Page 75 of Unbreakable Bond
“There has to be an easier way to become a better person.”
Dad chuckled and glanced down at me. “According to the good Lord, I guess not.”
We laughed as the front door opened and shut. Mom’s heels clicked against the floors, and after so many years of marriage, I could see his excitement mounting the closer she came.
“I thought that was your car, but you’re one girl short,” Mia said, giving me a one-armed hug and kiss before greeting her husband. “Is everything okay?” She asked, looking directly at me.
Being the protector he was, Dad swooped in. “Everything is fine.” He assured her because it felt like Mia was staring into my soul. She could see that I was exhausted in ways a nap wouldn’t cure. If I opened my mouth, nothing but the truth would spill out, and Dad knew it too.
“How was your appointment?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Mammograms aren’t fun, but it went well. Thanks for asking.”
“Of course.”
“Where’s my second favorite girl?” Mia asked, looking around for any sign of Cam.
“Your second favorite is right here. The first is still at school.”
“Don’t look so sad. We’re picking her up shortly.” Dad volunteered while I tried to hide the confusion on my face.
“Oh yeah?” Mia asked.
“Mack and Sky have plans, so I told her we would keep Cam tonight.”
Having a father figure wasn’t all about security, love, and support. They were honest, sometimes to a fault, and pushed you to do the right things even if they were hard and scary.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“You’re welcome, baby girl.”
“Well, I guess I better get going since I have plans later.” My dramatic tone made him chuckle while Mom tried to piece together what was happening.
I walked over and hugged Dad for making time for me today. It might’ve meant nothing to him, but as a girl without a father, it meant everything to me.
“You can do this. I love you.”
I found solace, understanding, and a sense of belonging in his words. It was a reminder that family extends beyond biology, and a father's role can be played by any kind and caring soul willing to offer guidance and strength.
“Thank you. I love you too.”
Usually, I would’ve hugged Mom, too, but my emotions were all over the place. Instead, I waved and quickly headed for the door before I cried again. The drive home felt a lot lighter than the drive there. That was until I got home, and all my nerves came flooding back.
As if Dad could somehow hear me doubting myself from across town, I heard his words reminding me that I could do this, so I climbed out of the car.
“Where’s Cam?” Mack asked when he didn’t hear an extra set of feet, followed by her jumping on him.
“She’s staying with your parents tonight.”
Mack wanted to question why but nodded and headed down the hallway to his office. My neck fell back, exhausted from the tension tango we were stuck in. So I walked upstairs to shower and rehearse my speech in my head.
Avoidance made me want to climb into bed and stay there, but that was nothing more than kicking the bucket down the road. A large part of being in a healthy relationship meant difficult conversations, so I hauled myself downstairs, ignoring the knots in my stomach.
I pushed the door open, and Mack sat behind his desk pretending to be working, but he was just as miserable as me. Sitting on the corner of his desk, I grabbed a sticky note and a pen. When I finished, I handed it over to Mack, who was hesitant to accept.
“What is that?” He asked, but I nudged the paper forward because he’d have to see for himself.
“Our wedding date. If you still want to after I say what I have to say.”