Page 90

Can we really put this behind us?
“We did, but…” He takes a deep breath. “I watched your live the other day. You never told me it was serious enough between the two of you to call it love.”
My stomach twists uncomfortably. “You never gave me the chance. But it doesn’t matter anymore, does it? It’s over now. Besides, it was love for me. I’m not sure about him.”
“I feel like this is all my fault. I’m the reason the both of you had to break apart.”
I stay silent. I can’t tell him he is wrong, so why say anything at all?
“Initially, it was too much for me to take. You’re my daughter. Any father would have the same reaction, if not worse. But I’ve had time to process this…”
I’m hanging onto his every word, leaning forward.
This is the last thing I expected him to say when he suggested we should meet.
“Enzo is not a bad guy. Actually, he’s one of the few decent ones left.” My father shakes his head. “Yes, it’s strange that you have such a big age gap, but should that be the only reason to keep you apart? For me to force you apart?”
“But, Dad, he’s your friend.”
“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten about that in the least.” He sighs as though he’s lost some argument with himself. “Look, you’re both adults. I can’t keep treating you like the little girl you’ll always be in my heart. That is wrong of me and selfish to think I can rule your life. You’ve gone through enough with your divorce, I don’t want to add to your problems.”
“What are you trying to say here?” With my gaze on him, I force down a thick swallow.
“I’m trying to say that I don’t want to be the one keeping you both apart anymore. So, if you really love him and he loves you, you have my blessing, if you choose to still do this.”
My first reaction is anger, spreading through me like wildfire engulfing a forest.
Why now? Why wait four months? Why wait until it’s too late?
And is that why he waited? To make sure there was no turning back before taking what he feels is the high road?
I’ve spent countless nights crying myself to sleep over what could have been.
I want to yell at him, to get up and leave, but he’s looking at me so earnestly that it’s difficult for me to stay mad.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
This isn’t how I wanted to tell him, but it bursts out of me like water from a dam.
“You’re… what?”
“I am pregnant, Dad. Four months. Enzo is the father.”
My dad looks like someone knocked the air out of him.
“Is this… Have you both been keeping in touch? How did…”
I shake my head. “We didn’t plan on it. And we didn’t go behind your back. The last we spoke was in Italy, and no, he doesn’t know.”
“Quinn.” He reaches out to grab my hand from across the table. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I wish I could have reacted better, be more understanding. It’s something to be happy about but.. It’s just…”
“Don’t worry about it, Dad. Even about Enzo and me not working out. Your disapproval wasn’t the only reason. I don’t want you feeling guilty over it.”
My dad still hasn’t moved past the news of the baby. He’s rocking back and forth in his seat, nervously.
“He already has children, but he’s the type of man who would do the right thing by you. I know he will step up and be a father.”
He’s talking more to himself now than he is to me. Suddenly, his gaze snaps over to mine.