Christmas Therapy
Page 117
She bobbed her head. “Yes.” A weight lifted from her chest the more she said it aloud.
“Does he love you?”
“He’s still married, Dad.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Heather? Why would—”
She held up her hand to stop him and explained the whole situation. Once she finished, her father rubbed the back of his head with one arm draped around her shoulders. They ended up sitting on a nearby bench.
“I see,” he said.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Did he say it’s over between them? Is everything being finalized with the divorce?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked. I’m all for marriages and couples working out their problems, but... I wasn't supposed to care about him. How was I supposed to know?” She rested her head on his shoulder.
“This is tough, sweet pea.”
“Tell me about it.”
“It’s his decision, but he needs to know.”
“What do you mean?”
“He can’t decide about you if you haven’t told him. I’m not for you breaking up a marriage, but you can at least let him know where you stand.”
Heather lifted her head.
“Do you know where he is?”
She shrugged.
“Call him and find out,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think.”
She looked over at him.
“Your mother has shared some things with me, and I know you’ve been holding back in relationships because of what you saw happen between us. You won’t make the same mistakes, so don’t compare yourself. You’ll be better because you’ve learned what not to do. You have what it takes, and you’re worthy of love.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Dad.”
“Don’t be afraid, sweet pea.”
“Are we ready?” her mother asked, her arm looped through Sonia’s.
“Heather?” her father asked, looking back over at her.
She released a deep breath. “Yes, I’m ready.”
***
“Can't you get over?” Heather pointed to the car in front of them.
Sonia only huffed. “Let me drive. I'm not skidding off the road.”
Heather blew out her cheeks. She didn't mean to rush her, but this was too important. She needed to talk to Allen. A phone call wouldn't suffice. She needed to see his face. Her eyes needed to stare into his.
She pressed a hand to her stomach, wishing the gnawing sensation would cease. He would listen to her wouldn't he? He wouldn't turn her away. She rolled her eyes remembering how she stormed away from him that night.