With a look of distraught and blood shot watery eyes my father takes me into a delicate hold as if I were made of glass.
Robert: My sweet girl.
He steps back looking me over and let's out a shaky breath of relief like he'd been holding it forever.
Willow: I'm ok dad.
I hear someone clearing their throat.
I look past my father where Liam is standing blocking another tall figure at the door.
I brush past Liam screaming Bryan's name
As he crushes me in a not so delicate hug.
As if he can hear my wince of pain he lets me go.
Bryan: sorry sweetie.
It hurts to laugh but I chuckle at his innocents. Liam on the other hand tenses and grabs me gently by my waist in protective mode trying to get space between Bryan and I.
I place my hand on Liams chest drawing his attention to me.
Willow: Liam! This is Bryan.
He seems unfazed and continues his death stare at my best friend.
Willow: My best friend from New York.
He breaks his glare looking down at me as It finally dawns on him and he holds out a hand to Bryan.
Liam: Sorry about that man, it's nice to meet you.
Bryan: It's alright. I totally get it. Good to finally meet the man who could get my best friends panties in a....
My dad enterupts with the clearing of his throat and a look of dagger sin his eyes with his arms crossed over his chest. The room goes silent for a few seconds. But I can not hold back my laughter and burst out almost in tears partly from the look of my dad and partly from the pain as I slap Bryan's arm.
Robert: Mr. Davers a word if I may.
I give Liam's arm a little squeeze before dragging Bryan off to the kitchen. As the two men head out onto the deck.
Willow: Would you like coffee.
Bryan: Yeah thanks.
Bryan takes a seat on a stool at the kitchen island. After a poor a couple coffees I lean on the other side of the counter sneaking a peak out side trying to figure out what they could be talking about.
Bryan: How are you holding up Willow?
I pull my eyes away from the window over looking the deck from in the kitchen turning my attention to Bryan and smile.
Willow: I'm good...Really.
Bryan: He's very protective of you.
Catching the worry in his voice I set my hand on his.
Willow: Yes he is. In only the most loving way.
Bryan: Isn't that how David was?
I pull my hand back offended at my best friends accusation. Though he has only my best interest at heart.
Willow: No. David was controlling and abusive. There is no comparison between the two.
I look back out the window just as Liam looks over his shoulder back at me with his playful grin.
Bryan: You're really in love with him aren't you.
I smile watching Liam and my father share a laugh and pats on the backs before looking back at Bryan.
Willow: Yes I do.
A strange look of sadness glosses over Bryan's eyes. He begins to say something then stops when the sliding doors open and shut. Liam walks behind me wrapping his arms around the front of my waist planting a soft kiss on my cheek before steeling a sip of my coffee.
Willow: Dad would you like a cup.
Robert: No no I'm good. Willow can I have a moment alone.
I follow my dad back out to the balcony, wrapping my hands around his arm.
Robert: Apart of me was hoping after all this you would come back home.
He looks over his shoulder towards the kitchen at Liam then back at me.
Robert: I suppose that was wishful thinking. Its clear how in love the two of you are. Still I need to ask are you happy.
I look in my fathers tired blue eyes.
Willow: Happier than I've ever been daddy.
I lean my head on his shoulder and stare out to the ocean. He pats my hand and kisses the top of my head. Our father daughter moment is cut short by the abrupt laughter of Liam and Bryan.
Making our way back inside I am struck with a tinge of embarrassment to hear Bryan telling one of our drunken college stories.
Liam looks up at me with a smile as he holds out his hand for me to rejoin him. I take his hand, he pulls me on to his lap and I absorb the sight of those I hold closest to my heart.
Tears of udder happiness swell at the realization that I can finally breathe.