Meeting Her Master (23 page)

Dahlia’
s mouth dropped, recalling the comments and the objects. She turned to Blake and sunk into his strong embrace to hear the rest of the sad story. The turmoil and chaos of the home had easily entrapped Dahlia in the web of suggestion and, with no other way to escape, she had begun to engage in self-harm. Relieved that her manipulation had worked, Dahlia
’
s mother turned the tables on Samuel to focus on Dahlia
’
s ‘
mental condition’
and threatened to contact CPS if Samuel refused an amicable separation. Fearful that an investigation would be launched and Samuel
’
s own secrets revealed, he agreed and sent his ex-wife packing with enough money, and a signed agreement, never to contact either him or Dahlia again.

Samuel struggled with shameful tears as he confessed his weakness and fear, and showered apologies upon his stunned daughter for failing her so miserably. His present partner knew the truth and had encouraged him to share, but he found it to be easier to send her away and not deal with his cowardice. Silence filled the room, broken only by the anguished cries of the broken man.

Dahlia placed her hand upon her father
’
s knee. “Daddy, you need to know that my hurting myself was a lot like your drinking. We both tried to escape our fear and pain, and tried to punish ourselves for the wrongs we thought we had done. It had nothing to do with pleasing her. Also, I would never have judged you for finding someone you loved who cared about you. You never gave me the chance to show you that I could be supportive instead of a burden.”

“You were never the burden, honey. My secret… your mother
’
s selfishness… those were the burdens that you, as a child, should never have had to deal with. She made me angry, constantly blaming me for your condition by saying my lack of love did this to you. She tried to push me to have you institutionalized. I thought I had refused, but really, I did even worse. I listened to her instead of you, baby. I locked you away like a criminal because I didn
’
t know what else to do to save you. I am so sorry.”

“
I understand,
” Dahlia said quietly. “Things were really fucked up for all of us, huh?”

“That is an understatement and you were the one who was hurt the most. Blake encouraged me to start therapy under the guise of learning to understand you,” Samuel admitted. “He
’
s a sneaky little bastard, I will give him that. He steered me to this new research project started at UTSA and I
’
ve been spending quite a lot of time with Dr. Franklin discovering my own needs.”

“Seriously? Did you know that Ginger Franklin was the gal you sent me to?”

“Yeah, and she assured me that if the program worked for you, it would also work for me. Tim is going too.”

“Tim? As in Blake
’
s brother Tim? You are lovers?”

“I told you that we all have secrets that need to be revealed when the time is right, didn
’
t I? Didn
’
t you ever wonder why your father was not surprised about you going to
Over the Barrel
?” Blake asked.

“Not really. I was a freak and…”

“There are no freaks in this community, cupcake. We are all real people with real needs who are not afraid to explore them. If you call yourself a freak again, I might have to spank you.” Blake winked at Samuel.

The older man blushed. “I really don
’
t want to hear this. Dahlia Ellyn? Is that a ring on your finger?”

“Yes, Daddy. Blake and I are getting married.”

* * *

Samuel dabbed his eyes as he walked his beautiful daughter down the leaf-strewn path toward the altar, which was decorated with, of all things, leather whips. Each was a gift from the invited guests who stood respectfully as the bride glided past them.

Blake glanced at Tim, who stood as his best man. “Thanks, Bro. I would never have gone looking for her if you had not called me that night and told me where to find her. You saved all our lives.”

“Do either of them know about my phone call?” Tim asked, his eyes lovingly meeting Samuel
’
s as the couple approached.

“Nah. Sometimes, it
’
s good to keep secrets. Especially ones that end happily ever after.”

The End

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’
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More Stormy Night Books by Breanna Hayse

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’
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’
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’
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