Denny nodded and looked at his boots. “I think this is probably a conversation y’all need to have in private. Leah, if it’s okay with you, I’ll go have a look around your store. Doug, I’ll be out there when you finish.”
“Sure.”
Denny pulled the door closed as he left. Her father leaned forward and balanced his elbows on his knees and said, “Talk to me, sweetie. You and I both know that store is perfect for you.”
With a smile, she nodded. “It is a fantastic place. I love the atmosphere and I know that Denny will do a fantastic job finishing it. He’s a good guy.”
“I’m hearing a ‘but’ in there somewhere.”
“But…I want to stay in Divine. I’m in love, Daddy. In fact, I’m also engaged.”
His eyebrows shot up nearly into his hairline and a bright smile crossed his face. “You are?”
“Yes. I took the decision very seriously. I took my time, weighing my options, because you’re right. The store in Abilene is perfect for me. But the men I love live here in Divine.”
“Men?” he asked, surprise obvious in his eyes.
“Yes. Vincent and James Elder.”
“Oh,” he said as he sat back. “And…oh hell. And Patterson, too, huh?” At her nod, he rose and came around to her and she stood to accept his hug. “You really did love him, didn’t you? I’m so sorry. I mean, I’m happy for you, but I’m sorry, too.”
“Thank you.”
“Those are good men. I’ve never met them personally but I’ve heard nothing but good things about any of the Elder brothers. I wish I’d known. I feel out of the loop with you. Actually, with both of my daughters.”
She let that last comment go for the moment. “You’re not upset?”
“Why would I be upset?”
“I guess you wouldn’t be, not really. Maybe it’s just my own assumption that the older generation will judge the people who are involved in ménages in the area. I should know better.”
Her father shook his head. “As long as all of the parties love each other and have mutual acceptance of each other, it doesn’t matter to me how they get together, or in what order. I know there are some judgmental assholes in town, but, honey, you might be surprised to find that there are more ménages in this town than the ones you’re aware of. I know of a few that didn’t work, because they kept adding or subtracting people, which tells me that their core wasn’t very stable.”
“Who?” she asked, suddenly curious.
“Now, you know I won’t go telling the secrets of others. But of the lasting ones I know of that are public, I see only solid commitments. That’s what I’d want for you, sweetie, regardless of whether it was one man or more. Is it just you, with James and Vincent? Or are there—”
“No! No,” she said, softening her tone. “No. I’m not sharing them with anyone else, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Her dad smiled. “I wouldn’t judge, you know.”
“Me either, Dad. That’s just not my thing. It’s just the three of us and no more. Although, if Patterson was still alive, he’d be a part of it, too. I loved him very much.”
“I wish I’d known. I’m sorry I’ve always been so consumed with business.”
Leah shook her head and held up a hand. “Stop apologizing. I could’ve been more open about it with you.” I could’ve been more honest with myself, too. “I’ve been in love with them for a while.”
“Have you set a date?”
“They proposed last night. It’s a relatively new development.”
“Well, I hope they know what a jewel they have on their hands with you,” he said as he smiled down at her. “And I acquire two new sons…and hopefully some more grandbabies, huh?”
“Oh, Dad.”
“Well, I guess this means I have to look for someone else to run that store. No chance they’d be willing to move to Abilene?” Leah giggled and he added. “It was worth a shot.”
“About Denny…”
“Don’t worry about that. He came up to visit with me since he’s moving into the next phase of the store renovation. It was my idea to bring him with me, although, he did seem very open when I told him I was coming to see you.”
“I can see why you like him. He’s a nice guy.”
His cheeks turned a little ruddy. “That was a really lame attempt at matchmaking wasn’t it? I just thought…he’s a widower and you’d lost someone. You have that in common. You’re around the same age and both attractive. Maybe you might be attracted to each other.”