Page 26 of Accidentally Perfect

I wasn’t the happiest person when Laney suggested that Brad and I get some food for them, but I know she hasn’t had a moment alone with Stella and I’m sure there were some things she wanted to speak to her about. “Laney wasn’t very subtle when it comes to needing girl time, huh?” I ask as Brad pulls open the cafeteria door allowing me to enter first, what a gentleman.

“Yeah, I don’t think subtlety is Laney’s strong suit. She doesn't like to beat around the bush. She says what's on her mind, but with grace and a little tact. Totally opposite of her mother.”

“They're total opposites, aren't they?” I glance at him.

"Yeah, like day and night. It's a shame I never got to meet her dad. I know she takes after him, in many ways. From what she's told me he had a heart of gold. But of course, that can be just the daughter looking up to the man who would have done anything for her. I like to think that Lane was a good man and good father. That I have him to thank for raising his daughter right. She's always been a great person, wonderful mother."

“Were those the same reasons why you were banging a fellow teacher while she was caring for your girls?”

“You don’t need to be a dick, man."

"I'm sorry. That was crass of me."

"I know I screwed up. No one needs to tell me that. I ruined my marriage, and I destroyed the family my kids had the right to have. You didn't see our marriage for what it was though because it's wasn't ever a real marriage. Does that give me an excuse as to why I cheated? No it doesn't. I may be a cheater, but Laney wasn't totally innocent in everything either."

"She told me how she didn't make you a priority. That her dreams she had for her life didn't include you."

"I just wanted the girls to have a real home with both parents, but what I gave them was a house of cards that was destined to fold. My actions just made the house fall a little faster."

“Listen, Brad, I’m not an idiot. We've all made mistakes in our lives. I just can't find the justification as to why you would cheat on a woman as compassionate and special as Laney. I figured that out the first two seconds I laid eyes on her.” We grab the food once my name is called and head back to the room.

“I know. I’ve spent the last few years kicking myself in the ass for doing it. I don’t think there will ever big a bigger regret in my life. It’s no one's fault but my own.”

“Damn straight about that one.”

“But what I did to my marriage has no bearing on what I feel for my daughters. I will always want what’s best for them.”

“I’m glad we agree on that one. I know of too many kids that have been affected by their parent's bad decisions.

"Talking about Vivian? She's always been like that when it comes to Laney."

"No, I'm talking about my own father."

"I see. You've got a doozey for a father and Laney has a bitch of a mother. Guess you've got some things in common."

"No need to sugar coat it. My dad's a dick."

"At least you have one." He says under his breath.

"Listen, I want to talk to you about something. I wanted to clear the air and come to an understanding. I know my marriage with Laney is anything but conventional. I get that, but I need you to understand something. What Laney wants, what makes her happy is going to be number one priority. Those girls are included in that picture. They are now just as important to me and my life as Laney is."

"Okay."

"So there may be times when I may do things to help them that you may not like, hell, Laney may not like them either, but when I do them, it's coming from a good place, not because I'm trying to prove who the better man is."

“It’s not always about financials, Nathan."

"I'm not saying that it is. My wealth or your lack of—"

"Wow, has Laney heard you talk like that? From where I’m standing, you sound a lot like her mother."

"That's not what I'm saying. Jesus, give me a chance to explain." He doesn't say anything, giving me go ahead to continue. "I'm just trying to tell you that I take my responsibilities seriously and those three girls are my responsibility. What I may do, is for them, not me. It's for them." I irradiate my words so that he understands where I'm coming from.

"I would never deny my girls anything, but you need to remember, Nathan, they're just that, mine. Laney and I have been over for a long time and that's one street I don't plan on walking down again. But no matter what, I will always be Amanda and Addie's father. I will always be a part of this family and that's something you're going to have to come to terms with or your marriage may not last as long as you think it will. Those girls, they're everything to Laney and she will never put anyone ahead of them, and that includes you."

“I wouldn't expect anything less from her."

"I'm not the enemy, man. I'm just a man who loves his daughters and because of that love, I've put their needs first. If the girls need something that I can't provide for them, then by all means, do it. Provide, but make no mistake that they will always be mine."

"I would never try to be more than what I am."

"Then we don't have a problem. Believe me, Vivian will cause enough problems, you don't need to add to them."

"I'm sure she's no match for my father. I can't wait to hear what he has to say about my resent nuptials."