my dad, not think about the monster who ruined my life. Yes, I knew eventually we would need to talk about it all in detail, but I didn’t want it to be today.

　　“Of course. I just needed you to know I am here for you, Gracie.” It was nice to have someone who genuinely cared for me, so I smiled and nodded to appease him.

　　We finished up with our dessert, and he paid the bill. I did offer to help, but he refused to let me.

　　“Where to first What do you want to get first” he questioned as we exited.

　　“Stationary would be a good start.” Those were the main things I needed, alongside some books for classes.

　　“What about a laptop Do you have one”

　　“I have one. I have had it a while, but it has never let me down.” Seven years to be exact, and it still runs great! I don’t see the point in spending money on something I already have.

　　“We can use the store I use for work. I have an account there, anyway. The quality is great, and you will find everything you need, rather that trailing around different places.” Yes, I would prefer getting everything in one place.

　　“Sounds like a plan,” I smiled widely.

　　“You have the same smile as your mother did,” he said softly. He was smiling too, but I noticed a sadness in his eyes.

　　“I am sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye to her. I am sure she is thrilled we finally found each other, though,”

　　“I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to either,” he sighed.

　　“Anything you want to know about her, don’t be afraid to ask me.” I encouraged. It always helped me talk about her since I rarely have a chance to do so.

　　“Thank you. I may take you up on that offer sometime.” He smiled, kissing the top of my head.

　　“And I have many photos to show you too, if you want” I asked.

　　“I would love that.”

　　It still amazed me how much he still thought about her, even after all these years. I wondered, if Ryland and I went our separate ways, would it be the same for us I think it would, not that I’m planning on leaving Ryland, but I’m sure back then, my mom didn’t count on a future without Pete.

　　We started chatting about my mother as we walked and it felt like everything else around us was non-existent.

　　“I may have said this before but thank you for loving her. It makes me feel better knowing someone did truly love her.” It pained me when I used to believe my mother had never experienced true love.

　　“I just wished things could have been different,” I could hear the sadness in his voice.

　　“Me too, but sadly, we can’t change the past. We need to concentrate on what we have now.” I smiled.

　　“That statement is very true, angel,” he agreed, “We have found each other now, and I don’t ever plan on letting you go again,” he added, hugging me.

　　I wouldn’t want it any other way. I had him in my life, and I didn’t ever want to lose him because we still had so much to share. He is part of my happiness, the kind I never thought I would have. As long as I have my dad and Ryland in my life, I know fear is something I don’t need to worry about anymore.