Christmas Therapy

“The woman at your house, she’s pretty.”

“She keeps me on my toes too.” He gave a faint smile, recalling their time making gingerbread cookies. His heart clenched.

“Allen, are you happy?” Crystal asked.

“I’m trying to be.”

She tilted her head to the side. “Can you forgive me?”

There was no point in holding on to the pain anymore. They both needed a fresh start. Allen would take it. “I already have.”

“Thank you.” She smiled. “We had some good times, right? You were an amazing husband. I wish I had been a better wife. And… I think I owe you a favor.”

His eyebrows etched together. “What’s that?”

Chapter 27

Tinsel barked at the doorbell, alerting Heather someone was at her door. It took every ounce of strength to invite her father to her home, but she ignored her sensitive stomach. Once she opened the door, his eyes softened. She then gestured to the couch, and he sat down. Tinsel jumped on his hind legs, and her father patted his head.

Heather sat, her lungs expanding with a deep intake of air. “Thank you for coming.”

“Thanks for asking.”

This was the moment of truth. Her limbs trembled as she wrung her hands together.

“Heather?”

Her heart pounded inside her chest. Tucking a loose curl behind her ear, Heather faced her past. “I read a few of your letters. I don’t know what to say.”

“I wish I knew myself,” he said.

“For years I wanted to know why you left, but I don’t think we’re always meant to understand. I blamed you for years for the way I am. I’m mistrustful, bitter, jaded, and I don’t think I’m capable of loving someone without hurting them or them hurting me. Why would they stay? You didn’t.”

Her father didn't defend his actions. Only his silence filled the room.

Heather continued. “But I’m tired. I’m tired of being angry with you. I want this to be over. I want my life back. I want peace.”

Her father stared at the rug for a moment, but then he stood to his feet and walked over to her. He sat down and clasped his hands together. “I got tired too. I was tired of running from the people I cared about. I have to live with the regret that I didn’t get to raise you to become the woman you are.” His eyes met hers. “I am so sorry, Heather.”

Heather touched her temple while closing her eyes. “Please, don’t apologize anymore.”

Forgiveness wasn’t easy, but she felt the walls crumbling around her heart. She reached for his hand. He took hers in his and clutched it.

Teary-eyed once again, Heather leaned and rested her head on his shoulder. Her father held her tight in his side hug. She closed her eyes as he stroked her arm, as tears dripped from her nose.

She sniffled. “I missed you, Daddy.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I missed you too, sweet pea.” His voice choked, but he continued. “I’ll never leave you again.”

Chapter 28

Cookies and cream hit her tongue and Heather relished in her favorite treat. She agreed to spend the night at her mother’s house since it was the night before her parents' remarriage. Her parents were getting married. Heather ate another spoonful. Her mind still couldn’t wrap around the notion.

After years of separation and divorce, her family was getting back together. She always had a family, but it never felt the same with her father gone. Sure her mother taught her right from wrong. She was strong and could take care of herself, but nothing replaced her father. Would she regain those memories with him? Perhaps time would redeem itself.

“Having fun?” her mother asked.

Sonia swallowed another spoonful.