Melanie left that afternoon, dragging her suitcase out the door with all the grace of a storm cloud. She muttered something about misunderstandings and how Dad was making a huge mistake.
“This will be your undoing, Greg. Nobody is capable of loving you and tolerating your child at the same time.”
“Just leave,” he said.
I didn’t bother to respond. I needed this decision to be solely his.
The house was quiet again, and for the first time in months, it felt peaceful.
Dad and I spent the rest of Christmas together. Just the two of us. We made a huge stack of pancakes with extra crispy bacon, drank hot chocolate, watched old Christmas movies, and laughed about the times when I’d sneak peeks at my presents as a kid.
Later that night, when the fire had burned low and the house felt warm and homey again, my dad gave me another wrapped present.
It was another gold box. Inside was the ring box again and another letter, this one with my name on it.
I opened it carefully.
Anna, you’re the best thing in my life. I hope this Christmas marks a new beginning for both of us. I love you more than anything. – Dad.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” I said.
“Whatever for?” he asked, glancing from his spot on the couch.
“For everything with Melanie. I hoped that I’d be off to college soon and you wouldn’t have to navigate life between us. I just wanted you to be happy.”
“I am happy, darling,” he said. “And this ring is yours. One day there will be some worthy man who will slide it onto your finger, and your forever will begin. Melanie wasn’t that for me.”
