“You were right all along,” Jaxson says. “We were in a childish feud. Yes, I felt even more bitter because he was standing in the way of you and me but he’s not anymore. I know you’re mine no matter what. I might have my own reasons not to get along with him...but I want to bury that hatchet. He’s going to be family soon and I don’t want any bad blood. So I called him and left him a message where I told him what you mean to me. I told him that I’ll take care of you for as long as I live, and that I love you. I don’t know if he listened to it...but if he did and he still didn’t come, then I don’t know what else we can do.”
I caress his cheek, feeling my heart ready to burst with love for him. “Thank you for trying.”
“I’d do anything for you, Stella,” he growls, pulling me in for a kiss. For a moment, I lose myself in our kiss and forget my problems. A moment of pure bliss where it's just me and him together.
And then it shatters.
“Stella?”
I’d recognize that voice anywhere. I turn around and see him standing nervously in the doorway.
“Dad.”
Jaxson
I can’t decide if I’m happy or angry that he’s here. He doesn’t deserve to just show up here and make Stella feel bad again, but I have no idea what his intentions are. Is he here just to reiterate to us that he disapproves? Or is he here to make amends?
He looks at me and Stella and I can see that he’s uncomfortable. Is it because he embarrassed himself with the way he acted back at the hotel, or does he still find our relationship hard to swallow? I guess it could be both. But we’re all adults here. I can’t understand why he can’t just let it go and embrace this.
“What are you doing here, Dad?” Stella asks. She crosses her arms defensively. “If you’re here to try and talk me out of this, then you may as well leave now. I’m finally happy.”
“I know,” Sam says gently. “I know, Stella. I’m not trying to ruin your day. I just wanted to come here and apologize.”
“Really?” Stella says. She sounds a little unsure whether she believes him. “Well, say your piece, Dad.”
He shifts uncomfortably where he stands. “I don’t know what true love is. I never found it. Your mother and I...we cared about each other once, but it was never meant to last. I never regretted our divorce. But I can see now how my lack of experience has set me up for failure when it comes to spotting something real...something like what you two have.”
I raise my eyebrows. It sounds like he’s given this some thought.
He chews his lip as he looks at Stella. “You told me you loved Jaxson and I thought you were being ridiculous. But when I got the invitation to your engagement party...I knew you were serious. My daughter would never rush into something she’s unsure about...and nothing’s changed. You’re still my little girl. So if you think this is the right choice for you, then I have to agree. I know it’s going to take time for us all to forget how things went down in Thailand...I know I upset you both with my actions. But...I was hoping to put those things behind us and start over. Because I don’t want to live in a world where I’m not on speaking terms with my only daughter. I want to support you through everything. I might not fully understand this thing that you two are building together...but you have my blessing.” He pauses. “Not that you need or want it.”
Stella steps forward and takes her father’s hand. “Dad, I do want your blessing. Your opinion means everything to me. I was so crushed when you left us at the hotel. I thought I’d never see you again. We’ve always been so close...the idea of losing you was almost too much to bear. Why didn’t you call me back?”
He sighs. “I thought it was better that we spoke in person...and I didn’t know how to find you. I also needed some time to gather my thoughts. I’m sorry it took so long, darling. I hope we can make amends.”
She smiles sadly. “We can. It might take me some time to get over what happened, but we’re going to be fine, Daddy. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, darling.”
They hug for the longest time and I stand back, letting them have their moment. I’m not fully sold on this apologetic act, but for her sake, I’ll buy into it if I have to. To be honest, it was always about more than what he said. It was the things he didn’t say...all the years of bad blood he caused for us...all the years of resentment when I did nothing wrong. But we’re going to be family now so I need to get over that. Even if I didn’t get the apology I deserve, for her I’d do anything.
Their hug ends and Stella returns to my side, clutching my arm. It makes me smile to see her so happy. I really thought her engagement party was going to be ruined by Sam, but I’m glad it wasn’t. She deserves to have the time of her life tonight.
Sam clears his throat. “Stella...I’d like a moment alone with Jaxson, if you don’t mind. We have some things to discuss.”
Stella looks at me and I nod. She smiles at her father. “Sure, Dad. I’m going to say hi to Mom.”
She walks off and I feel my body clench with tension. I have no idea what
