Page 16 of The Maine Event (Romancing the Workplace #2)

Right then, I realize that this unexpected detour in Maine has given me more than just a break from my fast-paced life.

It’s given me a glimpse into a world where love, family, and the simple joys of life take center stage.

And as I watch Dan and Chloe embrace, laughing and chatting animatedly about our spa day, while that sort of life is not for me, I think I’m appreciating for the first time why it’s so important to others.

Dan wipes his hands on his t-shirt and puts an arm around Chloe, guiding her back toward the house.

“Sounds like you two had a blast.”

“We did. Chloe’s good company.” I smile.

“Dad, invite her inside. I want to show you my new dress.”

Dan looks embarrassed. “Of course, sorry. Would you like to come in for a drink?”

“Sure.”

I follow Dan into the house.

Dan turns on the faucet and scrubs at his hands. “Thanks again for taking her out today. I really appreciate it.”

“Happy to help. The boathouse is looking very cool.”

The patter of feet running on stairs causes both of us to look up.

Dan’s smile falters as his eyes dart over to Chloe.

His gaze sweeps over her, taking in the way the dress hugs her developing curves, the hint of maturity in her stance.

His expression shifts, a mix of pride and something else—a wistfulness maybe, a longing for the little girl who used to run into his arms without a care in the world.

“Chloe, you look like…” He clears his throat, struggling to find the right words. “You look beautiful, honey. So grown up.”

Chloe beams, twirling in her dress. “Isn’t it perfect, Dad? Rachel helped me pick it out!”

I nod, trying to gauge Dan’s reaction. There’s a tension in his jaw, a tightness around his eyes that wasn’t there a moment ago.

“She wanted something special for the talent show,” I explain gently. “Something that showcases who she’s becoming.”

Dan nods, but I can see the conflict playing out on his face. He wants to be supportive, wants to celebrate his daughter’s growth, but there’s a part of him that’s not ready to let go of the little girl he’s cherished for so long.

“It’s a lovely dress,” he says finally, his voice strained. “I just… I didn’t realize how fast you were growing up, Chloe. It’s a lot to take in.”

Chloe’s smile falters, confusion clouding her eyes. “But Dad, I thought you’d be happy for me. I thought you’d be proud.”

Dan closes his eyes for a moment, clearly formulating his response.

When he opens them again, there’s a tenderness there, a love so fierce it’s palpable.

“I am proud of you, Chloe. More than you could ever know. It’s just…

it’s hard for me to see you growing up so fast. But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy for you, or that I don’t support you every step of the way. ”

He opens his arms, and Chloe rushes into them, burying her face in his chest. I watch as they cling to each other, two hearts navigating the uncharted waters of change and growth.

And in that moment, I understand the depth of Dan’s love for his daughter, the sacrifices he’s made, continues to make, and the fears he faces as he watches her bloom into the young woman she’s destined to become.

It’s a love that knows no bounds, a love that will guide them through every challenge, every triumph, every bittersweet moment of letting go.

While beautiful, it fills me with an overwhelming feeling of melancholy. I wish, more than anything in the world, that I could have had a dad who loved me as much as Dan loves Chloe.

I watch as Dan gently releases Chloe from his embrace, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Why don’t you go to your room for a bit, sweetie? Make sure you hang up that dress. I don’t want to find it dumped on the floor. I need to talk to Rachel.”

Chloe nods, her own eyes brimming with emotion. She casts a glance in my direction, a silent plea for understanding, before trudging up the stairs, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

The silence that follows is heavy, laden with unspoken words and raw emotions. I turn to Dan, my heart aching for both him and Chloe.

“Dan, I know this is hard, but?—”

“Do you, Rachel? You’re not a parent.” His voice is strained. “I don’t think you know what it’s like to raise a child on your own, to watch them slip away from you little by little, knowing that one day they’ll leave and never look back.”

Woah! Where’s this coming from?

Dan’s words hurt, but I take a step closer. I grew up without a dad and would have given the world to have a father like Dan be involved in my life. “No, I don’t. But I do know that Chloe needs you to support her, to trust her, to let her grow.”

Dan runs a hand through his hair, his eyes searching mine for answers I’m not sure I have. “I want to, Rachel. I want to give her the world, but I’m scared. I’m scared of losing her, of not being enough, of failing her like I failed Rebecca.”

The admission hangs in the air, raw and painful.

I close the distance, my hand finally finding his, squeezing it gently.

“You haven’t failed anyone, Dan. From what I’ve seen, you’re an amazing father, and Chloe loves you more than anything in the world.

But part of loving her is letting her find her own way, even if it’s not the path you would have chosen for her. ”

He nods, a single tear escaping down his cheek. “I know. I just… I wish I had more time, you know? More time to hold her, to keep her safe, to be her everything.”

I smile softly, my vision blurs. “You’ll always be her everything, Dan. No matter how old she gets, no matter where life takes her, you’ll always be the man who showed her what love looks like, who taught her what it means to be strong and kind and true. But you’ve got to let her grow up.”

“I should go talk to her, apologize for overreacting. Don’t go. Please.”

I nod. “Take your time.”

As soon as he climbs the stairs, I collect my purse and my jacket from the kitchen chair. I’m glad he’s gone to apologize to Chloe. And I’m sorry he’s still trying to navigate life without Rebecca, but damned if I’m going to hang around to be disrespected again.