Page 76
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A whole entire conversation…and the space between.
Wynnter
It doesn’t escape me how completely like a business meeting this is.
In the Rosiers’ glittering, professionally decorated dining room, papers lay splayed before each present party upon the long oak dining table. Opposite December and I, the Rosiers sit, fingers laced together, expressions unreadable. The solemn air in the chilled hall stirs only when I breathe.
It’s all very…mediation.
Yet I cannot for the life of me locate a mediator.
“Shall we begin?” Mr. Rosier says, eyes square on his daughter.
“We shall,” December says, calm smile too shallow to elicit a dimple.
Her father nods, lowers his gaze to his papers, and says, “I’ve reviewed your response, and I appreciate the care you’ve put into it.”
“Thank you. I worked hard to make sure my intentions could be as clear as possible.”
“You’ve done well, and you’ve presented a compelling argument to counter each of my worries.” Mr. Rosier sighs, lifting a hand to rub his eyes. “However…”
December stiffens.
“I’m afraid there is one thing that nullifies any argument, no matter how compelling.”
December’s expression wavers, smile drifting until it falls.
Mr. Rosier shakes his head. “It’s not our life you’re living.”
Eyes widening, December stills, and her lips part.
Defeated, Mr. Rosier continues, “It’s clear to me that you are more than capable of thinking rationally about the seemingly irrational decisions you’re making, but, ultimately, your core point remains impenetrable. No matter how concerned I am about the choices you’re making, it’s not my right to change them. I keep thinking back on your first letter, Devina. In it, you said your future can’t be paved in the decisions we make for you, and if you want to wander down a dirt road, that’s your right as an adult. Your mother and I don’t want you to make mistakes. We don’t want you to have to learn when the learning is painful and the lessons are ones we’ve already encountered, but while we can impart knowledge, we cannot give you experience.”
Voice gentle, Mrs. Rosier expounds, “And experiences are what make life worth living.”
Though agonized, the man holds his attention on his daughter and whispers, “We don’t expect it to be easy, but we have decided that we will no longer try to stand between you and the life you are trying to live. We want you to live. And while that may mean that we do not offer unconditional support, we need you to know that we will always offer unconditional love. We will be here, no matter what happens. You’re our daughter—even though you aren’t our little girl anymore.”
Choked, December clutches her hands together. “Thank you.” She swallows, and her hands shake in her lap. “Thank you for understanding.”
Voice tighter than before, Mr. Rosier says, “Thank you for giving us the chance to. To be clear,” his gaze shifts to me, “I still don’t approve of this relationship, but…if you’re to become my son-in-law in a week, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to change that.” Half rising, he plants his hands on the table and glares. “That is to say, you best do everything in your power to convince me you’re worthy of my girl.”
Unable to hold back my smile, I grin and say, “Would you like to see my Roth IRA?”
Sardonic, Mr. Rosier chuckles. “Why don’t we start with dinner first?”
I hum. “During which I can show you the idea for the library I’m building her?”
The man rolls his eyes. “You’ve already made it clear you can take care of Devina financially. I’d like to see you prove to me that you’re capable of taking care of her beyond that.”
Meeting my Dece’s eyes, I offer her my hand and watch her come undone. The tension in her limbs unravels, the trembling in her fingertips settles, and the worry in her lips fades until a smile returns her dimples to their appropriate places in her round cheeks. Without looking away from my perfect girl, I murmur, “How’s that for proof?”
Tone softened, Mr. Rosier says, “It’s certainly a start.”
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December passes out well before we reach home. After spending four straight hours with her parents, I don’t blame her for being exhausted. A lot happened tonight. A lot of good. A lot of change. A lot of growth.
