Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 131651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 658(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 658(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
“I know I haven’t been the best father. It’s been—it’s been hard, Cleo, and I never rose to the challenge the way you needed. I’m sorry, but—”
Holy shit, no.
I throw myself at him, tossing the envelope aside. My arms fold around his leathery neck and I hold on tight.
He smells like stale smoke and sweat and my childhood. Slightly citrusy soap and aftershave. Dad smells I’ve breathed with so much hope my entire life, but never found it until now.
“I love you,” I whisper, my voice choked. “Even when you make mistakes. Everyone does. PopPop was wise—and you don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“We’ll see.” He pats my back awkwardly, unsure what to do with a daughter who hugs him and means it.
Things have been so tense between us for so long. At some point, I forgot how it felt to love without any baggage.
I lean back, wiping my eyes.
Dad does the same and glances over my shoulder.
Holden stands by the table now, pretending not to listen in, even though he must be glued to every word.
“Take good care of my daughter,” Dad warns as he sits up again. “After all this ugly business, I’m not about to let anyone hurt her or fuck with her artistic dreams ever again.”
I bury my head in my hands.
“Dad, calm down. It isn’t like that…”
But Holden just moves to sit by my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“I’ll guard her with my life, Gordon,” he rumbles in his stormcloud voice. I’m so shocked that we’re even going public in front of my father that I don’t react. “Whatever happens, she can count on me.”
“Can we find you a doctor?” I whisper, worn and worried. “You shouldn’t travel like this, Dad. Please get yourself checked out.”
I think he’s about to walk out like usual, stubborn to the end.
But for once, he just hangs his head. “Yeah, girl, we’ll see.”
We’ll see.
Two hopeful words that remind me life can change for the better.
Two words that say this bright, beautiful road ahead with Holden might just be the beginning.
28
WRITTEN IN GOLD (HOLDEN)
Four Months Later
Irun a hand down my suit, flattening every edge for what feels like the millionth time.
The backstage of the art museum feels cluttered. Not because it’s a smaller museum in Portland, but because it’s tonight.
I check my reflection in a large, gilded mirror on the walls.
It probably used to belong to the pope or something. I’m just glad it’s here so I can make sure my bow tie isn’t crooked.
Kit perches on a wooden crate, polishing her glasses on her skirt.
“You look fine, Dad. Stop stressing.” I don’t blame her for sounding weary. It’s only the sixth time she’s told me.
The precious cargo is still in my breast pocket.
No one’s gotten violently ill.
All is right with the world.
I drop my hand and turn to face her. “One more check. Do I look okay?”
“I just said you look fine. Gah!” She laughs.
I do look fine, perfectly presentable, but it feels like this collar wants to strangle me.
Can’t remember the last time I felt this nervous. Hell, this is Clee’s big night, and I want to add to her success, not infect her with my jitters.
“You could wipe your forehead. You’re sweating,” Kit says unhelpfully.
I glower at her, wiping my skin with the back of my hand.
“Time?” I clip.
“Half past six.”
Almost time to meet Cleo.
“Let’s check the back room,” I say.
“Daaad.” Kit drops down and grabs my arm. “You’ve already checked like, five million times. I went and looked again while you were busy. Everything’s cool. Seriously.”
Cool?
Not possible with the sword of destiny hanging over my head.
I turn and look down at Kit, who wears an adorably frustrated smile. For a second, this situation feels weirdly inverted, like I’m the child and she’s the adult, fussing over me.
She even reaches up on her toes and straightens my bow tie.
“Are you ready?” she asks.
“Are you?”
“Um, yeah?” She frowns at me. “I was born ready.”
“It’s just— This is a big deal.” I put my hands on her shoulders. “If Clee says yes—if she accepts—it’s a permanent change. No going back for me, for her, or for you.”
Kit rolls her eyes and pushes her glasses up her nose.
“Jeez Louise, Dad. I’ve been ready for this longer than you have. I’ve wanted you to have a life forever.”
Yeah, don’t remind me.
I want to tell her our two-family life was still living, but she’s right. It took forever and an age to get here.
Kit, it’s easy for her.
She still sees the world in black and white, all neat, clean lines.
Over the past few months, we’ve made a new life together, and some days I think she’s had an easier time with the change than I have. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade one second of sharing our house with Cleo.
It’s just been one hell of an adjustment, despite being overwhelmingly positive.