Page 109 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
I had been forced to remain on our veranda with a pre-filled basket of candy so that my dresses wouldn’t risk damage. The egg hunt had lost its appeal in my teenage years, an
d college students wouldn’t think of partaking in such a juvenile activity.
So this year I was finally free to do something I had wanted to do my entire life: crawl around in the grass and dirt, searching high and low for plastic eggs filled with candy.
And I had enlisted Nick to help. He was currently outside hiding eggs while I stood by the dining room window, spying.
We were spending a quiet holiday together. A glazed ham was currently in the oven along with an amazing potato dish Nick had created. We were also having a layered salad that I had made last night. Gigi had given me the recipe and assured me that I couldn’t mess it up.
“Emmeline!” Nick shouted, scaring me away from the glass. He was pointing at me through the living room window. “Stop cheating!”
I stuck out my tongue and abandoned my post to get another Diet Coke. Why had I thought this would be enjoyable? The anticipation was killing me.
While I waited for Nick, his phone rang. Draven.
“Decline!” I told the phone, pressing the red button.
It had been a week since Nick’s dad’s unwelcome visit and Draven had not backed off his phone calls. Every hour Nick’s phone would ring and go unanswered. By Friday, Draven had decided to start calling my phone as well.
And sure enough. The second Nick’s phone stopped ringing, mine started. “Oh for the love . . .” But it wasn’t Nick’s father calling my phone. It was mine.
I hadn’t spoken to my father in months, not since he had called to berate me for ending my relationship with Logan. Our only communication had been via email and updates through Steffie. I’d sent him a note congratulating him on his engagement. He had forwarded me the receipt from paying Fred Andrews for my divorce papers.
“Hello, Father.”
“Emmeline. Hello.”
“Happy Easter. Steffie texted to say that your annual brunch went well.”
“It did indeed. Have you plans for your holiday?”
“Nick and I are having a nice dinner soon. Then I imagine we will relax.”
“Of course. Your husband,” he said. “Exactly the reason for my call. Fred Andrews told me he has yet to receive your divorce papers. When do you plan on ending this ridiculous marriage of yours?”
I steeled my spine and took a deep breath. It was time to tell my father to stay the hell out of my life. Nervous energy was running through my body but I reminded myself to keep a steady voice.
“That isn’t any of your business, Father. And before you interrupt me, I want to make myself clear. I will not discuss this with you. My relationships are exactly that. Mine. What I decide to do about my marriage is not your concern. Now I am happy to visit if you have other topics you wish to discuss. But this one is closed. Understood?”
“I’m surprised at you, Emmeline,” my father replied in his icy voice. “Your stupidity. That you would dare speak to me this way. I could ruin you.”
“Do what you must, Father. Destroy my reputation amongst your friends. I don’t care. I won’t be returning to New York. My life is here and nothing you can do will change that.”
“I don’t understand you,” he snapped.
“No! And you’ve never even tried!” I shouted. “I have always wanted a relationship with you. Always. But living on your terms isn’t an option for me anymore and I won’t continue to have you threaten and berate me just because I’m living a life that finally makes me happy. Good-bye, Father. Happy Easter.”
I ended the call and tossed the phone on the counter.
I did it. Finally. I put my father in his place. I should have done it years ago instead of always running away from him and avoiding the confrontation.
I walked quickly outside. My heart was pounding and I was still shaking but there was pride in my steps.
I hopped down the porch steps and headed straight for Nick. He was bent over a tree but stood when he heard my footsteps. By the time I was a few yards from him, I was running. He stood and braced, opening his arms as I launched my body at his. My legs wrapped around his waist. My arms at his shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, holding me tightly. In the outside light, the sage-green centers of his vibrant eyes were fiercely bright.
A huge smile spread across my face. “For the first time ever, I didn’t hold back and I just told off my father.” My arms flew into the air and I threw my head back. “Yes!”
