My Dad's Rival

And I do feel guilty…but at the same time, I feel angry. I hate that he’s made me feel like I can’t make my own decisions, made me feel like I can’t make judgments myself. He’s made me believe my whole life that Wyatt is some kind of monster when really, he’s the best man I’ve ever met. What else has he taught me that isn’t true? And why has he had such a hold over me for so long?

I’m a grown woman now. I’m capable of making my own choices, even if some of those are mistakes. I know that my dad only wants what’s best for me but sometimes his judgment is clouded by what is best for him. And now, I have to show him that he’s capable of being wrong. I have to prove to him that sometimes, he has to let things go. And for once, I’m holding my ground no matter what he says.

We’re getting too close to my house for comfort but there is no turning back. I take a deep breath.

There’s one more thing I have to ask of Wyatt before we go in.

“I think I should go in there alone first.”

“No,” Wyatt snaps immediately. “I knew you were going to say this. I know you’re an independent woman, and I love that about you. But how can I protect you when you’re alone in there? We should be a united front.”

“The second my dad sees you, he’s going to leap on you like a rabid animal,” I say bluntly. “I don’t want this to end in blood and tears. I’m not going to allow my dad and the father of my child to get into a fistfight. When I’m ready, I’ll bring you in…This is something I have to do.”

“I don’t like it,” Wyatt grumbles, his knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. “I’m supposed to always be at your side, to make sure you’re okay. I don’t want to leave your side.”

“I know…but my dad would never hurt me. He will be angry, furious even but he would never take that out on me. The worst he will do is send me on my way. He’d do much worse to you, given the opportunity.”

“I can take him easily,” Wyatt snarls, and I know he’s right. His hulking body is a force to be reckoned with, and my dad is no match for him.

“I know that, Wyatt. But I don’t want you to. I’d rather have a broken heart from him sending me away than someone end up with a broken nose. Let me do this my way, please.”

Wyatt breathes in deeply, clearly frustrated, but I wait patiently, hoping he’ll reach the conclusion that this will be okay. He mumbles to himself but then shakes his head in defeat.

“Alright. But I’m waiting right outside. Any sign of trouble, and I’m coming in there. You’re mine, baby, and I have to protect what’s mine.”

I reach over to squeeze his leg. “Thank you for always being here for me. But I’m going to be okay. At least, physically. I think…I think this one is going to hurt.”

“You’re so strong, Lucy. You can do this, I believe in you,” Wyatt says confidently. I smile at him softly. That’s the amazing thing about Wyatt. We’re facing our hardest obstacle yet and he’s still willing to fight for me, to stay by my side.

He believes in me. I could never be with a man who doesn’t believe in me, but he always has. He saw potential in me from the moment we met. That’s how I know that no matter what, he and I will be okay.

I only hope I can say the same for my dad and me.

As we pull up in front of my house, I prepare myself for carnage. I know that my dad knows how to fight like a boxer. He goes all-in when he argues, and I can guarantee that he’s not going to be happy with me. I push my anxiety aside and tilt my head up. I have to stand tall and stick to my guns.

“I’m going in,” I mutter. Wyatt leans in to kiss me gently, but firmly. He says everything I need to know with that kiss. That he loves me, he supports me, and that we’re going to be okay. As we pull apart, I feel a little better.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I get out of the car and head up to the front door. I get my key ready, feeling sick to my stomach. I’m not ready, but I have to be. There’s no turning back now. I’m not going to run away from this.

The door opens and I can hear my dad in the kitchen, probably pouring himself some coffee. I head through, my heart racing in my chest. When he hears me coming, he turns with a smile.