A Wedding in December

She thought about those few precious hours with Jordan, and knew she’d never forget it.

“I think Vicky would complain if I moved a horse into our backyard.” She didn’t want to talk about love. But the other stuff? It was definitely time she thought about that. If there was one thing this week had taught her, it was that

she had no balance in her life. There were no mountains, or fir trees. Not enough blue sky and fresh air. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thanks for listening. This is the first time we’ve talked like this.”

“It is.” He patted her leg awkwardly. “It went okay, I think. We did pretty well.”

She smiled and hugged him. “You were great. Thanks for not judging, and for being supportive. Thank you, Daddy.”

“You haven’t called me Daddy since you were six years old.”

“Right now I feel about six years old.”

He was silent for a moment. “I might be crossing a line here, and if I am then tell me, but did something happen between you and Jordan? Your sister said something—”

“It’s fine.”

“I saw your face. It didn’t look fine, Katkin. Did he hurt you?” He shifted so that he could look at her. “Because if he did, I’ll talk to him.”

“Oh my God, Dad, no! I can’t think of anything more awkward. Except perhaps walking in on you and Mum having sex. That was pretty bad.”

“Sex is a normal, healthy—”

“Stop! I beg you, stop.”

“All right, but I’m here for you. I can talk to him. Or knock him down. No one hurts my girls.”

It should have made her laugh, the image of her father knocking Jordan down, but instead it made her want to cry.

“I can take care of myself.”

“Maybe you’re not as tough as you think you are.”

She was starting to think she wasn’t tough at all. Any moment now she was going to start crying. “I’m okay.”

“I know, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to fight your way through life alone.”

His words struck home. At that moment she felt more alone than she ever had before in her life.

She almost told him about Jordan. Almost. She’d find the conversation awkward, and she knew for a fact he would. “I think I might lie down for a couple of hours.”

“Good plan. You were probably awake all night worrying about your sister while you were trapped in that cabin.”

She didn’t share the fact that her exhaustion had a different cause. This new spirit of openness was all well and good, but there were limits. “Thanks again for listening. And for saying all the right things.”

“Parenting.” He kissed the top of her head and stood up. “There’s nothing to it. Now go and lie down, close your eyes and dream about a future that excites you. And if your mother happens to ask how it went, don’t forget to tell her I aced it.”

Laughing, she gave him a push and watched him leave.

Why had she dreaded that conversation? She should have had it sooner.

She still didn’t know what she was going to do, but she’d given herself permission to at least think about it.

And she was glad her parents were still together. Pleased they were happy.

An image of Jordan flashed into her mind. She’d never felt as comfortable with anyone before. Never talked and shared so openly. The closeness had added a layer of intimacy she hadn’t known before.

Was that how her parents felt when they were together? And Rosie and Dan?