Erika Blossoms Ch. 04

"I've thought long and hard about this, and this is my definition of Love with a capital L: When you care about your partners happiness more than your own, and you know for a fact that he – or she – feels exactly the same way. That is True Love."

I knew he wasn't in what you would call a fulfilling marriage with my step-mom, but it was comfortable and easy. And the truth about what he was saying hit me between the eyes. He recognized what kind of relationship I was in, because he was in one too.

My mother died in a car accident when I was 8. Daddy remarried quickly in what I had always suspected was because he thought my little brother and I needed a mom.

"And sweetheart, this is the bottom line. You have to know yourself before you can have any of that. You have to invest in the process of self-examination to decide what you really want. Don't go through life being led around by others expectations or by unacknowledged desires. Invest the time it takes in self-reflection to figure out what it truly is that will make you happy."

We had arrived at the restaurant. My brother, step-mom and half-brother were waiting by the front door.

"Look at me sweetheart. I'm here for you. Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. When you're ready, just whistle!" He smiled warmly.

I was on the verge of tears.

"Can I have a minute, Daddy. I need to touch up my makeup."

"Of course, Honey. I'll see you inside." He gave my hand a squeeze and got out of the car singing some hokey old country song. "You don't have to call me darlin', dar-LINNNN', you NEVER EVEN call me BY MY name!" he bellowed as he walked away.

I loved him fiercely.

I took a minute to check myself in the mirror, and sent Jana a quick text. "Didn't hear a word of the sermon. Too busy thinking about you. Be home after lunch. I love you."

I walked in and had a nice meal with my family.