She laughed. “What I really meant is there’s a man in town that may be my father and I don’t know how to tell him. The other man”— she paused for a moment and chewed on her bottom lip. After a deep breath she finished—“the other is the man I think I’ve fallen in love with. Call it fate or love at first sight, I don’t know. But I’ve never felt this way before. And for some reason, I’m scared to tell him.” She exhaled. “Guess I just did.”
Tristan smiled. “Well, I believe I’m too young to be your father, so if I’m the other man on your mind; you’ve just made me the happiest man alive.” His hand touched her face gently. One finger traced along her cheekbone. “I’d even be happier if I could kiss you. Is that too forward?”
Dakota swallowed hard. His words made her heart skip a beat as she awaited his kiss. She nodded in agreement but he looked confused. Dakota snickered. “I’d mean yes for the kiss.”
Tristan leaned forward. She felt his lips against hers and closed her eyes. The magic of his kiss overtook the magic of the lights before them.
Chapter Eight
Dakota felt the warmth of the sun against her skin. She opened her eyes and saw snowflakes hit her bedroom window. The sight of the snow made her smile. Her arms came out from the covers and stretched above her head. Thoughts of Tristan’s kisses flooded her memory and she grinned. The memory of his tender touch lingered on her lips. She’d never felt so alive and happy. She’d never felt this way before. It only confirmed what she’d wondered, she was in love. She whispered a thank you in the air. She believed in fate and realized for the first time that it didn’t matter whether Dr. Withers was her dad. Fate had taken her to Vinegrove for Tristan. For the first time in weeks, she didn’t feel so worried or hesitant to confide to the man she believed might be her dad. It was time to tell him and then accept the outcome.
After a quick shower, she dressed and then picked up her phone. She searched and found his number. Without hesitation, she pressed the Call button. He answered after the second ring.
“Good morning, this is Dr. Withers.”
Dakota took in a quick breath. “Good morning Dr. Withers, its Dakota. Do you have time this morning for a cup of coffee? I need to talk to you about something.” She said it in one breath and awaited his response.
“I can always make time for my staff. Is everything okay?”
His genuine concerned tone touched her heart. “Sort of but I’d rather talk to you in person. Could you meet me at the town square? I’ll bring the coffee.”
He accepted her invitation and mentioned he’d meet her there in about a half hour.
She pressed the End button. A slight hesitation came over her but then she reminded herself that she needed to get this done. Dakota reassured herself that the outcome would not matter. What’s meant to be is meant to be.
Dakota sat on the same bench at the town square she had the night before with Tristan. But it wasn’t his kiss that was on her mind at the moment. Her knees bounced up and down. It wasn’t the cold air that caused the action. The tray of hot coffees on her lap warmed her. Her nervous state was a reaction to her thoughts of how to break the news. She’d played the words she’d rehearsed in her mind over and over. His voice startled her.
“Dakota”
She looked up at the man who may or may not be her father. This is it. He sat beside her and she handed him a coffee. His smile eased her nervousness a touch.
“Your call has me worried. Is there a problem at the hospital?”
It hit her he had no clue why she’d call him outside the hospital.
“Oh no, everyone at the hospital is very kind and helpful. I love my job and I hope to stay here in Vinegrove for a long time.”
“Well that’s good to know. We are very lucky to have you as part of our team.”
Dakota thanked him for his compliment then took a deep breath.
“The reason I called and asked to meet with you”— she paused and then reminded herself to be honest and brave—“I have to admit there was a reason I came to Vinegrove besides the job.” She looked at him. His eyes were so patient and kind. They only eased her nervous thoughts.
“I’ve done some research which led me here. I’ve been searching for my biological father for years.”
There, she’d said it. She reminded herself silently to let the cards fall where they may. His head slightly tilted and his look of confusion worried her.
“And you think I may be your father?”
“Did you know a woman named Francine Saunders?”
She waited for a reply. He appeared to dig through his memory for a moment.
“I believe I did back in my college days. Only briefly, though. We dated a few times, but I hadn’t heard that name in years. Is she your mother?”
Dakota nodded.
“And she told you I was your father?”
He stood up and paced. “It was less than a month we dated and then I remember she told me I wasn’t the husband material she’d wanted.” He rubbed his jawline as it appeared he remembered her words from years before.